Political Science

Rogers Smith on the heart and soul of America

As a scholar, the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science is perhaps best known for challenging the view that the U.S. is fundamentally, “in its heart and soul,” a liberal democracy.

From Omnia

Capitol attack: Where does American democracy go from here?

As the nation processes the unprecedented mob attack on the U.S. Capitol, many are wondering what happens now for America. Legal scholar Claire Finkelstein shares her thoughts on the siege and its effects on democracy.

Kristen de Groot

Science, politics, and vaccine acceptance

As the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed across the country, new research out of the Department of Philosophy shows that knowledge about the nature of science can combat political biases.

From Omnia

Inside election night 2020

During a virtual panel, Penn students, faculty, and staff who worked on NBC’s Decision Desk on Election night gave a behind-the-scenes look at the high-pressure night

Kristen de Groot

Presidential pardons, explained

Law expert Kermit Roosevelt discusses how the pardon process works and why it exists in the first place.

Kristen de Groot

Latino voters and lessons from the 2020 election

Political scientist Michael Jones-Correa, historian Ann Farnsworth-Alvear, and demographer Emilio Parrado share their thoughts on the election results and what both parties might take away from looking at how Latinos voted.

Kristen de Groot

The party of Lincoln? GOP’s future after the 2020 election

As part of the Andrea Mitchell Center’s Race and Politics series, political scientist Rogers Smith spoke with former GOP communications director Tara Setmayer about the election’s impact on the identity of the Republican Party.

Kristen de Groot



In the News


The New York Times

This man won birthright citizenship for all

Rogers M. Smith of the School of Arts & Sciences says that it’s ambiguous whether birthright citizenship applies to the children of unauthorized aliens.

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GOP gains in voter registration raise red flags for Democrats

Marc Meredith of the School of Arts & Sciences says that Nevada and New Jersey are two states that saw significant shifts towards the Republicans in November.

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National Catholic Reporter

Panel discusses the Catholic case for a second New Deal

John Dilulio of the School of Arts & Sciences spoke about the value of private-public partnerships, the interconnectedness between good jobs and good family outcomes, and the role of Catholics as a key constituency of the New Deal.

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The New York Times

Europe has a leadership vacuum. How will it handle Trump?

Amy Gutmann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that Germany is front and center in the economic problems currently afflicting Europe.

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Yahoo! Finance

Tesla investors, analysts have questions on the potential of robotaxis and self-driving

Cary Coglianese of Penn Carey Law says that there’s a real risk with robotaxis if federal regulators move too fast.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Memories of her Holocaust survivor father guided Amy Gutmann’s tenure as ambassador to Germany

Amy Gutmann of the Annenberg School for Communication discusses her work as U.S. ambassador to Germany and the need to stand with Europe in defending Ukraine.

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