Democratic governments conduct extensive public opinion research, but we know little about how they use it. When and why do they seek to find out what the public thinks? Opening the black box of government polling in Germany, Anja Durovic and Tinette Schnatterer find governments exploit polls in a highly strategic way.
Far-right Romanian presidential candidate George Simion is not just running a campaign, he’s waging a meme war. In today’s digital age, argues Mimi Mihăilescu, the way politicians communicate with the public has fundamentally shifted – and internet memes are emerging as powerful weapons for shaping public perception and discourse.
Aida Halilovic argues that the EU’s empowerment of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) is controversial. Frontex straddles overlapping administrative and political dimensions, and makes decisions on matters that sit between the public goods of liberty and security, where democratic deliberation might be needed.
Regime classifications are in dire need of better 'adjectives'. Ed Dolan introduces a new typology focused on rule compliance, which matters greatly in democracies and in authoritarian regimes. China is the non-compliant authoritarian regime exception that shows why.
Despite being the first Black woman to run for US President on a major party ticket, Kamala Harris’ identity plays no prominent role in public perception. Hans Asenbaum argues that Trump’s attempts to define Harris are failing because of her intersectionality and fluidity.
In Russia, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a reliable connection to YouTube, as the Kremlin seeks to limit access to global content. Newer platforms like the Russian Rutube offer only limited content, leaving users feeling disconnected. But is this strategy truly beneficial for the Kremlin? Olga Vlasova considers whether it might have deeper political motives.
European politics are becoming increasingly emotional. But in times of war and rising autocratic populism, rational policy choices depend upon emotions to be effective. Özlem Terzi and Seda Gürkan argue that it's time for policy makers to start paying attention to fear and anger, but also to positive feelings.
Russia-friendly parties are exploiting Europe’s war-torn past to justify Russia’s aggression and undermine Europe’s support for Ukraine. Polina Zavershinskaia argues that there is evidence in Germany and Italy that the strategy is working.
Four recent cyber catastrophes might look like an uptick in activity, but what they really prove, argues Tom Johansmeyer, is that the economic threat remains manageable. With only $5.7 billion in economic damage, the latest wave should help alleviate fears that the 'big one' is still around the corner.
The 2024 Olympics marked a significant moment in the growing intrusion of AI surveillance into public life. Giulia Dal Bello, Sivan Hirsch-Hoefler and Daphna Canetti argue that, despite the security advantages, governments need to account for public perceptions of surveillance, as negative views may fuel collective action against state authority.
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