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March 25, 2025

How social media and online communities influence climate change beliefs

James Rice In an era of misinformation and political polarisation, climate science is under siege. James Rice explores how social and political forces shape climate beliefs, arguing for a strategic, interdisciplinary approach to strengthening environmental communication and trust Read more
March 13, 2025

🌈 Sexism in politics: a barrier to women’s representation

Hilde Coffé Sexism in politics restricts women’s participation and weakens democracy. A study by Hilde Coffé and colleagues on the 2024 legislative elections in Belgium reveals the impact of sexist attacks, stereotypes, and dismissals on women candidates, shaping careers, silencing voices, and discouraging future leaders. Tackling these problems is crucial for building truly representative politics Read more
March 4, 2025

Elon Musk, Călin Georgescu and the Soros spectacle

Mimi Mihăilescu Elon Musk has endorsed Călin Georgescu as Romania's next president. But what happens when a tech billionaire and a far-right Romanian politician collide? A political firestorm. In a world where billionaires and populists are manipulating elections in the name of 'democracy', Mimi Mihăilescu shows how Musk has succeeded in weaponising Romania's sovereignty Read more
February 25, 2025

How internet speed shapes electoral preferences in Ukraine

Victoria Portnaya In Ukraine, politics is deeply polarised, and elections have long reflected regional divides. Around the world, the internet has transformed political engagement, and digital access may be playing an increasingly important role in Ukrainian politics. Victoria Portnaya speculates on the effects of internet speed on voters’ electoral preferences Read more
February 18, 2025

A diva among us: the Melania meme phenomenon

Mimi Mihăilescu In the internet age, few figures have been subject to as much meme-driven mythmaking as First Lady Melania Trump. Mimi Mihăilescu argues that Melania memes reveal how humour and speculation can obscure the complexities of real-life individuals. They also reinforce harmful stereotypes and detach serious political discourse from reality Read more
December 16, 2024

Populism’s dual use of conspiracy theories

Courtney Blackington Courtney Blackington and Frances Cayton argue that populist politicians tend to dog-whistle conspiracy theories when speaking to general audiences, but explicitly endorse them when speaking to supporters. Thus, politicians strategically invoke conspiracy theories to avoid blowback, while still managing to rally their core supporter base Read more
November 29, 2024

Why manele music was the soundtrack to Romania’s presidential race

Mimi Mihăilescu Gypsy folk-pop – manele – played a key role in Romania’s 2024 presidential elections. In Roma tradition, manele expresses celebration and resilience. But Mimi Mihăilescu argues that for decades, Romania's politicians have exploited this musical genre for their own ends. Read more
November 29, 2024

🔮 Strong women, carnival populism, and Romania's new far-right leader

Camil Ungureanu Camil Ungureanu and Delia Dumitrica examine the phenomenon of Diana Șoșoacă, Romania's far-right strongwoman leader and TikTok sensation. While the populist right tends to champion traditional gender roles, Șoșoacă is crafting fresh gender narratives that resonate with female voters, Read more

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THE EUROPEAN CONSORTIUM FOR POLITICAL RESEARCH
Advancing Political Science
© 2024 European Consortium for Political Research. The ECPR is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) number 1167403 ECPR, Harbour House, 6-8 Hythe Quay, Colchester, CO2 8JF, United Kingdom.
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