‘Rhetoric’ doesn’t need to be such an ugly word
A USC lecturer shares what rhetoric can teach echo-chambered America: Learning how to search for truth thoughtfully can help constructive debates.
Countdown to G7: Economic uncertainty, war, climate change raise tensions ahead of summit
USC experts examine the issues on the table, including disruptions in agricultural growth, food insecurity, energy, trade, the U.S.-China clash over technology and the Russian war on Ukraine.
Double-major looks to make a difference coupling communication and politics
COMMENCEMENT: Hunter Hinson talks about the people and experiences that have left a mark on him, a thesis that earned him the prestigious USC Discovery Scholarship Distinction and Prize, and where the future may take him.
Making sense of censorship, freedom of speech and ‘cancel culture’ in stand-up comedy
Offensive routines, outraged audiences and changing social norms have long been a part of stand-up comedy in America, say USC scholars, who also suggest up-and-coming comedians to watch.
USC Price Scholar-in-Residence Jane Harman reflects on Jimmy Carter
The former congresswoman served as deputy secretary of the Cabinet in the Carter administration.
The next battleground in U.S. politics: School boards
Often obscure and largely nonpartisan, school boards have become increasingly politicized in recent years. USC experts look at what might be ahead.
Hail to the chiefs: presidential visits to USC, in pictures
For future, current and former presidents, the road to and from the White House often leads through Trojan territory.
Gas stoves ignite a heated climate and health policy debate
Who could have predicted that gas stoves would be the latest hot topic to ignite the nation’s culture wars?
How will the House speakership battle come to an end?
USC Price’s Jeffrey A. Jenkins, who literally wrote the book on contested speakership elections, breaks down the ongoing political battle.
American allies breathe a sigh of relief after the midterm elections
Foreign governments “were relieved at the election results, but they’re not sure if Congress will get anything done,” says former U.S. Rep. Jane Harman, USC Price’s Presidential Scholar-in-Residence.
Can a divided U.S. government get anything done?
Republicans didn’t ride a “red wave” into power, but they’re still poised to win a slim House majority come January while the Senate remains nearly evenly split. USC experts look at what might be ahead.
Why was there no ‘red wave’ in the midterms?
Democrats defied expectations, but Republicans still are in position to retake the House and could eke out a net gain of one Senate seat. USC experts explain what happened.
USC poll highlights the economy, homelessness and violence against election workers as top voter issues
A recent USC Price poll shows that Golden State voters agree on many issues, such as concerns about inflation and homelessness, but that they are significantly divided on questions about free speech and environmental regulation.
USC works to get out the vote
With the midterm election just days away, USC Dornsife’s Center for the Political Future is leading a final push to encourage USC students, faculty, staff and the local community to make their voice heard.
Headcovers have always been political in Iran — for women on all sides
Controversy of veils goes back more than a century. A USC Dornsife scholar of Iran explains the history and circumstances behind the recent protests.
What is neoliberalism? A political scientist explains the use and evolution of the term
The word gets thrown around a lot, often with differing and even contradictory meanings. A USC Dornsife scholar and political economist explains the origins and evolution of this complex concept.
Barriers to voting have huge impact on turnout, but Americans overlook their effect
Practical difficulties such as child care requirements and limited polling place hours can curb voter turnout, but USC researchers find most Americans think voting is a matter of belief.
Conservative Supreme Court justices disagree about how to read the law
In a court with a 6-3 conservative majority, the more important divisions may be among the six Republican-appointed justices.
A member of the Marcos family is returning to power; here’s what it means for democracy in the Philippines
The election of the son of a brutal dictator shows how wedded that country is to dynastic politics and image manipulation, a USC Dornsife expert says.
Increasing discord over abortion, LGBTQ+ issues keep polarization levels high
The USC Polarization Index shows immigration remains the most divisive topic in the first quarter of 2022, while the war in Ukraine is the most discussed.
Senate confirms Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court in historic vote: USC experts react
Political and legal specialists share their thoughts on the first Black woman Supreme Court justice in history.
Stage for Russia’s war on Ukraine was set by a massive propaganda campaign, USC experts say
As the U.S. and Britain announce sanctions against Russia and soldiers march into Ukraine, USC experts discuss the escalation of the conflict — and note a distinct change in Vladimir Putin’s usual propaganda tactics.
In USC labs, another year of groundbreaking discoveries
Year in review: Whether they’re working with patients, test tubes or massive databases, USC scientists continue to push the envelope with discoveries that are literally changing people’s lives.
Hate speech on social media is fueled by users’ shared values and moral concerns
People whose moral beliefs and values align closely with other members of their online communities — including those on social networks Gab and Reddit — are more prone to radicalization, according to USC research.