In a world of technological and social progress, politics seems to be holding us back. Research has found health cures, invented magic new tools, and connected us all, often with the assistance of public policy. Yet, the American political system remains deeply divided and dysfunctional, with the relationship between science and government at a low point. Can we use social science not just to improve policy choices, but also to improve the functioning of the political system?
Please join the Niskanen Center at 1:30 pm on Thursday, April 17, to celebrate the 200th episode of the Science of Politics podcast. The webinar will feature political scientist Matt Grossmann and economist Tyler Cowen.
Cowen—an influential researcher, blogger, podcaster, and author—has led the Progress Studies movement, which seeks to understand why progress happens and how to accelerate it. The movement has gained institutional support and stimulated new policy ideas to improve living standards and human flourishing. But it has not yet cracked the code on translating these ideas into political success. Grossmann will ask how science can be deployed to improve the American political process and how much the Progress Studies movement depends on successful politics.
