Inside Political Science

Inside Political Science #043 – Nuclear Politics: A Game Changer

How has nuclear politics changed the game? What does it mean to use nuclear weapons defensively and offensively? Join Kirby as he digs deep to find the answers to these questions through the history of international nuclear weaponry with Texas A&M professor and expert Matt Furhmann. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Inside Political Science #042 – Is the Government Legit?

What does it mean to be a legitimate institution? Are government institutions still representing citizens? In this episode, Kirby sits down with Soren Jordan, associate professor at The Bush School of Government & Public Service, to discuss how science guides political methodology. Soren emphasizes the importance of data interpretation and representation, noting that representation is essential for gathering accurate data, but what does it mean to be represented? If meaningful representation is lacking, does that mean the system is broken? Later, they explore the values that drive public policy, with Soren arguing that politics reflects values. As those values shift, Kirby questions whether the legitimacy of the government changes with it. He adds that many Americans like the idea of democracy, but are not satisfied with how it’s currently functioning. So, does a governmental institution’s legitimacy depend on the people? For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Inside Political Science #041 – Does Presidential Greatness Exist?

What is presidential greatness? Does it even exist? Kirby and Todd sit down with Texas A&M former student and co-director of the Presidential Greatness Project, Justin Vaughn, to explore patterns among highly rated presidents and the power of their terms. The hosts pose the question: what makes a president “great?” Vaughn shares his research, noting that the consensus is evolving. While a “great” presidential run has traditionally been marked by policy change and broad impact, there is a growing emphasis on a president’s commitment to democratic norms and honorable leadership. Later, the group discusses the unique pressures and obstacles presidents face, and how those factors shape their reputation. Vaughn says a clear indicator of presidential greatness is whether or not the presidential successor is willing to embrace and build upon the legacy left behind. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Inside Political Science #040 – Power, Primaries and the President

Between the recent U.S. Senate primary elections and the developing conflict with Iran, tensions are rising in Washington, D.C. That begs the question: what power does President Trump hold, and does he have the support of the American people? Kirby and Todd agree that U.S. citizens do not seem to be backing the President’s choice to ignite war in the same way they have in the past. The two argue that presidents seem to face less constraint in foreign relations than in domestic affairs. At the same time, recent U.S. Senate primaries suggest that the President’s endorsements seem to be the predictor of who wins within the party. Kirby and Todd question whether Texas has the potential to turn blue as U.S. Senate Democratic candidate James Talarico gains popularity. Does he pose a threat to the Texas Republican Party? The hosts also discuss the pros and cons of presidential appointments and the interests of each political party when selecting politicians for those roles. Tune in to hear how power, primaries, and the politics of war will continue to shape the U.S. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.

Inside Political Science #039 – The Press vs. Power

Democracy is evidently changing, and so is the field of journalism. In this episode, Kirby and Todd are joined by Axios’ Senior Contributor and Director of the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Maragaret Talev to discuss how journalism and democracy go hand-in-hand. The former White House correspondent argues that now, more than ever, many politicians are bypassing the news filter, changing journalism’s role in politics. With evolving forms of media and an overwhelming amount of information, Kirby questions how mainstream news outlets can remain relevant and stay in business. Later, Talev argues that censorship shows the “poor health of democracy.” She emphasizes the idea that it is a personal responsibility to be media literate. The professors agree that local news is crucial to political participation and fostering a deep sense of community. Despite the crisis facing journalism and democracy, Talev says there is hope for a brighter future. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.