MIT’s Department of Political Science continues to produce groundbreaking research at the intersection of politics, technology, and society. From the impact of architecture on political participation in Ghana to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, MIT scholars are addressing critical questions facing democracies worldwide.
How Architecture Influences Political Activity
New research shows that semi-communal “compound houses” in Ghana significantly affect voting and political engagement. (June 25, 2026)
Exploring the Societal Impacts of AI
Leading MIT researchers examined AI’s influence on employment and democracy during the AI and Society Forum. (June 23, 2026)
The Crucial Human Component in Computing and AI
The MIT Ethics of Computing Research Symposium highlighted ethical and social impacts in technology. (June 5, 2026)
Democracies and Safe Drinking Water
Researchers find that while developing economies provide public water, safety lags due to low visibility. (May 21, 2026)
Committed to Caring: Professor Daniel Hidalgo Honored
Associate Professor Daniel Hidalgo, a political scientist studying Latin American elections, receives recognition for graduate student mentorship. (May 13, 2026)
MIT Affiliates Awarded Guggenheim Fellowships
Afreen Siddiqi, Kathleen Thelen, and Vinod Vaikuntanathan, along with alumna Kate Manne, are appointed 2026 Guggenheim Fellows. (May 1, 2026)
Built to Fly: Brian Robinson’s Intersection of Aviation, Politics, and Technology
MIT senior and master’s candidate Brian Robinson works at the nexus of aviation, politics, and technology. (April 15, 2026)
Why Does Wealth Inequality Matter?
An MIT Stone Center event examined origins, mechanisms, and political consequences of high inequality. (April 3, 2026)
Fostering MIT’s Japan Connection
MISTI Japan managing director Christine Pilcavage supports students and faculty exploring Japanese culture with a STEM focus. (January 15, 2026)
Eighteen MIT Faculty Honored as “Committed to Caring”
The program recognizes outstanding mentorship of graduate students for 2025-27. (January 8, 2026)
How Drones Are Altering Contemporary Warfare
A new book by Erik Lin-Greenberg examines evolving dynamics of military and state action centered around drones. (November 13, 2025)
Q&A: How MITHIC Is Fostering Collaboration at MIT
The MIT Human Insight Collaborative supports new interdisciplinary initiatives across the Institute. (October 30, 2025)
Studying War in the New Nuclear Age
MIT political scientist Caitlin Talmadge scrutinizes military postures and international dynamics to understand escalation risks. (October 28, 2025)
MIT Schwarzman College of Computing Welcomes 11 New Faculty
New faculty bring varied backgrounds and expertise to the MIT community. (October 17, 2025)
Meet the 2025 Tenured Professors in SHASS
Faculty members granted tenure in Linguistics and Philosophy, Music and Theater Arts, and Political Science. (September 18, 2025)
These stories reflect the breadth and depth of research at MIT’s Political Science Department, where scholars are shaping our understanding of governance, technology, and global affairs.
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