Law, Politics and Society

"A Republic If You Can Afford It," a new book by a University of Knasas researcher and colleagues, explores how much it costs to hold elections across the country. The book, published by Cambridge University Press as part of its Cambridge Elements Series, is available for free online until Dec. 30.

In a new paper, Anton Shirikov, assistant professor of political science at the University of Kansas, outlines how propaganda reinforces regime support and builds trust through identity-consistent messages. But the analysis also indicates that autocrats are more constrained by public opinion than previously thought.

James Yékú’s essays cast a penetrating gaze on cancel culture, other issues in "our unforgiving age of conviction." “Ambivalent Encounters and Other Essays” is published by Griots Lounge.

John Symons, professor of philosophy at the University of Kansas, offers an in-depth look at materialism — the idea that all facts, events and objects are dependent on or reducible to physical processes. This multiauthor work features 31 chapters that explore its fascinating history, from the ancient world through the 21st century.

In a new paper, Robert Rohrschneider, the Sir Robert Worcester Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas, finds that populist citizens now judge constitutional courts that make decisions on controversial issues with the same skepticism as other political institutions. And their willingness to restrict its authority is increasing.

A KU professor of law has laid out an argument for holding state police agencies responsible for constitutional rights abuses that is different than litigating cases against municipal agencies. Sharon Brett provides the outline for getting injunctions to stem both individual abuses and to prevent future abuses.

Raj Bhala, an international trade law expert at KU, has published two studies that examine the forced labor "revolution" in American trade policy and helps define the emerging area of digital trade.

“Water Law: Concepts and Insights, 2nd Edition” provides an overview of case law, understanding of where water law is currently, including an analysis of the emerging trend of access to water in the United States as a human right.

In a new paper, Margaret Kelley, KU professor of American studies, finds that adults who believe they know a “compromised” gun owner (for example, dangerous, mentally ill or suffering dementia) tend to be much more supportive of “red flag” laws, regardless of political underpinnings.

In a new paper, Jack Zhang, assistant professor of political science at the University of Kansas, finds that heightened political risks from the U.S.-China trade war increased firm exits by 34%. His study highlights the collateral damage tariffs can cause in an age of global value chains.