WooCast: Podcasts from the Woodrow Wilson School

How are partisan identity and misinformation connected? Sam Wang is joined by Brendan Nyhan to discuss misinformation, partisan identity, and the stability of America's democratic norms. Nyhan is a professor in the Department of Government at Dartmouth College. He is a researcher on politics, polarization, and healthcare, with an emphasis on false beliefs. He's also a contributor to the Upshot from The New York Times and the co-founder of Bright Line Watch, a group that monitors the health of American democracy.

As the president and founder of the Harwood Institute of Public Innovation, Rich Harwood MPA '84, is passionate about seeing communities do their best. The Harwood Institute's mission is to empower communities with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges. His newest book, "Unleashed: A Proven Way Communities Can Spread Change and Make Hope Real for All,” focuses on promoting civic culture and creating positive, lasting impacts. In this episode, Rich discusses what makes for an effective leader and how Princeton SPIA influenced his career. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

As the president and founder of the Harwood Institute of Public Innovation, Rich Harwood MPA '84, is passionate about seeing communities do their best. The Harwood Institute's mission is to empower communities with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges. His newest book, "Unleashed: A Proven Way Communities Can Spread Change and Make Hope Real for All,” focuses on promoting civic culture and creating positive, lasting impacts. In this episode, Rich discusses what makes for an effective leader and how Princeton SPIA gave him a "can-do" spirit he's used throughout his life. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Evan Draim '16 is a current student at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School. After graduating from Princeton University in 2016, Evan moved to northern Virginia and accepted a job at Service Source, a nonprofit that provides job employment opportunities to people with disabilities. In this episode, he discusses his journey to law school, his future as a Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) officer in the United States Navy, and his time at SPIA as an undergraduate student. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA. Show notes: Evan's article on social security: https://www.milkenreview.org/articles/saving-social-security-from-itself

For Martín E. De Simone MPA ’18, growing up during the Argentinian economic crisis of 2001 shaped his desire to work in public policy. Today, he’s an education specialist for the World Bank in the Western and Central Africa region and credits the Princeton SPIA for preparing him for the role. He discusses his journey from Argentina to the United States and elsewhere in this episode. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Yasmin Elhady MPP ’15 is an attorney, public policy specialist, and stand-up comedian. She’s performed all over Washington, D.C., including at The Kennedy Center and The DC Improv, and she’s toured nationally and internationally in the United Kingdom. Her alter ego is “Yasguru,” a hyperactive relationship advisor with silly videos on YouTube and Instagram. In this episode, she discusses how September 11 and being a Muslim immigrant shaped her career path to public service, and how a talent show at SPIA helped her start her stand-up career. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA. Check out her website: https://www.yasguru.com/ Her Instagram: https://instagram.com/yasguru Her YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCURpYI86UnAFDzoEAJ4FjXQ

While on the campaign trail in 2015, President Donald Trump referred to Mexicans as “criminals” and “rapists,” inciting disdain from Hispanics, Latinos, and other racial groups. The rhetoric wove itself not only into the campaign but Trump’s entire tenure as president, marking a sharp turn from racially coded dog-whistle politics to more explicit white xenophobia. A volume of essays edited by sociologist Doug Massey explores how America arrived at its current crossroads in politics and charts a way forward. This includes putting undocumented citizens on the path to citizenship and dismantling the dysfunctional “crimmigation” politics and practices implemented by both Republicans and Democrats alike. In this episode, Doug unpacks all that’s in the volume, which was published in the 2021 spring issue of Daedalus by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. It’s available free online: https://www.amacad.org/daedalus/immigration-nativism-race-united-states.

Tackling today's biggest challenges — from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change — will require innovative solutions from energized leaders. And among them is Annamie Paul MPA '01, leader of the Green Party of Canada. In this episode, Annamie lays out her policy priorities for Canada and reflects on how Princeton SPIA influenced her varied career. Annamie is a strong believer in living life fearlessly, a quality she honed as a master’s student. She says if you live life on your own terms, it’s not so hard to be bold. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications

Between 1966 and 1996, the French government conducted 193 nuclear weapon tests in the islands of the South Pacific. These explosions profoundly altered the health, wellbeing, and environment of the people living in this region, who spent decades amid radioactive polluted air, water, and soil. A new book, "Toxique," by Sebastian Philippe of the Program on Science and Global Security (SGS) at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs explores the consequences of this nuclear testing and the continued struggle of local communities and veterans to seek justice and compensation. Many of the documents, interviews, and simulations are on a dedicated new website (moruroa-files.org) in French and English. Philippe is an associate research scholar at SGS and a lecturer at SPIA. He has a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton. His research focuses on technical and policy analysis to assess, manage, and reduce the risks associated with nuclear weapons and emerging technologies to international peace and security. He also looks at the reconstruction of past nuclear weapon activities, an area we explore today.

A zip code can define one’s destiny and, for many, this means a lifetime of poverty. To move people out of poverty, governments will need to make policy choices that tackle barriers to economic opportunity, while emboldening people to be agents of change in their own communities. Today, we’re in a political moment ripe for change, which makes it crucial for leaders and policymakers to work together to seize the moment. This drives the work of James Ladi Williams MPA ’18, a research analyst in the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center at the Urban Institute. At an early age, Ladi became keenly aware of how breakdowns in the provision of public services made life difficult for children and families in his home city of Lagos, Nigeria. In this episode of #Changemakers, Ladi discusses how a crisis of leadership holds back progress on addressing global problems. He reflects on his time at Princeton SPIA and how the SPIA community remains a source of insight, inspiration, and support. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

For more than two decades, Jeremy Barnicle MPA ’04 has been working at the intersection of policy, philanthropy, and social change. At Mercy Corps, he helped guide the organization’s global strategy, positioning the nonprofit as one of the most respected humanitarian organizations in the world. Today, he serves as executive director of Ecotrust, which works to advance social equity, economic opportunity, and environmental well-being for all. In this episode of #Changemakers, Jeremy reflects on how his time at Princeton SPIA — both as a student and later as a lecturer — shaped his approach to leadership. He also stresses the importance of showing up “ego free” in a job and putting in good, hard work with “great spirit,” while also demonstrating an ability to think big-picture. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

No day is the same for Larry Handerhan MPA ‘12 who serves as chief of staff for the D.C. Department of Human Services. In his current role, he manages external affairs and supports day-to-day operations for the Department’s $600 million budget and 1,100-person workforce. In this episode, Larry discusses how he learned to see across silos and connect work across departments so everyone can be more successful. Leaning on the SPIA alumni network, he often calls former colleagues when challenging or new situations arise. Finally, he encourages those entering the workforce to shed the idea of a perfect job, as there is a lot to be learned from a job that’s not everything one envisioned. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Using new technologies like AI to improve humanity is at the core of Robert L. Gordon’s work. As chief growth officer of SBG Technology Solutions, Rob is using a multi-sector approach to bring technology to the masses. Throughout his career, he’s also learned how to be a thoughtful and strategic leader. He boils it down to three main tenets: know who is around the table (and their stakes and stands), be inclusive and transparent, and give people a voice. Finally - when in charge, take charge. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Nathan Eckstein '16 MPA '20 most recently was the political and outreach director for a U.S. Congresswoman in Western Illinois who sought re-election to a fifth term. He fought with a small team to build support, turn out voters and ultimately secure a win in the most competitive environment the Congresswoman had ever faced. In this episode, he discusses life on the campaign trail (especially in unprecedented times) and what lies ahead for his career. He credits Princeton SPIA and the Scholars in the Nation’s Service Initiative for providing him with support along the way. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

Dalia Katan '15 is the CEO and founder of Presently (www.getpresently.com), a social commerce startup that's helping people celebrate special occasions more meaningfully while also empowering conscious consumerism. In this episode, she gets into what motivated her to create Presently and how she uses her Princeton SPIA training to be an effective leader in today's changing world. #Changemakers is a podcast series featuring the many Princeton SPIA alumni who built up their policy toolkits at Princeton and went on to change their communities. The show is produced, hosted, and edited by B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer at SPIA.

For 200 years, the grand project of liberal internationalism has been to build a world order that is oriented toward progressive ideas. Today, this project is in crisis, threatened by illiberal challengers and nationalist-populist movements. A new book by G. John Ikenberry offers the first full account of liberal internationalism’s long journey from its 19th-century roots to today’s fractured political moment. He discusses "A World Safe for Democracy: Liberal Internationalism and the Crises of Global Order" in this episode. Ikenberry, a theorist of international relations, is the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton University and co-director of Princeton’s Center for International Security Studies. He’s the author of eight books.

Some criticize the way the media covers political issues, spurring conversations about how journalism can be improved, especially within the next generation of reporters. One 12-year-old - Jaden Jefferson - is already on his way to contributing to the news world through his local reporting efforts in Toledo, Ohio. Jefferson, who joins Julian Zelizer and Sam Wang in this episode, has already interviewed a number of prominent figures including Sen. Elizabeth Warren. He's been interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and others. You can find his stories on his YouTube channel at Jaden Reports.

Countries such as Russia and Iran are influencing U.S. politics by spreading disinformation and propaganda through social media. At the same time, the Trump administration’s rejection of long-negotiated agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris Agreement has arguably altered perceptions of the U.S. among its allies. Jacob N. Shapiro joins Before the Ballot to discuss the rapid changes in American foreign policy since 2016, and what might lie beyond Nov. 3. Shapiro is professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University and directs the Empirical Studies of Conflict Project. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Whether to bring children back into the classroom — and how to do so safely — recently became the country’s biggest education issue. Yet, the pandemic is illuminating many longstanding issues in education policy, from budget shortfalls to disagreements over the goals of the U.S. public school system. In this episode, Jennifer L. Jennings discusses the need for policies, resources, and leadership to level the playing field throughout the decentralized U.S. education system — during and after the pandemic. Jennings is a professor of sociology and public affairs and director of the Education Research Section at Princeton University. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Several killings of unarmed Black citizens at the hands of police this year, most notably George Floyd, sparked nationwide protests, against the backdrop of a pandemic that is emphasizing racial and economic inequalities. Keith Wailoo joins Before the Ballot to discuss the events of 2020 — placing them within historical context and discussing what makes this moment unique. Wailoo is the Henry Putnam University Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

While climate change has been with us far longer than Covid-19, the response to the pandemic could present an opportunity to begin building a greener, more equitable economy. Yet significant roadblocks exist, from some people’s distrust of science to opposing political views on how to tackle the issue. Michael Oppenheimer joins Before the Ballot to discuss approaches — both regulatory and incentive-based — that in combination can work toward significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the next few decades. Oppenheimer is the Albert G. Milbank Professor of Geosciences at Princeton University and director of the Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment. ---- Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Editor’s note: This episode was recorded before the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In recent years, the Supreme Court has ruled on cases involving polarizing issues in U.S. politics, including campaign finance, the Affordable Care Act, and same-sex marriage. The nomination and confirmation processes for new Justices have also become increasingly influenced by politics. Chuck Cameron and John Kastellec join Before the Ballot to discuss “judicial activism,” how the Supreme Court affects American life, and the future of the judicial branch under either a Trump or Biden presidency. Cameron is professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University. Kastellec is associate professor of politics at Princeton University. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

The Trump administration has departed from longstanding U.S. policies in the Middle East, relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and cutting aid to the Palestine Liberation Organization. While Israel has normalized relations with some other countries in the region, it is unclear what the future is for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. Daniel C. Kurtzer joins Before the Ballot to consider the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. He is the S. Daniel Abraham Professor of Middle East Policy Studies at Princeton University and former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and Israel. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

In 2013, the Senate passed — but the House failed to consider — a bipartisan immigration reform bill that would have provided a path to citizenship for many undocumented immigrants. This year, voters will consider President Trump’s and Joe Biden’s vastly different approaches on border security, refugee admissions, the separation of families at the border, and the status of Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Marta Tienda joins Before the Ballot to discuss the facts and politicization of immigration. She is the Maurice P. During Professor in demographic studies at Princeton University. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Amid a growing chorus calling to “defund the police,” some worry about the potential for rising violence on the one hand and a question about what replaces the police on the other. Patrick Sharkey joins Before the Ballot to discuss the public health consequences of violence on children’s outcomes, the role of police and other community-building organizations in low-income neighborhoods, and strategies that can improve child wellbeing. Sharkey is a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton and the founder of AmericanViolence.org. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Since the onset of the pandemic and subsequent slowing down of the economy, lawmakers have debated how best to provide ongoing economic relief to individuals, businesses, and state and local governments. Cecilia Rouse joins Before the Ballot to discuss the politics and efficacy of government aid options; inequalities laid bare by the pandemic in income, health care, and education; and the need for new policies to protect workers in the future. Rouse is dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, the Katzman-Ernst Professor in Economics and Education, and professor of economics and public affairs. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

The executive branch’s power has grown in ways beneficial to both Republican and Democratic presidencies — from the expansion of federal agencies to an increased reliance on executive orders. How have the Constitutional checks and balances fared over the past four years, and what effects might the Trump presidency have on the future of the office? Sarah Staszak joins Before the Ballot to discuss Congressional gridlock, the role of the courts, and how far we may have strayed from the founding fathers’ intentions. Staszak is an associate research scholar in the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

With the coronavirus revealing the cracks in the U.S. health care system, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being challenged before the Supreme Court, how will health care access and affordability impact voters’ decisions in November? Heather Howard joins Before the Ballot to discuss how the pandemic is intertwined with the economic crisis, its effects on the ongoing opioid epidemic and preventative care, and the campaigns’ approaches to health care policy. Howard is a lecturer at Princeton University and director of State Health and Value Strategies. ABOUT THE SHOW Before the Ballot is a podcast series designed to educate voters before they cast their ballots this November. It features faculty at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The show is hosted by Elisabeth Donahue, associate dean of public affairs and communications. It is produced and edited by Henry Barrett ’22 and B. Rose Huber, communications manager and senior writer. Sarah Binder, communications specialist, wrote these summaries.

Many policies under President Donald Trump seem out of step with traditional Republican platforms. This has caused many conservatives to take a look at the party and ask: Is Trump a cause or product of the GOP? Veteran political consultant Stuart Stevens is among those embedded in such conversations. In this episode with Julian Zelizer, Stuart discusses where the party has been, where it is today, and where it's going. Stevens also dives into details from new book: "It Was All a Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump." Stevens is an American travel writer and political consultant. He is the cofounder of the political media consultancy Stevens & Schriefer Group. In 2013, he became a founding partner in Strategic Partners & Media, the consulting firm with the best record in statewide races. He served as a top strategist for Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign. He’s now part of the Lincoln Project, a conservative “Never Trump” group for the 2020 United States presidential election.

August marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which legally ended the use of sex a qualification for the right to vote. In this episode, Corrine McConnaughy takes listeners back in time to what gave the movement legs, explaining how "coalition politics" were the lynchpin women securing the right to vote. She also discusses some well-known suffrage figures, highlighting how often they are mythologized. Instead, she advocates for the recognition of the movement as a collective force. McConnaughy is a research scholar and lecturer at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. She studies how political identities–from party identification to race, gender, and ethnicity–are formed and function in the American political system. She’s the author of a book on the politics of women’s voting rights: “The Woman Suffrage Movement in America: A Reassessment."

This week’s show is special: We’re running an episode of Democracy Works, a podcast produced by Penn State University’s McCourtney Institute for Democracy. (You may remember we swapped episodes with them last summer.) This episode features Tehama Lopez Bunyasi, assistant professor at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, and Candis Watts Smith, associate professor African American Studies and political science at Penn State. Bunyasi and Smith are coauthors of a book called "Stay Woke: A People’s Guide to Making all Black Lives Matter," which looks at the history of structural racism in the U.S. and gives people information and tools to become antiracists. In this episode, they talk about the clumsiness associated with changing patterns of thinking and behavior and how that’s playing out across our online and offline lives and among both individuals and companies. We also discuss the inherent messiness of the Black Lives Matter movement and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, the conventions will look vastly different from previous years. In this episode, Julian Zelizer and Sam Wang discuss the run-up to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. They look at how a virtual convention might affect election coverage, voter enthusiasm, and rising political talent. Later in the episode, they dig into polling numbers across the United States, particularly within the potential swing states of Georgia, Florida, and Texas. They discuss the impact of a potential Supreme Court vacancy or vote-by-mail suppression on the presidential election. Finally, Wang tells listeners about “Moneyball 2020,” a model designed by the Princeton Election Consortium to identify races where voters have the most leverage to prevent partisan gerrymandering in 2021.

World leaders have been tested in their ability to protect their citizens against Covid-19, which has upended nearly every facet of society. Stable leadership is needed now more than ever. In this episode, Dr. Laura Kahn shares her take on the skills necessary to lead during such uncertain times, the subject of her book, “Who’s In Charge? Leadership during Epidemics, Bioterror Attacks, and Other Public Health Crises”. Kahn is a physician and research scholar with the Program on Science and Global Security at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School. Her work centers around a “One Health Initiative,” which brings together human, animal, and environmental health specialists to improve the health of all species.

n grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, many scientists and government officials are looking to the 1918 pandemic as a reference point for lessons learned. Also known as the "Spanish Flu," this epidemic was the most sweeping of the 20th century, infecting one third of the world’s population, and upending social, political, and economic norms. John M. Barry, a New York Times best-selling author, joins this episode to discuss his book, “The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History.” The book was named the 2004 book by the National Academies of Science, and is garnering current attention given its relevancy to today. Barry has been recognized in the field of science for his work and has been a source to politicians on both sides of the aisle for his insights on pandemics. He is also the author of several other books, including, “Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America,” which won the 1998 Francis Parkman Prize for the best book of U.S. history; “Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul;” and "The Ambition and the Power: The Fall of Jim Wright: A True Story of Washington."

Policymakers worry that “ungoverned spaces” pose dangers to security and development. Why do such spaces exist beyond the authority of the state? In a new book, Melissa M. Lee argues that foreign subversion undermines state authority and promotes ungoverned space. In this episode, Lee discusses the findings from her book, “Crippling Leviathan: How Foreign Subversion Weakens the State,” published by Cornell University Press. Lee is an assistant professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School. She specializes in the international and domestic politics of statebuilding and state capacity.

“Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism” is a groundbreaking account of how the flaws in U.S. capitalism have dire consequences for America’s working class. In this interview, authors Anne Case and Sir Angus Deaton discuss why capitalism is destroying blue-collar America, laying a large part of this at the door step of the U.S. health care system. They also chart a way forward, providing solutions that can rein in capitalism’s excesses. Their book was published March 17 by the Princeton University Press.

The United States would be wise to avoid further conflict with Iran, especially given America’s history of war in poor countries with politically mobilized populations. If past conflicts serve as a guide, such armed intervention could attract a dangerous wrath of nationalists in these countries. This is one of many conclusions drawn from a new book published by Atul Kohli, David K.E. Bruce Professor of International Affairs at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School. In this episode, he discusses this and other findings from the book, "Imperialism and the Developing World: How Britain and the U.S. Shaped the Global Periphery," published by Oxford University Press.

Paul Volcker has spent most of his professional life in public service. In this WooCast, he discusses the importance of public service, its role in good governance and his advice for students charting career paths in public service. He also talks about the papers he donated to Princeton’s Seely G. Mudd Manuscript Library.

Some argue that U.S. foreign affairs should be left to Congress and the President. But as more executive and legislative actions arise in this arena, is a judicial defense of fundamental rights needed? “Restoring the Global Judiciary: Why the Supreme Court Should Rule in U.S. Foreign Affairs,” turns old arguments on their head, making the case for a stronger judiciary role in U.S. foreign policy. The book was penned by Martin Flaherty, a long-time visiting professor at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School and a professor at Fordham Law School, who joins us on the show today.

Free markets and representative elections triumphed throughout the 20th century, giving rise to a robust form of democratic capitalism. Today, this is under threat due to insurgent populism, extreme polarization, and crippling income inequality. How did we get here, and where are we going next? Carles Boix traces the history of democratic capitalism and how it’s evolving in his new book, “Democratic Capitalism at the Crossroads: Technological Change and the Future of Politics.” We discuss it on the show today. Boix is the Robert Garrett Professor of Politics and Public Affairs in the Department of Politics and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Health care in America is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be, according to the late Uwe Reinhardt, a leader in health care policy. Reinhardt provides an incisive look at the American health care system in a new book, “Priced Out: The Economic and Ethical Costs of American Health Care,” published by Princeton University Press. Tsung-Mei Cheng, health policy research analyst at Princeton and Uwe’s partner in work and life, discusses the nuances of health care in this episode and why Uwe was so passionate about explaining (and fixing) this complex system. Reinhardt taught at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and Department of Economics for nearly 50 years. Throughout his career, he strongly influenced American health care, serving as an adviser to the White House and other governments.

Party polarization and economic inequality have had profound impacts on America’s governing institutions. Frances E. Lee, co-editor of “Can America Govern Itself?” with Nolan McCarty, discusses what’s new and what’s perennial in challenges to democracy at this fraught moment. Lee is jointly appointed in Princeton University’s Department of Politics and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, where she is professor of politics and public affairs. She has broad interests in American politics, with a special focus on congressional politics, national policymaking, party politics, and representation.

Are Americans more likely to vote for celebrities than traditional politicians? And what exactly enables these stars to win? Lauren Wright, author of “Star Power: American Democracy in the Age of the Celebrity Candidate," discusses celebrities in power in this episode. Wright is associate research scholar and lecturer in politics and public affairs at Princeton University, where she teaches courses on The Presidency and Executive Power, Women and Politics, and Political Communication.

Contrary to public opinion, Nolan McCarty argues that the 2016 election was a natural outgrowth of 40 years of polarized politics, rather than a significant break with the past. His new book, "Polarization: What Everyone Needs to Know," investigates the origins, development, and implications of polarized politics in America. We discuss it in this episode. McCarty is the Susan Dod Brown Professor of Politics and Public Affairs Princeton University. His research interests include U.S. politics, democratic political institutions, and political game theory.

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts do not have to address partisan gerrymandering claims. Sharing his response to this news in the audio clip below is Nolan McCarty, Susan Dod Brown Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. McCarty’s research interests include U.S. politics, democratic political institutions, and political game theory. His new book, “Polarization: What Everyone Needs to Know,” publishes July 1 by Oxford University Press. Click play to listen below; a transcript follows. Reporters are welcome to use without permissions; contact B. Rose Kelly for the raw audio file. TRANSCRIPT: My feelings would have been mixed regardless of the verdict. Of course, the partisan manipulation of legislative district boundaries is deeply concerning in the extent to which it can dilute the representation of the supporters of the minority party. Yet, I do have some reservations about the extent to which federal courts should be intervening in these issues. The primary one is that partisan gerrymandering is somewhat hard to detect and measure. The Republicans obtain a significant advantage in legislative districting through a pattern of political geography where Democratic voters are highly clustered in urban areas while Republican voters are more spread out. Thus, neutral boundaries that create compact and contiguous legislative districts can lead to a disproportionate number GOP-held districts because Democratic votes get wasted in the cities. It can be very hard to distinguish this “natural” gerrymander from deliberate partisan efforts to rig outcomes. While there have been a number of efforts to measure partisan gerrymanders, I am not persuaded that any of them do a very good job. In my experience, the courts are not very good at adjudicating these statistical disputes. Thus, judges are likely to choose those measures that given them the outcome that conforms to their ideological or partisan interests. A second reason is that partisan gerrymandering may be necessary to obtain fairer partisan outcomes. Recall that republicans have a natural advantage because Democrats are clustered in the cities. The way to offset this effect is to break cities into multiple districts that contain significant suburb populations. But because doing so would violate existing districting criteria of minimizing the fragmenting of municipalities, a judges might strike such a plan down for partisan gerrymandering. Finally, given the growing polarization and partisanship among the federal judiciary, I think we need to be vigilant about having its power over these sorts of issues expand even more. Obviously, the decision means that the current plans will presumably remain in effect through 2022. It is possible however for plans to be struck down under state constitutions as happened recently in Pennsylvania. I would note however the plans in North Carolina and Michigan must be a curse for the GOP. A partisan GOP gerrymander is typically one in which the GOP gives its self a slight advantage in as many suburban districts as possible. If the GOP’s decline in the suburbs continues its trend from 2018, several of those districts may flip blue. Although practical considerations give me some sympathy for the decision, I am troubled by what it says about the court. The decision was based on the doctrine of “political questions,” which holds that courts should not intervene in certain disputes involving the other branches of government. In theory, there is nothing inherently ideological or partisan about that doctrine. Yet, the votes on the Supreme Court followed a precise ideological pattern with all conservatives/Republicans supporting the majority opinion and all Democratic/liberal justices in the minority. But ironically, it is this judicial branch polarization which makes the political question doctrine an important one.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reelected in Israel’s elections and will begin his fifth term in office. What’s next for the country under his leadership? Sharing his response to this news in the audio clip below is Daniel Kurtzer, lecturer and S. Daniel Abraham Professor in Middle East Policy Studies at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Kurtzer served as U.S. ambassador to Egypt (1997-2001) and as U.S. ambassador to Israel (2001-2005). While U.S. media and others are reporting a clear victory for Netanyahu, Kurtzer’s reaction suggests that Netanyahu’s pathway toward a coalition may be complicated.