Recent Publications

Who Fakes Support for the Military? Experimental Evidence from Tunisia Dr. Holger Albrecht (University of Alabama), Kevin Koehler, and Sharan Grewal Journal Article in Democratization 31 January 2022 Abstract: Surveys around the world report exceptionally high levels of support for the military. This is particularly relevant for countries in transition from authoritarian rule to democracy, where

Examining the fiscal impact of tax and expenditure limitations on municipal governments: a rule design approach Dr. Sungho Park (University of Alabama) Journal Article in Local Government Studies, 25 January 2022 Abstract: The effect of state fiscal restrictions on local governments is often debatable. While the institutional heterogeneity of such controls is often thought to generate

The Validity of the Enns and Koch, and Berry et al. Measures of State Policy Mood: Continuing the Debate Dr. Richard Fording (University of Alabama), William Berry, Russell Hanson, and Justin Crofoot Journal Article in State Politics and Policy Quarterly October 18, 2021 Abstract: Enns and Koch question the validity of the Berry, Ringquist, Fording, and Hanson

MERIP’s Unfinished Mission Dr. Waleed Hazbun (University of Alabama), et al. Journal Article in Middle East Report, November 2021

MERIP at 50 (Special Issue of Middle East Report) Dr. Waleed Hazbun (University of Alabama), Najib Hourani, Lisa Hajjar, and Chris Toensing Special Issue of Middle East Report No. 300, November 2021 Abstract: In this issue, we reflect on MERIP’s (Middle East Research and Information Project) 50-year history of speaking truth to power and evaluate its

Coup Agency and Prospects for Democracy Dr. Holger Albrecht (University of Alabama), Kevin Koehler, and Austin Schutz (University of Alabama) Journal Article in International Studies Quarterly, October 7, 2021 Abstract: This research note introduces new global data on military coups. Conventional aggregate data so far has conflated two distinct types of coups. Military interventions by leading

Popular Support for Military Intervention and Anti-Establishment Alternatives in Tunisia: Appraising Outsider Eclecticism Dr. Holger Albrecht (University of Alabama) Journal Article in Mediterranean Politics, September 2, 2021 Abstract: Popular attitudes in support of authoritarian alternatives and weak party systems constitute important threats to democratic consolidation and the stability of new democracies. This article explores popular alienation from

The Color of Corrections: Racial Politics and Prison Privatization Dr. Richard Fording (University of Alabama) and Adam M. Butz Journal Article in Social Policy and Administration, August 25, 2021 Abstract: Privatizing the administration of American prisons represents a popular tool of correctional governance. In turn, policy and public administration researchers are routinely studying the consequences

Health benefits of local government sustainability efforts: A social cognitive perspective Dr. Hyunjung Ji (University of Alabama), and Dr. Su Shin (University of Utah) Journal Article in Ecological Economics Abstract: Since climate change presents an unprecedented threat to public health, creating environmentally sustainable communities has become an important policy goal. Many local governments have voluntarily implemented

Aviation, Hijackings, and the Eclipse of the ‘American Century’ in the Middle East Dr. Waleed Hazbun (University of Alabama) Between Catastrophe and Revolution: Essays in Honor of Mike Davis, Daniel Bertrand Monk and Michael Sorkin, eds. New York: Urban Research/OR Books, 2021. pp. 223-247. Abstract: This chapter argues the rise of airplane hijackings in the