Political scientist Larry M. Bartels studies American electoral politics, public opinion, and political accountability to examine “whether democracy works as advertised.” He weaves together interdisciplinary research on the psychology of political decisions, the inner workings of the electoral process, and the impact of economic conditions to analyze voting behavior, electoral outcomes, and more. In exploring the political causes and consequences of economic inequality, Bartels demonstrated that low-income families have experienced greater income growth under Democratic presidents than under Republican ones and challenged assertions about the political alignments of working-class American voters.
Professional positions
- 2011–present: Professor of political science (2011–2022) and University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law (2022–present)
- 1991–2011: Professor of politics and public affairs (1991–2011), Stuart Professor of Communications and Public Affairs (1991–1999), and Donald E. Stokes Professor of Public and International Affairs (1999–2011), Princeton University
- 1984–1991: Assistant (1984–1986) and associate (1986–1991) professor of political science, University of Rochester
Notable publications
- Bartels, Larry M. 2023. Democracy Erodes from the Top: Leaders, Citizens, and the Challenges of Populism in Europe. Princeton University Press.
- Bermeo, Nancy, and Larry M. Bartels, eds. 2014. Mass Politics in Tough Times: Opinions, Votes, and Protest in the Great Recession. Oxford University Press.
- Bartels, Larry M. 2008. Unequal Democracy: The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age. Russell Sage Foundation/Princeton University Press.
- Bartels, Larry M. 1988. Presidential Primaries and the Dynamics of Public Choice. Princeton University Press.
Degrees
- PhD, political science, University of California, Berkeley
- MA, political science, Yale University
- BA, political science, Yale University
Induction Introduction
Alan Krueger’s introduction of Bartels as a new fellow of the AAPSS
