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Political Science

What to expect from the next Japanese prime minister
Sanae Takaichi, wearing a blue suit, stands in a crowd of seated Japanese legislators.

Sanae Takaichi (center) was chosen as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party during recent leadership elections.

(Image: Kyodo News via AP Images)

What to expect from the next Japanese prime minister

Penn political scientist Daniel Smith discusses this week’s Japanese prime minister election and the possible selection of a staunch conservative as the new premier.

3 min. read

Bridging philosophy and politics

Bridging philosophy and politics

What does it mean for everyone to have a say in a democracy? This summer, philosopher professor Daniel Wodak and undergraduate Jasmine Ni explored the contradictions and questions raised by political equity.

From Omnia

2 min. read

Five insights into the history of government shutdowns
A woman walks by a "closed" sign in front of the National Archives building in Washington, D.C.

The National Archives building in Washington, D.C. during a federal government shutdown.

(Image: Julia Demaree Nikhinson via AP Images)

Five insights into the history of government shutdowns

Penn historian Brent Cebul traces the transformation of federal shutdowns from rare occurrences to strategic political tools.

3 min. read

Women’s labor and political agency in Delhi
Four women street vendors sell shoes and footwear on a Delhi street.

Four women street vendors sell shoes and footwear on a Delhi street.

(Image: Kannagi Khanna)

Women’s labor and political agency in Delhi

Rashi Sabherwal, a doctoral student in political science, explores how women engage politically in society in informal roles through her research in India.

2 min. read

Navigating gender and power in South Korea
Soosun You stands with her hands on her hips.

Soosun You’s research focuses on gender and equity in South Korea.

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Navigating gender and power in South Korea

As the newest member of Penn’s political science faculty, Soosun You brings global experience—from her work as a former journalist in Seoul to conducting fieldwork in Africa—to research on women’s rights and politics in South Korea.

2 min. read

Three things to know: Postdoc Shana Scogin on Nepal’s youth uprising
Gen Z protesters gathered at a parliament house  in Nepal.

Gen Z protesters gathered at a parliament house as clashes erupted with police at the Federal Parliament in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sept. 8, 2025.

(Image: Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto via AP Images)

Three things to know: Postdoc Shana Scogin on Nepal’s youth uprising

In the aftermath of the deadly anti-government uprising that led to the fall of the country’s government, Penn Today spoke with the Perry World House fellow for insights.

3 min. read