Matt Polacko
@mattpolacko.bsky.social
Postdoctoral Researcher @ University of Calgary | Politics of Inequality | mattpolacko.com
Pinned
Matt Polacko
@mattpolacko.bsky.social
· Aug 25
🚨New Publication🚨
Using the entire #Canadian Election Study (1965–2021), I examine voter turnout by class, education, & income over time & test whether the offerings of political parties impact these relationships.
Available #OpenAccess in @cjps-rcsp.bsky.social
#polisky
doi.org/10.1017/S000...
Using the entire #Canadian Election Study (1965–2021), I examine voter turnout by class, education, & income over time & test whether the offerings of political parties impact these relationships.
Available #OpenAccess in @cjps-rcsp.bsky.social
#polisky
doi.org/10.1017/S000...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
The evidence keeps accumulating that Brexit was an astonishing self-inflicted economic policy disaster. The fact that it is a slow-moving one bodes ill for those who think that populist economic mismanagement will translate into voters punishing populists. www.nber.org/system/files...
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
The evidence keeps accumulating that Brexit was an astonishing self-inflicted economic policy disaster. The fact that it is a slow-moving one bodes ill for those who think that populist economic mismanagement will translate into voters punishing populists. www.nber.org/system/files...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
Here is some hard evidence that Mamdani actually managed to bring young voters to the polls. 18-29 year olds voted at similar rates than 40-49 year olds.
Youth turnout, 2021 to 2025 (and 2025 as pct of 2021):
NJ Gov 20% to 29% (+145%)
VA Gov 27% to 34% (+126%)
NYC Mayor 11.1% to 41.3% (+372%)
Sources: CIRCLE circle.tufts.edu/latest-resea... and DDHQ
NJ Gov 20% to 29% (+145%)
VA Gov 27% to 34% (+126%)
NYC Mayor 11.1% to 41.3% (+372%)
Sources: CIRCLE circle.tufts.edu/latest-resea... and DDHQ
November 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Here is some hard evidence that Mamdani actually managed to bring young voters to the polls. 18-29 year olds voted at similar rates than 40-49 year olds.
Reposted by Matt Polacko
England homelessness grown by a fifth since 2022, now 300,000.
Successive govts cut local authority funding in real terms, cut real wages/benefits, no curbs on profiteering, lack of social housing.
Cheaper to build social housing than using temporary accommodation.
Misery is a political choice.
Successive govts cut local authority funding in real terms, cut real wages/benefits, no curbs on profiteering, lack of social housing.
Cheaper to build social housing than using temporary accommodation.
Misery is a political choice.
Homelessness figures higher than data suggests, research shows
Official data for England underestimates the scale of the problem, according to research for charity Crisis says.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 AM
England homelessness grown by a fifth since 2022, now 300,000.
Successive govts cut local authority funding in real terms, cut real wages/benefits, no curbs on profiteering, lack of social housing.
Cheaper to build social housing than using temporary accommodation.
Misery is a political choice.
Successive govts cut local authority funding in real terms, cut real wages/benefits, no curbs on profiteering, lack of social housing.
Cheaper to build social housing than using temporary accommodation.
Misery is a political choice.
Reposted by Matt Polacko
A single shared source of truth is essential for a functioning democracy.
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Why American-style polarisation is spreading across the west
New research shows how incentives in the modern media ecosystem help explain rising division and negativity
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
A single shared source of truth is essential for a functioning democracy.
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Without it you’re left with fragmentation, polarisation and a perpetual culture war where the discourse focuses on what divides us rather than what we have in common.
My column from last week: www.ft.com/content/5060...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
Yes, this is correct. And the reason is because our capitalist classes have decided that it is not sufficiently profitable, so they're not going to do it.
We must understand this reality. Capital *cannot* be relied upon to address the climate crisis.
We must understand this reality. Capital *cannot* be relied upon to address the climate crisis.
November 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Yes, this is correct. And the reason is because our capitalist classes have decided that it is not sufficiently profitable, so they're not going to do it.
We must understand this reality. Capital *cannot* be relied upon to address the climate crisis.
We must understand this reality. Capital *cannot* be relied upon to address the climate crisis.
Reposted by Matt Polacko
Trump is trying to use his TikTok deal to expand his propaganda machine, and the young people who use the app the most may be unwilling to look away. From Thomas Riley:
trib.al/YYoYhIp
trib.al/YYoYhIp
Can Trump Turn TikTok MAGA? - The American Prospect
After making the case that TikTok was a national-security threat, Trump did a 180 in the weeks leading up to his re-election. The president has since admitted that he would like to see the platform become “100 percent MAGA.”
trib.al
November 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Trump is trying to use his TikTok deal to expand his propaganda machine, and the young people who use the app the most may be unwilling to look away. From Thomas Riley:
trib.al/YYoYhIp
trib.al/YYoYhIp
Reposted by Matt Polacko
No single US news source is consumed by more than 25% of Americans, whereas 60% of Brits regularly watch/read/listen to the BBC.
A single shared source of truth makes it harder for partisan echo chambers to form, or for divisive narratives to dominate. It’s good for social cohesion and compromise.
A single shared source of truth makes it harder for partisan echo chambers to form, or for divisive narratives to dominate. It’s good for social cohesion and compromise.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
No single US news source is consumed by more than 25% of Americans, whereas 60% of Brits regularly watch/read/listen to the BBC.
A single shared source of truth makes it harder for partisan echo chambers to form, or for divisive narratives to dominate. It’s good for social cohesion and compromise.
A single shared source of truth makes it harder for partisan echo chambers to form, or for divisive narratives to dominate. It’s good for social cohesion and compromise.
Reposted by Matt Polacko
Donald Trump is Joe Biden now
POTUS's job approval on prices is where Biden's was during peak inflation in 2022-23. Voters say 2:1 that Trump has made the economy worse. Oh, and consumer sentiment among independents hit a new all-time low in November, www.gelliottmorris.com/p/donald-tru...
POTUS's job approval on prices is where Biden's was during peak inflation in 2022-23. Voters say 2:1 that Trump has made the economy worse. Oh, and consumer sentiment among independents hit a new all-time low in November, www.gelliottmorris.com/p/donald-tru...
Donald Trump is Joe Biden now
The president's numbers on prices are where Biden's were during peak inflation in 2022-23.
www.gelliottmorris.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Donald Trump is Joe Biden now
POTUS's job approval on prices is where Biden's was during peak inflation in 2022-23. Voters say 2:1 that Trump has made the economy worse. Oh, and consumer sentiment among independents hit a new all-time low in November, www.gelliottmorris.com/p/donald-tru...
POTUS's job approval on prices is where Biden's was during peak inflation in 2022-23. Voters say 2:1 that Trump has made the economy worse. Oh, and consumer sentiment among independents hit a new all-time low in November, www.gelliottmorris.com/p/donald-tru...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
That an ex-con, enriched by a speculative activity that is both utterly useless & environmentally destructive, in cahoots with a despot who threatens our country, now tops the ranks of Canadian capitalism, proves we've gone right off the rails. Time to think big about change.
November 11, 2025 at 1:04 AM
That an ex-con, enriched by a speculative activity that is both utterly useless & environmentally destructive, in cahoots with a despot who threatens our country, now tops the ranks of Canadian capitalism, proves we've gone right off the rails. Time to think big about change.
Reposted by Matt Polacko
Layoffs are reaching their highest levels since the pandemic, but America's corporate elite have never been doing better.
Is it any wonder why so many think the system is rigged?
Is it any wonder why so many think the system is rigged?
November 8, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Layoffs are reaching their highest levels since the pandemic, but America's corporate elite have never been doing better.
Is it any wonder why so many think the system is rigged?
Is it any wonder why so many think the system is rigged?
Reposted by Matt Polacko
In the past 20 yrs, China extended >$800 billion in loans to emerging market and developing country economies to finance infrastructure, energy etc. China’s loan portfolio surpassed those of the World Bank, the IMF, and all 22 Paris Club creditor governments combined.
November 8, 2025 at 6:57 AM
In the past 20 yrs, China extended >$800 billion in loans to emerging market and developing country economies to finance infrastructure, energy etc. China’s loan portfolio surpassed those of the World Bank, the IMF, and all 22 Paris Club creditor governments combined.
Reposted by Matt Polacko
Reposted by Matt Polacko
According to this ranking, Canada’s reputation has improved since 2024. We are now the 2nd most reputable country in the world.
The United States has dropped from 30th to 48th in that same year, the biggest drop of any nation BY FAR. Its reputation-peers are now Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan…
The United States has dropped from 30th to 48th in that same year, the biggest drop of any nation BY FAR. Its reputation-peers are now Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan…
November 6, 2025 at 6:26 PM
According to this ranking, Canada’s reputation has improved since 2024. We are now the 2nd most reputable country in the world.
The United States has dropped from 30th to 48th in that same year, the biggest drop of any nation BY FAR. Its reputation-peers are now Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan…
The United States has dropped from 30th to 48th in that same year, the biggest drop of any nation BY FAR. Its reputation-peers are now Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan…
Reposted by Matt Polacko
📢 THIS 🔽 plus your occasional pre-budget reminder that not taxing the super-rich means (by definition) choosing to tax poorer folk. The fact this is Labour's 'go to' option shows (a) the malign influence of the very rich, and (b) the cowardice of the Starmer govt. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Increase taxes for working people, or make the super-rich pay their fair share? The answer seems obvious – but not to Labour | Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah
Rachel Reeves has unnecessarily blocked her options of what to include in her budget, says Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah of the New Economics Foundation
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:55 PM
📢 THIS 🔽 plus your occasional pre-budget reminder that not taxing the super-rich means (by definition) choosing to tax poorer folk. The fact this is Labour's 'go to' option shows (a) the malign influence of the very rich, and (b) the cowardice of the Starmer govt. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
If Musk meets all the benchmarks of his new $1 trillion pay package from Tesla he will be paid $274 MILLION EVERY DAY FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS
This is his part-time job
This is his part-time job
November 7, 2025 at 1:59 AM
If Musk meets all the benchmarks of his new $1 trillion pay package from Tesla he will be paid $274 MILLION EVERY DAY FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS
This is his part-time job
This is his part-time job
Reposted by Matt Polacko
The Green surge is about to break Labour
Polanski’s increasing popularity has huge implications for the future of British politics
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
Polanski’s increasing popularity has huge implications for the future of British politics
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
The Green surge is about to break Labour
Polanski's increasing popularity has huge implications for the future of British politics
www.newstatesman.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:48 AM
The Green surge is about to break Labour
Polanski’s increasing popularity has huge implications for the future of British politics
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
Polanski’s increasing popularity has huge implications for the future of British politics
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
X effect: How Elon Musk is boosting the British right
X effect: How Elon Musk is boosting the British right
Sky's Tom Cheshire explains how Elon Musk's X is boosting the British right.
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
X effect: How Elon Musk is boosting the British right
Reposted by Matt Polacko
The UK Must Urgently Distance Itself From Elon Musk and Space X, Warns Parliamentary Report
The UK’s infrastructure has become far too reliant on the far-right billionaire, who could ‘politicise’ our reliance upon his companies, the report warns
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/t...
The UK’s infrastructure has become far too reliant on the far-right billionaire, who could ‘politicise’ our reliance upon his companies, the report warns
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/t...
The UK Must Urgently Distance Itself From Elon Musk and Space X, Warns Parliamentary Report
The UK's infrastructure has become far too reliant on the far-right billionaire, who could 'politicise' our reliance upon his companies, the report warns
bylinetimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:10 AM
The UK Must Urgently Distance Itself From Elon Musk and Space X, Warns Parliamentary Report
The UK’s infrastructure has become far too reliant on the far-right billionaire, who could ‘politicise’ our reliance upon his companies, the report warns
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/t...
The UK’s infrastructure has become far too reliant on the far-right billionaire, who could ‘politicise’ our reliance upon his companies, the report warns
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/04/t...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
Economic Anger Once Again Punishes the Party in Power: The biggest contests on Tuesday were decided by voters who listed the economy or the cost of living as the top issue where they live.
(WSJ-unlocked)
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
(WSJ-unlocked)
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
November 6, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Economic Anger Once Again Punishes the Party in Power: The biggest contests on Tuesday were decided by voters who listed the economy or the cost of living as the top issue where they live.
(WSJ-unlocked)
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
(WSJ-unlocked)
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
I reviewed Susan Stokes's new book, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies, for Washington Monthly. This is an important book b/c it explains the connection between economic inequality and the rise of authoritarianism.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/30/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/30/t...
Tyranny Is Downstream From the Economy
While the causes of modern authoritarianism have been hotly debated, studies increasingly point to income inequality as the prime culprit.
washingtonmonthly.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:24 PM
I reviewed Susan Stokes's new book, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies, for Washington Monthly. This is an important book b/c it explains the connection between economic inequality and the rise of authoritarianism.
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/30/t...
washingtonmonthly.com/2025/10/30/t...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
📰 Many PR firms work for brutal regimes — polishing their image, attacking critics + helping dictators cling to power.
🚫 @alexdukalskis.bsky.social, Christian Gläßel & @ascharpf.bsky.social ask: why does this happen, and what can democratic societies do to stop it?
👉 bit.ly/496GA6Y
🚫 @alexdukalskis.bsky.social, Christian Gläßel & @ascharpf.bsky.social ask: why does this happen, and what can democratic societies do to stop it?
👉 bit.ly/496GA6Y
PR firms are working for brutal regimes, and getting away with it
Many PR firms work for brutal regimes — polishing their image, attacking critics, and helping dictators cling to power. Alexander Dukalskis, Christian Gläßel, and Adam Scharpf ask: why does this happe...
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 10:17 AM
📰 Many PR firms work for brutal regimes — polishing their image, attacking critics + helping dictators cling to power.
🚫 @alexdukalskis.bsky.social, Christian Gläßel & @ascharpf.bsky.social ask: why does this happen, and what can democratic societies do to stop it?
👉 bit.ly/496GA6Y
🚫 @alexdukalskis.bsky.social, Christian Gläßel & @ascharpf.bsky.social ask: why does this happen, and what can democratic societies do to stop it?
👉 bit.ly/496GA6Y
Reposted by Matt Polacko
In the hunt for billions in defence dollars, the federal government has chosen to follow the neoliberal playbook—shrinking government, cutting taxes and leaving more to the private sector. This leads to greater inequality. @kjscott.bsky.social #budget2025 www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
The path to prosperity set out in budget 2025 leaves millions behind - CCPA
The millions struggling to pay their rent and put food on the table were looking for relief in budget 2025—and they were disappointed.
www.policyalternatives.ca
November 6, 2025 at 3:55 PM
In the hunt for billions in defence dollars, the federal government has chosen to follow the neoliberal playbook—shrinking government, cutting taxes and leaving more to the private sector. This leads to greater inequality. @kjscott.bsky.social #budget2025 www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
If guaranteeing essentials sounds radical, it speaks to how far we’ve drifted from democracy’s core promises. Markets will not beat back the far right. But an antifascist economics might. Mamdani provides a playbook for democrats around the world.
My latest www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My latest www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Zohran Mamdani shows how Democrats can defeat authoritarians like Trump | Isabella Weber
Democrats have two choices: fight to make life affordable again for ordinary people or watch voters embrace authoritarians
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:23 PM
If guaranteeing essentials sounds radical, it speaks to how far we’ve drifted from democracy’s core promises. Markets will not beat back the far right. But an antifascist economics might. Mamdani provides a playbook for democrats around the world.
My latest www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My latest www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Matt Polacko
"This budget seems to have a case of mistaken identity [...] Instead of making historic investments to modernize and update health and social care, they are asking under-resourced systems to increasingly do more, with less."
Read the latest from @danyaalraza.com : www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Read the latest from @danyaalraza.com : www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
November 6, 2025 at 8:21 PM
"This budget seems to have a case of mistaken identity [...] Instead of making historic investments to modernize and update health and social care, they are asking under-resourced systems to increasingly do more, with less."
Read the latest from @danyaalraza.com : www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Read the latest from @danyaalraza.com : www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...