Dakoda Trithara
@trithara.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Political Science at University of South Carolina Aiken. Views my own.
“Without a guiding ethos of teaching and learning, we may be shaping an amoral omniscient teacher able to influence millions with no pedagogical or ethical framework… we must question who is responsible for their education, at what levels, including ethical, social, technical, and institutional.”
"AI in education revives old debates on who defines and teaches 'truth.' As LLMs shape how knowledge is built and shared, tech firms, not states, could emerge as new global educators. ... able to influence millions with no pedagogical or ethical framework." www.unesco.org/en/articles/...
Who educates the LLMs?
AI in education revives old debates on who defines and teaches “truth.” As LLMs shape how knowledge is built and shared, tech firms, not states, could emerge as new global educators
www.unesco.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:31 PM
“Without a guiding ethos of teaching and learning, we may be shaping an amoral omniscient teacher able to influence millions with no pedagogical or ethical framework… we must question who is responsible for their education, at what levels, including ethical, social, technical, and institutional.”
“Additionally, I cannot verify that agency data is being used in accordance with legal agreements or in compliance with federal requirements.“
BREAKING: Social Security Administration chief data officer and whistle-blower Charles Borges has resigned after bombshell report that SSA put highly-sensitive data at risk. He sent out an email to colleagues moments ago.
Here is the text of his email shared with me:
Here is the text of his email shared with me:
August 30, 2025 at 12:05 AM
“Additionally, I cannot verify that agency data is being used in accordance with legal agreements or in compliance with federal requirements.“
Stock buybacks were considered market manipulation until 1982. Rather than invest in R&D, expansion, or higher wages, buying back shares reduces the number of shares available for public trading. This inflates the stock price and boosts dividends, increasing the value for existing shareholders.
American corporations are on pace to spend $1.1 trillion on stock buybacks in 2025, an all-time high.
Buybacks don't create more jobs, increase wages, or grow the economy — but they do help juice CEO pay that's often tied to stock performance.
Nothing trickles down to workers.
Buybacks don't create more jobs, increase wages, or grow the economy — but they do help juice CEO pay that's often tied to stock performance.
Nothing trickles down to workers.
August 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Stock buybacks were considered market manipulation until 1982. Rather than invest in R&D, expansion, or higher wages, buying back shares reduces the number of shares available for public trading. This inflates the stock price and boosts dividends, increasing the value for existing shareholders.
Visa and MC should not use their dominance in the global payments processing sector to engage in financial censorship and dictate what digital storefronts can sell and what consumers can buy. This impacts the liberties of people around the globe. No one wants MC telling them what they can’t buy.
Steam and itch.io have removed thousands of video games in recent weeks deemed to be "adult content" in order to comply with strict rules from payment processors like Mastercard.
These policies censor artists engaged in lawful speech. Mastercard shouldn't be the gatekeepers of our digital freedom.
These policies censor artists engaged in lawful speech. Mastercard shouldn't be the gatekeepers of our digital freedom.
Why did thousands of adult titles just disappear from the biggest PC gaming marketplaces?
Digital distribution platforms Steam and itch.io have tightened their rules about adult content – under pressure from payment processors. Why has this happened and where will it lead?
www.theguardian.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Visa and MC should not use their dominance in the global payments processing sector to engage in financial censorship and dictate what digital storefronts can sell and what consumers can buy. This impacts the liberties of people around the globe. No one wants MC telling them what they can’t buy.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
The Supreme Court’s “shadow docket” has cast very different shadows depending on which party holds the White House.
When lower courts blocked Trump admin policies, SCOTUS intervened on an emergency basis to lift those orders in 77% of cases.
For the Biden administration, that number was 0%.
When lower courts blocked Trump admin policies, SCOTUS intervened on an emergency basis to lift those orders in 77% of cases.
For the Biden administration, that number was 0%.
July 9, 2025 at 6:13 PM
The Supreme Court’s “shadow docket” has cast very different shadows depending on which party holds the White House.
When lower courts blocked Trump admin policies, SCOTUS intervened on an emergency basis to lift those orders in 77% of cases.
For the Biden administration, that number was 0%.
When lower courts blocked Trump admin policies, SCOTUS intervened on an emergency basis to lift those orders in 77% of cases.
For the Biden administration, that number was 0%.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Three-quarters of US universities surveyed in recent weeks anticipate a fall in international student numbers this year, with the majority expecting a drop of at least 10%. https://on.ft.com/4lHIaiz
July 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Three-quarters of US universities surveyed in recent weeks anticipate a fall in international student numbers this year, with the majority expecting a drop of at least 10%. https://on.ft.com/4lHIaiz
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
1/ A remarkable essay by two eminent Israeli scholars
"We wrote this essay to give [former IDF chief of staff's] words legal backing... We felt compelled to fulfill our human, conscientious, and civic duty, as Israelis – and as Zionists – who have expertise in areas related to the IDF’s ... order."
"We wrote this essay to give [former IDF chief of staff's] words legal backing... We felt compelled to fulfill our human, conscientious, and civic duty, as Israelis – and as Zionists – who have expertise in areas related to the IDF’s ... order."
Moving the Population in Gaza is a Manifest War Crime
We wrote this essay to fulfill our human, conscientious, and civic duty, as Israelis – and as Zionists – who have expertise in areas related to the IDF’s order.
www.justsecurity.org
July 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
1/ A remarkable essay by two eminent Israeli scholars
"We wrote this essay to give [former IDF chief of staff's] words legal backing... We felt compelled to fulfill our human, conscientious, and civic duty, as Israelis – and as Zionists – who have expertise in areas related to the IDF’s ... order."
"We wrote this essay to give [former IDF chief of staff's] words legal backing... We felt compelled to fulfill our human, conscientious, and civic duty, as Israelis – and as Zionists – who have expertise in areas related to the IDF’s ... order."
On this Independence Day, the United States government, led by a Republican president with a majority in both chambers of Congress, passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill touches on numerous parts of society, carrying heavy consequences for real people.
July 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
On this Independence Day, the United States government, led by a Republican president with a majority in both chambers of Congress, passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill touches on numerous parts of society, carrying heavy consequences for real people.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
If the GOP reconciliation bill passes, ICE gets through FY2029:
- $45 billion for detention, on top of the current annual budget of $3.4 billion
- $14.4 billion for transportation and removal, on top of the current annual budget of $750 million
- $8 billion for hiring/retention
- Billions more.
- $45 billion for detention, on top of the current annual budget of $3.4 billion
- $14.4 billion for transportation and removal, on top of the current annual budget of $750 million
- $8 billion for hiring/retention
- Billions more.
June 28, 2025 at 10:07 PM
If the GOP reconciliation bill passes, ICE gets through FY2029:
- $45 billion for detention, on top of the current annual budget of $3.4 billion
- $14.4 billion for transportation and removal, on top of the current annual budget of $750 million
- $8 billion for hiring/retention
- Billions more.
- $45 billion for detention, on top of the current annual budget of $3.4 billion
- $14.4 billion for transportation and removal, on top of the current annual budget of $750 million
- $8 billion for hiring/retention
- Billions more.
The 5% commitment has two categories: 3.5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements, and up to 1.5% of GDP annually to protect critical infrastructure, defend networks, ensure civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen defence industrial base.
June 25, 2025 at 1:33 PM
The 5% commitment has two categories: 3.5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements, and up to 1.5% of GDP annually to protect critical infrastructure, defend networks, ensure civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen defence industrial base.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
In a more serious country, unilaterally withdrawing from the JCPOA would have immediately ended Trump's first presidency & destroyed the GOP's reputation on national security policy for a generation 🧐
June 16, 2025 at 2:57 PM
In a more serious country, unilaterally withdrawing from the JCPOA would have immediately ended Trump's first presidency & destroyed the GOP's reputation on national security policy for a generation 🧐
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong hit with new charges
Jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong hit with new charges
Wong accused of conspiracy in move rights groups condemn as ‘outrageous’ attempt to keep influential dissident imprisoned
Jailed pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been hit with further national security charges, a move rights groups said showed the Hong Kong government was trying to keep dissidents behind bars for as long as possible.
Wong, a well-known activist who has been in jail for more than four years either awaiting trial or serving sentences, is accused of conspiracy to collude with a foreign country. He appeared in court on Friday to hear the charge and did not apply for bail. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
June 7, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong hit with new charges
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Homeland Security Defies Orders, Engages In More Human Trafficking
Eight men were put on a plane from Texas, bound for South Sudan — a country the State Department warns Americans not to travel to because of "crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict." None of these men were from South Sudan. The…
Eight men were put on a plane from Texas, bound for South Sudan — a country the State Department warns Americans not to travel to because of "crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict." None of these men were from South Sudan. The…
Homeland Security Defies Orders, Engages In More Human Trafficking
Eight men were put on a plane from Texas, bound for South Sudan — a country the State Department warns Americans not to travel to because of "crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict." None of these men were from South Sudan. The Trump administration shipped them there anyway, in direct violation of a federal court order. This week, lawyers filed an emergency motion…
www.techdirt.com
May 23, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Homeland Security Defies Orders, Engages In More Human Trafficking
Eight men were put on a plane from Texas, bound for South Sudan — a country the State Department warns Americans not to travel to because of "crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict." None of these men were from South Sudan. The…
Eight men were put on a plane from Texas, bound for South Sudan — a country the State Department warns Americans not to travel to because of "crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict." None of these men were from South Sudan. The…
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Russell Vought, acting head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has canceled plans to introduce new rules designed to limit the ability of US data brokers to sell Americans’ most sensitive data, credit history, and Social Security numbers.
CFPB Quietly Kills Rule to Shield Americans From Data Brokers
Russell Vought, acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has canceled plans to more tightly regulate the sale of Americans’ sensitive personal data.
wrd.cm
May 18, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Russell Vought, acting head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has canceled plans to introduce new rules designed to limit the ability of US data brokers to sell Americans’ most sensitive data, credit history, and Social Security numbers.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged Sunday that Walmart, the largest U.S. retailer, may pass along some of the costs from President Donald Trump’s tariffs to its shoppers through higher prices.
Bessent acknowledges Trump's tariffs may mean shoppers will pay more at Walmart
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged Sunday that Walmart, the largest U.S. retailer, may pass along some of the costs from President Donald Trump’s tariffs to its shoppers through higher…
buff.ly
May 18, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged Sunday that Walmart, the largest U.S. retailer, may pass along some of the costs from President Donald Trump’s tariffs to its shoppers through higher prices.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Apple updates App Store guidelines in wake of seismic judgement, paving way for Fortnite's return
www.eurogamer.net/apple-update...
www.eurogamer.net/apple-update...
May 2, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Apple updates App Store guidelines in wake of seismic judgement, paving way for Fortnite's return
www.eurogamer.net/apple-update...
www.eurogamer.net/apple-update...
Since FDR, US presidents are traditionally evaluated after their first 100 days. This year, I contributed an article to a series by scholars assessing President Trump's second first 100 days. If you're interested in US foreign policy, check it out!
The First 100 Days of Trump 2.0: A Foreign Policy Assessment
The first 100 days of President Trump’s second term marks a departure from established US foreign policy, focusing on dismantling international aid and agreements. His administration’s action…
clioandthecontemporary.com
April 30, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Since FDR, US presidents are traditionally evaluated after their first 100 days. This year, I contributed an article to a series by scholars assessing President Trump's second first 100 days. If you're interested in US foreign policy, check it out!
The DOJ wants Google to divest from Chrome and to end exclusive distribution agreements with Apple and Samsung (Google paid billions to establish its search engine as the default on phones and lock out competitors). DOJ also wants to see a ban on similar agreements for AI products like Gemini.
After a federal judge ruled that Google had a monopoly on the search market, the tech giant and the government are in court to debate penalties. One possible result: forcing Google to spin off Chrome.
The Justice Department and Google battle over how to fix a search engine monopoly
After a federal judge ruled that Google had a monopoly on the search market, the tech giant and the government are in court to debate penalties. One possible result: Forcing Google to spin off Chrome.
www.npr.org
April 22, 2025 at 2:21 AM
The DOJ wants Google to divest from Chrome and to end exclusive distribution agreements with Apple and Samsung (Google paid billions to establish its search engine as the default on phones and lock out competitors). DOJ also wants to see a ban on similar agreements for AI products like Gemini.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
UPDATE: It happened. In an 11:15 meeting, employees were told that the office has been eliminated and their positions will be terminated.
SCOOP: sources tell me that the State Dept plans to eliminate its only office to counter foreign disinformation, as soon as today, delivering a win to foreign governments like Russia, Iran, and China—and the office's mostly conservative critics.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/04/16/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/04/16/1...
US office that counters foreign disinformation is being eliminated, say officials
Conservative critics have long accused the department of helping to censor the American right.
www.technologyreview.com
April 16, 2025 at 3:34 PM
UPDATE: It happened. In an 11:15 meeting, employees were told that the office has been eliminated and their positions will be terminated.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Were wealthy donors key to Trump’s campaigns in 2016 and 2020?
I'm thrilled to announce a new paper in which Sean Kates, Eric Manning, Tali Mendelberg and I analyzed data on 108 million (!) homeowner-voters.
See “Plutopopulism: Wealth and Trump’s Financial Base.” Open access: cup.org/4cfm0Az 🧵 1/
I'm thrilled to announce a new paper in which Sean Kates, Eric Manning, Tali Mendelberg and I analyzed data on 108 million (!) homeowner-voters.
See “Plutopopulism: Wealth and Trump’s Financial Base.” Open access: cup.org/4cfm0Az 🧵 1/
April 16, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Were wealthy donors key to Trump’s campaigns in 2016 and 2020?
I'm thrilled to announce a new paper in which Sean Kates, Eric Manning, Tali Mendelberg and I analyzed data on 108 million (!) homeowner-voters.
See “Plutopopulism: Wealth and Trump’s Financial Base.” Open access: cup.org/4cfm0Az 🧵 1/
I'm thrilled to announce a new paper in which Sean Kates, Eric Manning, Tali Mendelberg and I analyzed data on 108 million (!) homeowner-voters.
See “Plutopopulism: Wealth and Trump’s Financial Base.” Open access: cup.org/4cfm0Az 🧵 1/
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
Either the U.S. government *is* able to exert monetary and diplomatic pressure on El Salvador sufficient to produce Abrego Garcia’s release, or it isn’t.
The latter would be either a bald-faced lie or a pretty stunning concession of our national impotence. The Vice President should pick one.
The latter would be either a bald-faced lie or a pretty stunning concession of our national impotence. The Vice President should pick one.
April 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Either the U.S. government *is* able to exert monetary and diplomatic pressure on El Salvador sufficient to produce Abrego Garcia’s release, or it isn’t.
The latter would be either a bald-faced lie or a pretty stunning concession of our national impotence. The Vice President should pick one.
The latter would be either a bald-faced lie or a pretty stunning concession of our national impotence. The Vice President should pick one.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
“No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Alan Garber, Harvard’s president, said about President Trump's demands. nyti.ms/4jzSS9W
April 14, 2025 at 8:46 PM
“No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue,” Alan Garber, Harvard’s president, said about President Trump's demands. nyti.ms/4jzSS9W
The FTC argues Meta’s acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp was part of a strategy to eliminate competition and maintain monopoly power over the social media market. The government contends that a "buy or bury" strategy drove Meta's acquisitions.
The government plans to call Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg to the witness stand. The trial is expected to run nearly two months in a federal courtroom in Washington.
The biggest trial in Meta's history starts today. Here's what to know
The government plans to call Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg to the witness stand. The trial is expected to run nearly two months in a federal courtroom in Washington.
www.npr.org
April 14, 2025 at 11:08 AM
The FTC argues Meta’s acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp was part of a strategy to eliminate competition and maintain monopoly power over the social media market. The government contends that a "buy or bury" strategy drove Meta's acquisitions.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
This feels like the defining image from this year’s Midwest Political Science Association annual meeting.
The National Science Foundatipn paid for a booth in the exhibit hall. But the booth sits empty, because NSF has been DOGE’d, and there is no one left to send.
The National Science Foundatipn paid for a booth in the exhibit hall. But the booth sits empty, because NSF has been DOGE’d, and there is no one left to send.
April 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
This feels like the defining image from this year’s Midwest Political Science Association annual meeting.
The National Science Foundatipn paid for a booth in the exhibit hall. But the booth sits empty, because NSF has been DOGE’d, and there is no one left to send.
The National Science Foundatipn paid for a booth in the exhibit hall. But the booth sits empty, because NSF has been DOGE’d, and there is no one left to send.
Reposted by Dakoda Trithara
The Heard and McDonald Islands in the remote Antarctic, which together form another Australian territory — this one uninhabited — is on the Trump administration's list and subject to 10% tariffs. to.pbs.org/3FUqhxk
5 places Trump has targeted for tariffs even though they have few or no exports
The Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs have touched rocky outcrops home to polar bears in the Arctic, tiny tropical islands and a former British penal colony whose leader is befuddled that it was...
to.pbs.org
April 3, 2025 at 3:07 PM
The Heard and McDonald Islands in the remote Antarctic, which together form another Australian territory — this one uninhabited — is on the Trump administration's list and subject to 10% tariffs. to.pbs.org/3FUqhxk