Saving American Political Science and Saving America: Reflections and Recommendations to Restore Pluralism

Key Points In the 20th century, the American Political Science Association (APSA) and the field it represents promoted pluralism, but because of behind-the-scenes pressure from activists and generational change, in the 21st century the APSA has shifted left in its personnel, leadership, and conference structuring. We can ensure a more scientifically rigorous and politically legitimate field by restoring ideological pluralism, which will require conservative political scientists to come out of the closet and build bridges with fellow pluralists on the center and left. Policymakers can help promote pluralism by withholding funds from (secular) colleges that limit free expression through means such as required diversity, equity, and inclusion statements. They can also help by improving K–12 schooling to highlight pluralism and tell the true history of Marx­ism rather than that presented by critical theorists. Read the full pdf. The December 5, 2023, House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing on antisemitism in higher education embarrassed American political science (of which I am a part). Two of the three university presidents who disgraced themselves have degrees in my field and received them from elite colleges. 1 In his classic