#77: The Politics of Self-Interest: Leveling the Playing Field with NYU Political Scientist Bruce Bueno de Mesquita

“Politics is about doing what your constituents want.”

According to CIA consultant, political scientist, and NYU Professor Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, that’s just how politics works. Bueno de Mesquita has built complex political algorithms based on this principle — developing mathematical analyses that draw on the logic of self-interest to predict civil wars, coup d'etats, purges, and political reforms. His upcoming book, co-authored with Alastair Smith, offers a new theory on why revolutions happen, and why politicians act the way they do.

He joins The IVY Podcast to provide clarity on the Trump administration’s current actions, and why a U.S. President may have no real political incentive to act in interest of all Americans. He also offers a solution to improving governance that would use computer programs to eliminate gerrymandering.