There's a rational explanation for gridlock, finds Prof. Wioletta Dziuda—and it means our politicians might be more rational than we give them credit for January 25, 2016 Jake J. Smith Whenever Congress can’t reach a decision on an important issue, news anchors and pundits love to boil the problem down to personality flaws. Our legislators, we’re told, are acting childish, headstrong, or just plain stubborn. But what if there was a rational explanation for gridlock—and it meant elected representatives are actually rational, forward-thinking decision-makers? Chicago Harris Assistant Professor Wioletta Dziuda recently coauthored a paper that used game theory to set up a bargaining scenario, similar to that used in Congress. Playing out that scenario, it became clear: political polarization was almost impossible to avoid. Her findings suggest new ways for legislators to prevent partisan standoffs in the future. To make sure you never miss a new episode of Radio Harris, subscribe on iTunesor follow us on SoundCloud! Faculty Spotlight Wioletta Dziuda Associate Professor and Deputy Dean for Faculty and Research Wioletta Dziuda is an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Upcoming Events More events SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Challenge Program for High School Students: Navigating US College Admissions with Ranjan Daniels Mon., April 29, 2024 | 8:00 AM Data & Policy Summer Scholar (DPSS) Roundtable with Alumni Mon., April 29, 2024 | 7:30 PM Harris Evening Master's Program Class Visit—Economic Analysis III: Public Finance and Budgeting With Professor Justin Marlowe Tue., April 30, 2024 | 5:45 PM Convene 311 West Monroe St. 2nd Floor Reception Chicago, IL 60606 United States
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