LightNews
politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung
@politicsprof.bsky.social
440 followers 460 following 210 posts

Director @[email protected]. Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship, Harvard Kennedy School. I study participatory democracy. All views expressed here are my own.

Videos

Archon Fung is the Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Democracy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and co-founder of the Transparency Policy Project. Fung served as an assistant professor of public policy at the Kennedy School from July 1999–June 2004, then as an associate professor of public policy at the Kennedy School from July 2004–October 2007, and finally as a professor of public policy from October 2007–March 2009 before being named as the Ford Foundation Chair of Democracy and Citizenship in March 2009. In 2015, he was elected to the Common Cause National Governing Board. .. more

Physics 29%
Political science 28%
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 38m
Proud of my alma mater. MIT stands up for its values and rejects Trump admin “compact.” @ryanenos.bsky.social

“fundamentally, the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone.“

orgchart.mit.edu/letters/rega...
Screen shot of part of MIT letter to Dept of Education, rejecting the “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” Highlighted text is: “ The document also includes principles with which we disagree, including those that would restrict freedom of expression and our independence as an institution. And fundamentally, the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone.”
1

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 20h
Will governors manage more collective action (to defend against military intervention) than universities and law firms?
iansociologo.bsky.social
Ian Carrillo @iansociologo.bsky.social · 20h
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...

Reposted by Archon Fung

iansociologo.bsky.social
Ian Carrillo @iansociologo.bsky.social · 20h
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...
4 8

Reposted by Archon Fung, Brendan Nyhan, Efrén O. Pérez , and 11 more

hahrie.bsky.social
Hahrie Han @hahrie.bsky.social · 1d
Totally, completely flabbergasted. #MacFellow

hub.jhu.edu/2025/10/08/h...
Johns Hopkins political scientist Hahrie Han receives MacArthur genius grant
Han, who studies political organizing and collective action and who has led the university's SNF Agora Institute since 2019, among 22 individuals to receive coveted MacArthur Foundation recognition
hub.jhu.edu
92 150 1.8K

Reposted by Archon Fung

bostonreview.bsky.social
Boston Review @bostonreview.bsky.social · 1d
TOMORROW: Join us in Chicago for the launch of our 50th anniversary issue with Cathy J. Cohen, Adom Getachew, @rickperlstein.bsky.social, and Joshua Cohen.

Register now: www.tickettailor.com/events/hayma...
4 6

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 2d
If federal troops in cities continues or expands, do you expect to see:

1. No escalation (some protests, like not, but not much more)
2. Escalation in the form of peaceful protests
3. Violent resistance and low intensity conflict, ala British occupation of Northern Ireland
4. Other (describe)
1

Reposted by Archon Fung

fishkin.bsky.social
Joey Fishkin @fishkin.bsky.social · 2d
Good conversation this morning with @politicsprof.bsky.social & @stephenricher.bsky.social about the proposed Trump "compact" on their Terms of Engagement podcast. Video at the link below.

My emphasis was: ignore the lofty goals and keep your eye on the enforcement mechanism—who has what power.
The Art of the Higher Education Deal?
YouTube video by Harvard Ash Center
www.youtube.com
2 3

Reposted by Ben H. Ansell, Archon Fung

jameeljaffer.bsky.social
Jameel Jaffer @jameeljaffer.bsky.social · 3d
It was incredibly moving to hear Prof Nickel and other non-citizen professors testify in court about the ways in which the arrests and deportations of students had affected them and their colleagues. So grateful to them for their integrity and courage. www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...
26 99

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 3d
Let’s talk about the Trump administration’s “Compact” with higher education: compromise or capitulation? @stephenricher.bsky.social, Joey Fishkin, and me on the next Terms of Engagement: Tues noon ET.

www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Terms of Engagement - YouTube
Hosted by Archon Fung and Stephen Richer, Terms of Engagement is a live conversation about the latest developments in American politics. Blending perspective...
www.youtube.com
1

Reposted by Archon Fung

iansociologo.bsky.social
Ian Carrillo @iansociologo.bsky.social · 4d
www.usmayors.org/wp-content/u...
The Oklahoma City Declaration The American experiment has endured for nearly 250 years because it is perhaps the most effective alternative to political violence yet created. American democratic processes provide avenues for issues of public concern to be deliberated. Compromise is compelled, resulting in outcomes that incorporate elements of many competing viewpoints. Minority viewpoints are protected to a reasonable degree. Disputes are resolved through a judicial process. The entire system is governed by written laws, which can only be changed through the democratic process. Political violence is the ultimate rejection of the experiment and it is held accountable. The American experiment requires acceptance of: • Pluralism – There will always be others who hold different views than you. • Compromise – Outcomes will reflect many views. Your preferences will never be adopted exactly as you desired. • Persuasion – If you want maximum adoption of your views, you must convince more people of their merit. This occurs via political arguments that change minds, not the threat of violence. The American experiment is an outlier in human history. It has proven so effective, however, that it has unleashed unprecedented freedom, prosperity and innovation upon the entire world. Where there are shortcomings, the experiment contains the means for self-improvement. In spite of the experiment’s success, some Americans have still turned to political violence. They have rejected the realities of pluralism, compromise and persuasion. In the wake of every major instance of political violence, our nation has ultimately recommitted to the experiment. As America’s mayors, we make our recommitment with this declaration. Mayors live the American experiment like no one else. Running a city demands constant action and results. And so, every day, mayors guide our residents through these democratic processes, respecting pluralism, seeking compromise, and…
2 14 28

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 6d
1A

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 7d
Suggest that the President, Vice President, and all members of White House staff refrain from "punishing, belittling, and even sparking violence against" progressive ideas for one month before requiring similar of higher education institutions.

www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/u...
3

Reposted by Nancy Kanwisher, Ryan Enos

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 8d
“I swear fidelity to the King… and to the Fascist regime, and I swear to respect the [National Fascist Party’s] Statute…, and to fulfill my teacher’s and all academics’ duties … of preparing industrious and righteous citizens, patriotic and devoted to the Fascist regime”
ryanenos.bsky.social
Ryan Enos @ryanenos.bsky.social · 8d
blognostrumuva.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/t...
5 7

Reposted by Archon Fung, Nancy Kanwisher

ryanenos.bsky.social
Ryan Enos @ryanenos.bsky.social · 8d
blognostrumuva.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/t...
1 9 28

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 9d
Hang in there, and I look forward to visiting the library again when you re-open.
2

Reposted by Elizabeth Saunders, Archon Fung, Tobias Kuemmerle , and 5 more

britannica.com
Encyclopaedia Britannica @britannica.com · 9d
(solemnly) You've had mail.
120 2.9K 6.9K

Reposted by Stuart White

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 9d
Huge kudos today to the American Association of University Professors and its Harvard chapter.
reichlinmelnick.bsky.social
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 9d
Judge Young: "This case ... squarely presents the issue whether non-citizens lawfully present here in United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us. The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally 'yes, they do.' 'No law' means 'no law.'"
This case -– perhaps the most important ever to fall within the jurisdiction of this district court –- squarely presents the issue whether non-citizens lawfully present here in United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us. The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally “yes, they do.” “No law” means “no law.” The First Amendment does not draw President Trump’s invidious distinction and it is not to be found in our history or jurisprudence. See Section III.A infra. No one’s freedom of speech is unlimited, of course, but these limits are the same for both citizens and non-citizens alike.
2 2

Reposted by Elizabeth Saunders, Archon Fung, Brendan Nyhan , and 8 more

reichlinmelnick.bsky.social
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 9d
Judge Young: "This case ... squarely presents the issue whether non-citizens lawfully present here in United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us. The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally 'yes, they do.' 'No law' means 'no law.'"
This case -– perhaps the most important ever to fall within the jurisdiction of this district court –- squarely presents the issue whether non-citizens lawfully present here in United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us. The Court answers this Constitutional question unequivocally “yes, they do.” “No law” means “no law.” The First Amendment does not draw President Trump’s invidious distinction and it is not to be found in our history or jurisprudence. See Section III.A infra. No one’s freedom of speech is unlimited, of course, but these limits are the same for both citizens and non-citizens alike.
18 680 2.3K

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 10d
Do the Comey indictment and Pres Nat Security Memo 7 on domestic terrorism mark an inflection point? Join @stephenricher.bsky.social , @alexwhiting.bsky.social, and me for Terms of Engagement today at noon ET.

www.youtube.com/live/OR8jneg...
Trump Targets Domestic Terrorism, James Comey Indicted
YouTube video by Harvard Ash Center
www.youtube.com
1

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 10d
That’s a lot of subscriptions!
marisakabas.bsky.social
Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 10d
SCOOP / UPDATE — Disney saw more than 1.7 million total paid streaming cancelations during the period 9/17-9/23, a Disney source confirms to me. The total includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN.
marisakabas.bsky.social
Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 16d
NEW — I wrote about my confirmed scoop from last night that Disney hastened Kimmel's return because of a planned Disney+ streaming price increase announcement coming on Tuesday:

Reposted by Archon Fung, Will Jennings, Steve Peers , and 10 more

marisakabas.bsky.social
Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 10d
SCOOP / UPDATE — Disney saw more than 1.7 million total paid streaming cancelations during the period 9/17-9/23, a Disney source confirms to me. The total includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN.
marisakabas.bsky.social
Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 16d
NEW — I wrote about my confirmed scoop from last night that Disney hastened Kimmel's return because of a planned Disney+ streaming price increase announcement coming on Tuesday:
Kimmel reinstatement preempted Disney+ price increase
The Handbasket reported first Monday evening on Bluesky
www.thehandbasket.co
210 2.5K 8K

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 11d
Not left vs right, but federal vs. local:

“Recent statements by the president suggesting Portland needs federal military intervention are inaccurate and counterproductive,” said an open letter released Sunday by the Portland Metro Chamber and signed by more than 100 organizations and leaders”
wsj.com
The Wall Street Journal @wsj.com · 11d
Oregon political and business leaders urged President Trump to stop “perpetuating outdated narratives” about Portland and not deploy federal troops there. Trump said the city is “war ravaged.”
It’s Trump vs. Portland Again in Clash Over Federal Troops
Some Oregon business and political leaders say the president is “perpetuating outdated narratives,” about the city while federal authorities call for protection at a local ICE facility.
on.wsj.com
1

Reposted by Archon Fung

schneier.com
Schneier on Security @schneier.com · 11d
Abusing Notion’s AI Agent for Data Theft

Notion just released version 3.0, complete with AI agents. Because the system contains Simon Willson's lethal trifecta, it's vulnerable to data theft though prompt injection. First, the trifecta: The lethal trifecta of capabilities is: Access to your…
Abusing Notion’s AI Agent for Data Theft
Notion just released version 3.0, complete with AI agents. Because the system contains Simon Willson's lethal trifecta, it's vulnerable to data theft though prompt injection. First, the trifecta: The lethal trifecta of capabilities is: Access to your private data -- one of the most common purposes of tools in the first place! Exposure to untrusted content -- any mechanism by which text (or images) controlled by a malicious attacker could become available to your LLM …
www.schneier.com
1 3

Reposted by Archon Fung

wsj.com
The Wall Street Journal @wsj.com · 11d
Oregon political and business leaders urged President Trump to stop “perpetuating outdated narratives” about Portland and not deploy federal troops there. Trump said the city is “war ravaged.”
It’s Trump vs. Portland Again in Clash Over Federal Troops
Some Oregon business and political leaders say the president is “perpetuating outdated narratives,” about the city while federal authorities call for protection at a local ICE facility.
on.wsj.com
2 3 25

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 11d
One standard way that universities used to deal with such controversies is to invite students and other upset affiliates in, do some deliberation to try to reach a common understanding based on good reasons, and adjust materials accordingly. I hope that happens in this case also, but alas…

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 15d
“I want to distinguish between chickenshit and cowardice”

A good distinction in the analysis of compliance…
adamserwer.bsky.social
Adam Serwer @adamserwer.bsky.social · 15d
Kimmel’s defiant return highlights one of the most disturbing dynamics of Trump II, that so many people in positions of leadership are chickenshit frauds who would rather fold in advance than put up anything resembling a fight www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Kimmel’s refusal to capitulate stands out because so many other well-situated people—those with the resources, platform, and power to stand up to the president, including, initially, the leaders of ABC—have surrendered, withdrawn, or become Trump sycophants themselves. One by one, American leaders supposedly committed to principles of free speech, due process, democracy, and equality have abandoned those ideals when menaced by the Trump administration. These cascading acts of cowardice from the people best positioned to resist Trump’s authoritarian power grabs have made Trump seem exponentially more powerful than he actually is, sapping strength from others who might have discovered the courage to stand up. Defending democracy requires a collective refusal to acquiesce to lawless behavior from many different sectors of society. All of these powerful people trying to save their own skin have effectively multiplied Trump’s attacks on constitutional government, by enhancing a false sense of inevitability and invincibility.
2

Reposted by Archon Fung, Stephen Pimpare

leedrutman.bsky.social
Lee Drutman @leedrutman.bsky.social · 15d
"Campaigns that should be building movements are instead building donor databases. Political energy that could mobilize communities gets redirected into optimizing email subject lines and testing which desperate plea extracts the most dollars from exhausted supporters."
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
The Fundraising-Industrial Complex Is Eating American Politics
New data reveals campaigns burn about a third of donations raised just asking for more donations
substack.com
5 14 54

Reposted by Timothy Snyder, Archon Fung, Will Jennings , and 7 more

adamserwer.bsky.social
Adam Serwer @adamserwer.bsky.social · 15d
Kimmel’s defiant return highlights one of the most disturbing dynamics of Trump II, that so many people in positions of leadership are chickenshit frauds who would rather fold in advance than put up anything resembling a fight www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Kimmel’s refusal to capitulate stands out because so many other well-situated people—those with the resources, platform, and power to stand up to the president, including, initially, the leaders of ABC—have surrendered, withdrawn, or become Trump sycophants themselves. One by one, American leaders supposedly committed to principles of free speech, due process, democracy, and equality have abandoned those ideals when menaced by the Trump administration. These cascading acts of cowardice from the people best positioned to resist Trump’s authoritarian power grabs have made Trump seem exponentially more powerful than he actually is, sapping strength from others who might have discovered the courage to stand up. Defending democracy requires a collective refusal to acquiesce to lawless behavior from many different sectors of society. All of these powerful people trying to save their own skin have effectively multiplied Trump’s attacks on constitutional government, by enhancing a false sense of inevitability and invincibility.
120 1.6K 6.4K

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 16d
Two important decisions by left intellectuals in history. Was Bertrand Russell wrong to refuse to debate fascist Oswald Mosley? Was Noam Chomsky wrong to defend alleged holocaust denier Robert Faurisson's right to publish? Different kinds of decisions, but different intuitions too.
olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social
Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social · 16d
"Common decency stigmatizes people that do not participate in it—removes them from voluntary association. We indeed have to live with one another, but terms and conditions apply."

me on why Ezra Klein should be ashamed / why shame is Good Actually

www.bostonreview.net/articles/how...
How Can We Live Together? - Boston Review
Ezra Klein is wrong: shame is essential.
www.bostonreview.net
3

politicsprof.bsky.social
Archon Fung @politicsprof.bsky.social · 16d
And “Where has all the leadership gone?” asked Eisner on X. “If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the First Amendment?”
3