Didi Kuo
About Didi
Kuo is a scholar of comparative and American politics. Her research focuses on democratization, political parties, and the relationship of democracy and capitalism. Kuo engages with civic groups and policymakers interested in political reform.
Contributions
What History Teaches about Reforming U.S. Political Parties and Governance
No Jargon Podcast
In the News
Publications
Explains how parties transition from clientelism towards programmatic politics. Uses the historical cases of the United States and Britain to advance a theory of capitalist interests against clientelism. Shows how new economic actors pushed for programmatic reforms.
Describes why there are two trajectories of reform at the state level: one that tries to open the franchise and lower the cost of voting, and another that creates barriers to voting. Explains the history of voting rights in America and argues that access to the ballot remains contested.
Explains the drawbacks of single-member district, first-past-the-post elections. Advocates for preferential voting and proportional representation, drawing on the experiences of New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, and other countries that have reformed their electoral systems.