Caroline Robbins

BJPolS abstract discussing the effectiveness of authoritarian governments in communication and policy-making, highlighting various strategies like addressing legislatures, managing media, and adapting foreign policies to foster acceptance and responsiveness.

From October 2025 -

Autocratic Audiences and Linguistic Complexity - https://cup.org/4hBO2t0

"findings contribute to an understanding of authoritarian co-optation, elite incentives, responsiveness, and propaganda"

- Nikita Khokhlov & Alexander Baturo

#OpenAccess

BJPolS abstract discussing the dynamics of political transparency and accountability, with a focus on democratic responsiveness and the behaviors of incumbents in a democratic setup.

NEW -

Dynamic Democratic Backsliding - https://cup.org/3X48Yzq

"I formulate and test predictions about how different sequences of backsliding shape accountability."

- Eddy S. F. Yeung

#OpenAccess

Listening to the Marching Chiefs play “Test Drive” in the rain has astronomically improved my mental health in the span of .2 seconds. This is how we achieve world peace.

It is something I am still learning, and by no means am I good at it. I will likely never perfect it. But it is true. And it’s important to remember to take care of you, even if it is an imperfect process. We can grow better together, friend :)

It’s nearing the end of OCD Awareness Week, so it is more important than ever to say:

If you struggle with OCD, you are not alone. It’s not a joke. Some days are extremely hard. Just know there are always people ready and willing to support you however they can. And it’s okay to ask them for help.

Started data collection on my first survey experiment of the academic year this morning!! 🎉

Stack of books with Jervis’s “How Statesmen Think”, “Perception and Misperception in International Politics,” Yarhi-Milo’s “Knowing the Adversary,” and Levitsky and Ziblatt’s “Tyranny of the Minority” and “How Democracies Die.”

1/3 of the summer reading list!

Officially finished my first year of coursework in a Ph.D. program (and did incredibly well, if I do say so myself).

So grateful for everyone who helped me along the way, so excited to see what the next year will bring!

Now onto summer research (let the literature reviews begin).

BJPolS abstract discussing a study on the impact of populist rhetoric on voter preferences and political competition.

NEW -

Winning Votes and Changing Minds: Do Populist Arguments Affect Candidate Evaluations and Issue Preferences? - cup.org/4jGIsVP

- @markuskollberg.bsky.social, @benlauderdale.bsky.social &
@chriswratil.bsky.social

#OpenAccess

Newly erected metal statue of the FSU letters with the S decorated with flowers, candles, and a poster with the text “thoughts and prayers change nothing. We want gun reform and mental health advocacy now.”

Close up of the poster reading “thoughts and prayers change nothing. We want gun reform and mental health advocacy now”

Walked the memorials again this afternoon.

“‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Change Nothing. We want gun reform and mental health advocacy NOW.”

The streets of heaven are once again far too crowded with angels tonight.

May those who passed find peace, those who continue to suffer find comfort, and their families, both those they were born to and those whose lives they have touched, receive support.

And may justice be served accordingly.

Warm-colored interior of the Palmer Hotel lobby in front of a dark wood table, tan walls, and palm plants.

View of the blue waters of Lake Michigan from a concrete bank

Chicago skyline at sunrise from a hotel window - tall skyscrapers and office buildings line the foreground an orange-yellow light near their rooftops as the sun comes up.

Chicago’s The Bean during a cloudy day with wet pavement from recent rain, backed by the city’s skyscrapers.

As my time at #MPSA2025 nears its end, I’m so grateful to everyone at the conference for a wonderful experience! There is incredible research in the works here, and I’m so excited to see our field continue to grow.

Many thanks to our lovely hosts in the Windy City, and safe travels to everyone!

APSA Statement on the Rights of International Scholars The American Political Science Association (APSA) is deeply disturbed by recent violations of the basic rights of international scholars in the United States. Over the past few weeks, there have been several reported instances of international students and scholars, legally residing and studying in the U.S., having their legal status threatened or rescinded by U.S. immigration officials. Students have been targeted through the revocation of green cards and visas, arrests, and in some cases, deportation.

APSA Statement on the Rights of International Scholars

The American Political Science Association (APSA) is deeply disturbed by recent violations of the basic rights of international scholars in the United States. Over the past few weeks, there have been several reported instances of international…

Polishing up MPSA work - many thanks to my colleagues who gave us fantastic advice and critique over these last few weeks!

(And I’m absolutely keeping the SignalGate joke in the presentation - I got a singular huff of amusement during the practice presentation and that’s all the validation I need)

Card with a cartoon person laying facedown in bed reading “Monday Morning! Roll again and move back the number of spaces shown on the dice.”

Card with a cartoon mayor standing at a lectern reading “You’ve been elected mayor. Pay $20 to every person who voted for you.”

Some of my favorite cards from the revised Community Chest - the mayoral one is a lil too accurate after the JEA debacle… 👀

Colorful board game box for the game “Jacksonville-Opoly” with the tagline “A fun game celebrating the bold new city of the south!”, a Monopoly game based on the city’s iconic landmarks and events.

Trying to take a break before the absolute insanity that these next five weeks will be, only to be reminded that my home city is deeply, *deeply* unserious.

The resurgence of absolutely incredible, powerful political cartoons is making me itch to get back to doing my own…

I am ye lowly grad student so posting them is probably not an option if I ever want a job, but the sketchbook is Right There… 👀✏️

… well then. We’ve got our work cut out for us.

Additional Source: www.systemicpeace.org/index.html

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” -The Onceler (Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax”)

A doodled truffula tree from the Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax, with the quote “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Working through the logistics of the Graham and Svolik (2020) model on voters’ acceptance of undemocratic behavior if it serves their personal policy preferences, and I had to doodle a reminder of why I do this because it’s getting a little too real out here.

Sent messages to my representatives, both at the university and in government.

Usually I don’t share my opinions publicly, but this is the hill I will gladly die on:

Fascism and repression have no place in this world.

And change only starts when we stop doomscrolling and start doing something.

A small snowpile with two acorn eyes and a small twig on top.

Objectively, my first-ever snowman is probably more of a snowpile.

Subjectively, he’s perfect and I accept no constructive criticism.

Finished my last final for my first semester of Ph.D. It still doesn’t feel real to be here, but I’m incredibly grateful to have such a supportive program that truly challenges its scholars.

I still find it moderately concerning that I find math fun now, but a little insanity is never a bad thing 🤣

Coauthored paper proposal accepted at MPSA this year! 🎉

Looking forward to an amazing conference. Will also be my first time in Chicago, so this should be fun!

The “I Voted” sticker for Duval County

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” - President Bartlet, The West Wing

First time voting in the presidential election! Always make your voice heard. :)

Live oak tree fallen across the entranceway and garage of a house, structure damage to the top of the garage.

My neighbor’s house this morning (it has been vacant for a while since she passed). Lots of things to be grateful for this morning, lots of reasons to respect the power of storms.

Hoping for a swift and productive cleanup and a standing reminder not to travel until roads are cleared and safe!

A card deck illuminated by a candle on a table.

Power’s out for the evening :)

Everyone stay safe, follow directions and procedures from local officials, and don’t panic. Hopefully will start seeing rescue and repair efforts beginning in the early AMs.

For now, welcome to Florida, Hurricane Helene.

Attending a live screening of the debate at FSU’s Student Life Center and incredibly excited to see the massive turnout!

Love seeing political engagement in action, especially among students.

Now - the main event.

Completed my first official week of coursework as a Ph.D. student at the incredible FSU Department of Political Science!

So unbelievably excited to see where this year goes. Could not have asked for a better cohort or faculty as well - they are simply the best. :)

#PhD #FSU #polisci

Will return in Fall for the chaos that is grad school, but for now a (true) break for once!