In 1969, the Soviet Union moved troops and military equipment to its border with China, escalating tensions between the communist Cold War powers. In response, China created a new military strategy of “active defense” to repel an invading force near the border. There was just one catch: China did not actually implement its new strategy until 1980.

From the day Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald were announced as the artists charged with painting former President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama, Leslie Smith III waited in…

Study shows how information sources affect voters. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — For all the fact-checking and objective reporting produced by major media outlets, voters in the U.S. nonetheless rely heavily on their…

Fielding more female candidates helps political parties gain votes. CAMBRIDGE– Political parties find that their fortunes improve when they put more women on the ballot, according to a study co-authored by…

New MIT-led research effort applies the science of lines to the polling place. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — No one likes waiting in line — and on Election Day in 2012, an estimated…

Study: Autocratic leaders who sign human-rights treaties seek political gain, not material benefits. CAMBRIDGE, Mass.– Since World War II, more than 45 international human-rights treaties have been signed by many of…