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Amy Erica Smith

Amy Erica Smith

Associate Professor of Political Science, Iowa State University

Latest articles by Amy Erica Smith

Mischiefs of Faction
Brazil’s Bolsonaro took a page from US politics by dangling the possibility of an evangelical Supreme Court JusticeBrazil’s Bolsonaro took a page from US politics by dangling the possibility of an evangelical Supreme Court Justice
Mischiefs of Faction

But US evangelicals have been more loyal to Trump than Brazil’s evangelicals have been to President Bolsonaro, so this move may not work.

By Amy Erica Smith
Mischiefs of Faction
Venezuela’s uprising shows the potential dangers of a civilian-military allianceVenezuela’s uprising shows the potential dangers of a civilian-military alliance
Mischiefs of Faction

Some people called the April 30 events a “coup,” and others called it an “uprising.” Political science research shows that matters.

By Amy Erica Smith
Mischiefs of Faction
Will evangelical legislators go along with the rightist agenda of Brazil’s Bolsonaro?Will evangelical legislators go along with the rightist agenda of Brazil’s Bolsonaro?
Mischiefs of Faction

Despite the sharp right turn in Brazilian politics, evangelical legislators remain a question mark.

By Amy Erica Smith
Mischiefs of Faction
What does authoritarianism have to do with Venezuela’s food fight? Everything.What does authoritarianism have to do with Venezuela’s food fight? Everything.
Mischiefs of Faction

Hungry people fare better in democracies.

By Amy Erica Smith
Mischiefs of Faction
Brazil’s Bolsonaro moves to expand gun rightsBrazil’s Bolsonaro moves to expand gun rights
Mischiefs of Faction

The Brazilian gun debate is déjà vu all over again — but in Brazil, Congress could limit expanded access.

By Ryan Lloyd and Amy Erica Smith
Politics
How you think about raising children says a lot about your political viewsHow you think about raising children says a lot about your political views
Politics

It wasn’t always that way.

By Marc J. Hetherington, Jonathan Weiler and 1 more
Mischiefs of Faction
Brazilian media report that police are entering university classrooms to interrogate professorsBrazilian media report that police are entering university classrooms to interrogate professors
Mischiefs of Faction

Is this how democracy starts to die?

By Amy Erica Smith
Mischiefs of Faction
Top Pentecostal leaders supported the far right in Brazil’s presidential campaignTop Pentecostal leaders supported the far right in Brazil’s presidential campaign
Mischiefs of Faction

Evangelicals and Pentecostals drove the spike in Jair Bolsonaro’s support.

By Amy Erica Smith and Ryan Lloyd
Mischiefs of Faction
The political consequences of hiding abuseThe political consequences of hiding abuse
Mischiefs of Faction

How covering up abuse scandals may have affected the politics of the Catholic Church.

By Amy Erica Smith
Mischiefs of Faction
Why Catholic countries are suddenly debating abortionWhy Catholic countries are suddenly debating abortion
Mischiefs of Faction

One thing is clear: It’s not due to declining religious devotion.

By Amy Erica Smith