09:30 - 11:10
P1-S2
Room: -1.A.02
Chair/s:
Matthias Haslberger
Discussant/s:
Zack Grant
From Automation to the Ballot Box: Analyzing Political Trends in the Post-War U.S
P1-S2-3
Presented by: Brady Allardice
Brady Allardice
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Technological advancements in automation have significantly impacted the political landscapes of developed countries over recent decades, leading to the rise of the populist right. This study examines the circumstances under which automation exposure can lead to support for the political establishment--rather than populist movements--by focusing on voting patterns in the United States during the Post-War period. Utilizing both fixed-effect and instrumental variable estimations, the research investigates whether the observed relationship between automation and anti-establishment, right-wing political support is a contemporary phenomenon or part of a long-standing trend. Contrary to contemporary outcomes, the findings reveal that higher exposure to automation led to increased support for both incumbents and left-wing parties during this period, providing evidence that this relationship is more nuanced that originally thought. To understand these dynamics, the study tests the role of political supply, the availability of new work, and levels of political trust in mediating this relationship. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how societies navigate the challenges posed by technological change and its implications for democratic stability.
Keywords: Technological Change, Automation, Historical Political Economy, Political Behavior, Populism, Political Outcomes, Economic Disruption

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