Sign in

Wendy Y. Li

@wendyyli.bsky.social
2.6K followers 1.3K following 467 posts

Sociologist studying the political workforce, lobbying, regulation, trade policy, and democracy. Postdoc at SNF Agora Institute, Johns Hopkins University. Based in DC. Philly at heart. www.wendyyli.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
apparently someone didn't get the message that you're not supposed to put it in writing yet...
130
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
ProPublica @propublica.org · 22/09/2026
NEW: In late 2024, FBI investigators had enough evidence to launch a sweeping bribery probe that could ensnare top lawmakers, including Sen. Susan Collins. Then Trump was reelected and eviscerated the FBI and DOJ teams handling public corruption probes.
propublica.org
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
After the FBI caught a defense contractor’s CEO making illegal campaign contributions, it sought to launch a sweeping political bribery probe involving Collins and others. Then the second Trump admini...
13646332243
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Excited to attend my first APSA conference next week! I'll be on two panels: 1) a roundtable on Placing People Back at the Center of American Politics, and 2) a paper session presenting on Political Campaign Career Trajectories (w/ Alex Torpey). Please reach out if you'd like to meet up!
131
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Excited to attend my first APSA conference next week! I'll be on two panels: 1) a roundtable on Placing People Back at the Center of American Politics, and 2) a paper session presenting on Political Campaign Career Trajectories (w/ Alex Torpey). Please reach out if you'd like to meet up!
131
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Dan Hirschman @asociologist.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Zero sociology awards from the NSF. It's effectively gone. (Including, but not limited, to the ASA Dissertation awards.)
48144
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Adam Bonica @adambonica.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I wrote this because most journalists facing this pressure can’t. The paper we count on to check authoritarianism spiked an investigation into the Democratic Party because the party’s lawyers threatened to sue. Holding authoritarians accountable starts with holding your own side accountable.
data4democracy.substack.com
With Fear and Favor
Institutions don’t have courage. They have incentives.
26633226
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Regarding the "what's going on with sociology?" articles, I beg a journalist to actually sit in on some classes, both at the undergrad or grad level, and interview sociologists (especially non-TT, or practitioners) outside of the usual outspoken few academics.
380
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
You really can't make this stuff up...
010
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
It is really amazing how much more free time I have this summer - it's the first time in years I haven't been on the job market and am not going to the big conferences. Feeling so grateful for this reprieve.
050
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Personnel is policy. We can talk about new regulatory schemes to address corporate power, but sometimes it is as simple as installing personnel who don't feel like they have to constantly consult and privilege business interests. Note that there are many other avenues to engage with city hall.
1219
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Lisa Wade @lisawade.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Sociology is amazing. Our biggest problem is bad-faith actors who maliciously spurn the field because we teach people how societies work and they'd rather we all stay in the dark. Not today, Satan!
949994
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Bridget Dooling @bridgetdooling.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Which academics should I be reading on corruption in public administration? I don’t think of the public law of corruption as inside of admin law, but maybe that should change…
293
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Nothing cures writing block like someone else's generative writing. If you are looking for an inspiring read, I highly recommend Kimberlé Crenshaw's memoir, Backtalker. Her ability to weave poignant, personal experience with social theory is remarkable. www.simonandschuster.com/books/Backta...
simonandschuster.com
Backtalker
New York Times Bestseller One of the most influential public intellectuals in the world and the architect of the two biggest ideas to reshape the A...
050
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Jess Calarco @jessicacalarco.com · 08/06/2026
NEW from me in @pnas.org on the risks of data sharing with qualitative research: "Today, confidentiality risks are amplified by social media, surveillance, and AI tools, which make ample data about people publicly available, thus making deidentification less effective" www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: "With qualitative research, the risks of data sharing can outweigh the rewards." June 5, 2026.
626498
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
LPE Blog @lpeblog.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Today, @ksabeelrahman.bsky.social argues that legislative primacy offers an attractive long-term vision for democracy. To reach that goal, however, we need to use every tool available to address the underlying configurations of economic and political power that enabled the current crisis.
lpeproject.org
Taking Legislative Primacy Seriously
As we work toward a durable democratic future, a commitment to legislative primacy can serve as an orienting north star. Reaching that goal, however, will require using both legislative and executive…
1105
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Who counts as a revolving door lobbyist? In my new paper in Interest Groups & Advocacy @igajournal.bsky.social I use sequence analysis to detail the many different career trajectories that fall under the label. Excited to share this project that has been many years in the making! rdcu.be/ffYTx
12111
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
A little peek behind the curtain: I started working on this project back in 2020 when I was stuck in my apartment! I had been planning on writing an ethnographic dissertation but quickly pivoted; this paper became my first dissertation chapter.
130
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Who counts as a revolving door lobbyist? In my new paper in Interest Groups & Advocacy @igajournal.bsky.social I use sequence analysis to detail the many different career trajectories that fall under the label. Excited to share this project that has been many years in the making! rdcu.be/ffYTx
12111
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Mo Torres @motorres.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
"Our students are not wilting flowers. They can handle controversy. They do not need sentimental, cloying nostalgia. They need encouragement to face a flawed and unjust world head on, using the tools we've given them: critical reasoning, careful research, sympathy for the oppressed."
cbsnews.com
University of Michigan professor defends pro-Palestinian commencement remarks: "Michigan is not a finishing school"
"The idea that graduations should be apolitical is ridiculous," University of Michigan history professor Derek Peterson said as a follow-up to his graduation day remarks.
2312102
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
The Callais ruling is the latest evidence that the real problem with #SCOTUS is that it can do whatever it wants without any fear of pushback from Congress. The way to fix that is by making the Court *accountable* again, something that expanding it or imposing term limits won't actually accomplish:
stevevladeck.com
Bonus 223: "They Are Who We Thought They Were"
The Callais ruling has prompted renewed calls for Court reform. It's also a reminder of why the most popular proposals *aren't* how we should fix the Court.
831393378
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Henry Farrell @himself.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Kagan's dissent underlines the need for an imperial Congress as articulated in www.nytimes.com/2026/03/21/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | What Is the Left’s Theory of Power?
47521
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
just sent back proofs for a forthcoming paper 😎
040
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Politico @politico.com · 22/04/2026
Trump upended health care. Lobbyists are raking it in.
dlvr.it
Trump upended health care. Lobbyists are raking it in.
New disclosures show health industry firms and trade groups are spending more than ever to influence Washington.
03214
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
A rare case when the distinction between lobbying vs consulting/public affairs actually gets enforced. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Lobbyist found liable for PPP fraud
Lobbyist Vicki Iseman has been ordered to pay the government more than $400,000 after a judge found she fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program loans for her lobbying business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
020
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Jared Knowles @jaredknowles.com · 04/04/2026
It's not official! It's a budget request. Congress will decide. Lots of opportunity restore the funding yet. We can't concede the logic of this budget request - it's one of last sources of power an unpopular president has and we can erode it. SBE funds incredible work - let's tell that story.
381
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Pam Davis-Kean, PhD @umpamdk.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The NSF 2027 budget has noted that they will close out the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Science Program (SBE). This is not a good thing. nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/FY-202...
22552394
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Lee Drutman @leedrutman.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Political parties are essential to democracy—but in the U.S., they’re struggling to do their most basic jobs. Our NEW REPORT explores what’s gone wrong, and how a diverse set of experts think we can fix it. www.newamerica.org/insights/a-b...
newamerica.org
A Blueprint for Healthier Political Parties
To rebuild U.S. political parties, leaders must focus on local organizations, talent, fundraising, and competition.
0157
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Lester K Spence @lkspence.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Most political science still treats authoritarianism and racial politics as separate subjects. That's a problem. The 2026 JHU Racial Politics Summer Institute is dedicated entirely to the study of race and authoritarianism. Grad students and faculty — apply by April 11. forms.gle/RYALxK89d5dz...
1138
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Mark Histed @markhisted.org · 31/03/2026
Restoring legislative supremacy is not just a nerdy legal thing. Saving US science and innovation depends on it. The core change killing NIH, NSF, and cancer research and cures this year is the president taking control of these agencies. @nataliebaviles.bsky.social and I wrote abt this: 1/
SSRN 1SSRN 2
34117
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
New, from me: The federal government is required to track job satisfaction among its employees. The Trump admin stopped collecting the data, so a nonprofit stepped in. The results show that a collapse in morale and zero trust in Trump agency leaders. 🧵 donmoynihan.substack.com/p/federal-em...
donmoynihan.substack.com
Federal employees are not ok
A new survey shows collapsing federal employee morale
472029837
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Dan "Mr. Bones and Me" Greene @dmgreene.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
I have been waiting for this story (because it's the story of my region and the wealth inequality therein) and I'm so happy that Hammer and Hope did it. Not just as news, but as a broader story of why they sicced DOGE on the feds.
hammerandhope.org
What Happened to the Black Women Trump Purged From the Federal Work Force?
Over a year later, they are struggling to find financial footing and make sense of the racist backlash that displaced them.
1279130
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Great read. I agree with the conclusion that we need to reform and re-empower Congress, not necessarily for any specific substantive policy objective (although I have many of those) but because that is what will actually advance democracy and accountability in the state
053
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
This is tomorrow! Last chance to register and join us!
000
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
NEW SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED! Join us for the Peopling Politics Symposium on March 5 in DC, featuring Rep. Greg Casar, former USTR Katherine Tai, and former Asst. AG Kristen Clarke, plus brilliant panelists across academia, government, and civil society! RSVP Here: www.eventbrite.com/e/bringing-t...
086
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
7/10
A line graph showing NSF grant awards made through 2/27/26 for fiscal year 2026 compared with grant awards for fiscal years 2021-2025 for the Directorate of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.
39028
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
NEW SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED! Join us for the Peopling Politics Symposium on March 5 in DC, featuring Rep. Greg Casar, former USTR Katherine Tai, and former Asst. AG Kristen Clarke, plus brilliant panelists across academia, government, and civil society! RSVP Here: www.eventbrite.com/e/bringing-t...
086
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Casey Stegman @caseystegman.com · 20/02/2026
The Supreme Court:
Community meme: I CAN EXCUSE FASCISM.
BUTI DRAW THE LINE AT MERCANTILISM.
171234984783
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Todd Tucker @toddntucker.com · 20/02/2026
Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs. A stitched together majority, as expected. Read along thread here.👇 www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
supremecourt.gov
75622
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 20/02/2026
So if IEEPA does not authorize the tariffs, and the tariffs were used to negotiate the trade deals ... what exactly is the statutory authorization for these trade deals? Does the administration think IEEPA authorizes negotiating the deals separately from the tariffs? What will SCOTUS think of that?
34220
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Texas Tribune @texastribune.org · 19/02/2026
The University of Texas System’s Board of Regents unanimously approved a rule requiring its universities to ensure students can graduate without studying “unnecessary controversial subjects,” despite warnings it could leave them less prepared for the real world.
texastribune.org
University of Texas regents OK limits on controversial subjects
Opponents warned the policy’s vagueness could push professors to self-censor and leave students less prepared for the workplace.
126653300
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Zachary Levenson @grundrza.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Yesterday, those who teach Intro to Sociology at Florida colleges (as opposed to universities) received a ready-made curriculum from the state and were ordered to teach it. Yes, you read that correctly. The *state* is enforcing a curriculum on college profs, complete w/ the following restrictions:
18028371616
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Daniel Laurison @daniellaurison.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Learn more about the Political Disconnect - the gap between what politics is meant to do, and how everyday people experience it. Join me and Dr. James Jones of the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America for a webinar on Monday, Feb 23, at 3p Eastern. bit.ly/PoliticalDisconnect
Flyer with beige background and purple heading. Text on purple heading reads "Peopling Politics" which is sponsored by "HEARD Initiative - Swarthmore College" and "Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America". 
Main text of flyer reads "Understanding the Political Disconnect: Working Class and Low-Income People on What Politics Means to Them and How They Might Be Mobilized." 
Event details read "Monday, February 23, 2026 3PM EST." 
Flyer includes QR, which below reads "Scan to Register or visit: https://bit.ly/PoliticalDisconnect." 
Flyer also features headshot of Daniel Laurison with text that reads "Associate Professor of Sociology at Swarthmore College, Director of the Healthy, Equitable, and Responsive Democracy (HEARD) Initiative, Director of the Politics and Equal Participation Lab (PEPL), Carnegie Fellow, and author of Producing Politics, Beacon Press 2022" and headshot of James R. Jones with text that reads "Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Politics and Race in America at Rutgers University, Robert K. Merton Award for Best Contribution to Sociological Research or Public Policy, and author of The Last Plantation, Princeton University Press."
195
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Two weeks until we convene in DC for the first-ever Peopling Politics Symposium! Spots are filling up so RSVP now! go.rutgers.edu/peoplingpoli...
go.rutgers.edu
Bringing the People Back In : Race, Class, & Inequality in U.S. Politics
This symposium will convene leading scholars and political practitioners to discuss the current state of U.S. democracy.
010
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Very cool - excited to use this in my research & teaching!
020
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Nick Bednar @nicholasbednar.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Over at Lawfare, I examine the peculiar constitutional theory undergirding OPM's final rule on Schedule Policy/Career
920995
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
I am so excited to share that registration for the first-ever PEOPLING POLITICS SYMPOSIUM is now open! Please join us on March 5 at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington DC for an amazing lineup of speakers and discussions. RSVP at go.rutgers.edu/peoplingpoli...
2129
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Jake Grumbach @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
The rule of law can’t survive this
Jan 22, 2026
Extreme Wealth
Inequality Destroys
Constitutions
Jake Grumbach
Congress, The President & The Courts • Elections
• Executive Power • Communications
1107ти с
10166807740.
100
LD 76685%
6347112
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Letters of Note @lettersofnote.com · 12/02/2026
Happy birthday to one of my favourite haters, Charles Darwin
157102993045
Reposted by Wendy Y. Li
Jake Grumbach @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
The Economy These Days capital: AI labor: caring for the elderly h/t @maiamindel.bsky.social
If you exclude healthcare employment, the U.S. has actually lost jobs since 2024
Cumulative change in payroll employment by sector (Thousands of jobs)
Healthcare & Private Ed.
1500
1000
500
-500
-Leisure and hospitality
Construction
Government
Other services
& Utilities
• Financial activities
& Tansportation and warehousing
• Mining and logging
• Wholesale trade
Retail trade
• Information|
All Non-Healthcare Jobs
Professional and business services
-Manufacturing
Jan 2026
Jan 1 2024 Apr 2024 Jul 2024
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
うつつい
Oct 2024 Jan 2025 Apr 2025 Jul 2025 Oct 2025
511535
Wendy Y. Li @wendyyli.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
The thrill and frustration of knowing you're so close to finishing something but the only things left to do are the difficult parts you've been putting off...
030