James H. Johnson, Jr.

James Johnson, associate professor of political science at the University of Rochester, and Jack Knight, the Sidney W. Souers Professor of Government in Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, will examine the challenges that models of political institutions pose to democratic theorists. Their research will show that the results of these models, primarily from game theory, do not represent so dire a threat to democratic commitments as commonly is supposed. Both scholars also will undertake subsidiary projects during their residency at the Foundation. Johnson will explore the status and claims of multiculturalism in political deliberations and public policies. Knight will consider the relation between renewed interest in social capital and trust and new research on institutions.