Laia Balcells
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laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells
@laiabalcells.bsky.social
7.2K followers 1.6K following 820 posts

Yale educated political scientist. Georgetown professor. Views here are personal. Reskeets are not endorsements.

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Political science 60%
Sociology 17%
Posts Replies Media Videos

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 21h
First Team USA's medal of this game is brought by a queer athlete. What will MAGA say? 🌈
cnn.com CNN @cnn.com · 23h
Breezy Johnson wins gold in women's downhill, earning Team USA's first medal of Winter Games. Follow live updates.
https://cnn.it/4tiQMkd

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 21h
And, as far as I know, she is the first queer skier to achieve this amazing feat.

Reposted by Laia Balcells

cnn.com
CNN @cnn.com · 23h
Breezy Johnson wins gold in women's downhill, earning Team USA's first medal of Winter Games. Follow live updates.
https://cnn.it/4tiQMkd

Reposted by Laia Balcells

nbcnews.com
NBC News @nbcnews.com · 1d
BREAKING: Breezy Johnson wins Olympic downhill gold medal, joining Lindsey Vonn as only Americans to accomplish feat.
Breezy Johnson wins Olympic downhill gold medal, joining Lindsey Vonn as only Americans to accomplish feat
Johnson, a Wyoming native, posted the leading time on the day's sixth run. American Jacqueline Wiles finished fourth.
www.nbcnews.com

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 2d
Winter Olympics: that time of the year where people who never follow winter sports decide that they like to watch winter sports...until the next Olympics.

Reposted by Laia Balcells

mississippifreepress.org
Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 2d
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to move forward with a new voter-approved congressional map that favors Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea by state Republicans and the Trump administration.
Supreme Court Allows New California Congressional Districts That Favor Democrats
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to move forward with a new congressional map that favors Democrats in this year’s elections.
buff.ly

Reposted by Laia Balcells, David R. Miller, Erol Akçay

mcopelov.bsky.social
Mark Copelovitch @mcopelov.bsky.social · 2d
In a functioning democracy, he would not be president by this evening
Trump Posts Video Portraying Obamas as Apes
www.nytimes.com

Reposted by Laia Balcells

tompepinsky.com
Tom Pepinsky @tompepinsky.com · 4d
Another thing that I have noticed after nearly two decades in New York state, is that Northern liberalism really is a thing. Even rural central NY still has plenty of counterculture and free thinking (not just in Ithaca). Rural conservatives may vote Republican, but they want to leave people alone

Reposted by Laia Balcells, Daniel W. Drezner

coreyatad.com
Corey Atad @coreyatad.com · 4d
incredible 🤣

Reposted by Laia Balcells, Sebastian Karcher

apsrjournal.bsky.social
American Political Science Review @apsrjournal.bsky.social · 5d
Our February Issue has been published! Read it at www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

Reposted by Laia Balcells

raulpachecovega.bsky.social
Raul Pacheco-Vega @raulpachecovega.bsky.social · 5d
I still continue to have a critical view of AI. This does not make me a technophobe nor a caveman.

Reposted by Laia Balcells, Nicolai von Ondarza

politico.eu
POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 5d
Italian MEP Roberto Vannacci today formally broke with Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s far-right League party, capping weeks of internal turmoil and exposing a widening rift on Italy’s right.
Italy’s far-right League party splits as Salvini’s deputy quits
Roberto Vannacci has launched a new far-right party that’s “not moderate.”
www.politico.eu

Reposted by Laia Balcells

houstonchronicle.com
Houston Chronicle @houstonchronicle.com · 5d
The Houston Chronicle editorial board says that Democrats should make state Rep. James Talarico their Senate candidate because he's running like he actually wants to win in Texas. bit.ly/4qfdZkM

Reposted by John R. Hutchinson, Laia Balcells

eliothiggins.bsky.social
Eliot Higgins @eliothiggins.bsky.social · 5d
Newly released files shed new light on Chomsky and Epstein relationship www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Newly released files shed new light on Chomsky and Epstein relationship
Latest communications undermine Chomsky’s earlier claims that he primarily had financial dealings with Epstein
www.theguardian.com

Reposted by David Darmofal

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 5d
Now out in the February 2026 issue of the APSR.
apsrjournal.bsky.social American Political Science Review @apsrjournal.bsky.social · Apr 28
Just published on APSR First View: "Ideology and Revolution in Civil Wars: The 'Marxist Paradox'" by Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social and Stathis Kalyvas. www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

Reposted by Laia Balcells

eldiario.es
elDiario.es @eldiario.es · 5d
Trump reclama ahora 1.000 millones de dólares a Harvard
Trump reclama ahora 1.000 millones de dólares a Harvard
El presidente de EEUU afirma que reclama una compensación "por daños y perjuicios" a la universidad después de que el New York Times informara que su administración había desistido de exigir 200 millo...
www.eldiario.es

Reposted by Laia Balcells

claireadida.bsky.social
Claire Adida @claireadida.bsky.social · 5d
Just a reminder that "A database maintained by the right-wing Heritage Foundation found "fewer than 100 examples of non-citizens voting between 2002 and 2022, amid more than 1 billion lawfully cast ballots."

via @juddlegum.bsky.social
Hundreds of citizens wrongly stripped of voting rights in botched effort to legitimize Trump's conspiracy theory
One of the central narratives that former President Donald Trump and his allies are pushing is that Democrats are planning to steal the election by using undocumented immigrants to pad their vote tota...
popular.info

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 9d
Wow. Is this real?
elizaorlins.bsky.social Eliza Orlins @elizaorlins.bsky.social · 9d
Elon Musk has publicly claimed he never visited Epstein's island and barely knew the man.

New documents show Musk emailing Epstein in Dec 2013: "Is there a good time to visit?"

Epstein: "always space for you"

This was 5 years after Epstein's 2008 conviction and sex offender registration.
From: Lesley Groff < To: Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com> Subject: Reminder: Elon Musk-Christmas and New Year's Date: Tue, 31 Dee 2013 17:40:25 +0000 Just a reminder Elon Musk was asking about coming to your island on Jan. 2.... Begin forwarded message: From: Elon Musk < Subject: Re: Christmas and New Year's Date: December 25, 2013 11:35:38 AM EST To: Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com> Cc: Lesley Groff < Actually, I could fly back early on the 3rd. We will be in St Bart's. When should we head to your island on the 2nd? On Dec 25, 2013, at 12:30 PM, "Elon Musk" < <mailto: >> wrote: I need to fly back to LA on the night of the 2nd, so w On Dec 25, 2013, at 6:34 AM, "Jeffrey Epstein" < jeevacation@gmail.com<mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com>> wrote: the 2 or 3 would be perfect. I will come and get you. On Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 5:32 PM, Elon Musk - Ok, probably the 1st then. Kmailto: >> wrote: On Dec 15, 2013, at 2:25 PM, "Jeffrey Epstein" <jeevacation@gmail.com<mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com> <mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com-mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com>>> wrote: any day 1st - 8th. play it by ear if you want. always space for you On Fri, Dec 13, 2013 at 11:35 PM, Elon Musk <mailto: <mailto: mailto: → wrote: Will be in the BVI/St Bart's area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit? *********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein EFTA00680523

Reposted by Laia Balcells, Nathan P. Kalmoe

elizaorlins.bsky.social
Eliza Orlins @elizaorlins.bsky.social · 9d
Elon Musk has publicly claimed he never visited Epstein's island and barely knew the man.

New documents show Musk emailing Epstein in Dec 2013: "Is there a good time to visit?"

Epstein: "always space for you"

This was 5 years after Epstein's 2008 conviction and sex offender registration.
From: Lesley Groff < To: Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com> Subject: Reminder: Elon Musk-Christmas and New Year's Date: Tue, 31 Dee 2013 17:40:25 +0000 Just a reminder Elon Musk was asking about coming to your island on Jan. 2.... Begin forwarded message: From: Elon Musk < Subject: Re: Christmas and New Year's Date: December 25, 2013 11:35:38 AM EST To: Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com> Cc: Lesley Groff < Actually, I could fly back early on the 3rd. We will be in St Bart's. When should we head to your island on the 2nd? On Dec 25, 2013, at 12:30 PM, "Elon Musk" < <mailto: >> wrote: I need to fly back to LA on the night of the 2nd, so w On Dec 25, 2013, at 6:34 AM, "Jeffrey Epstein" < jeevacation@gmail.com<mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com>> wrote: the 2 or 3 would be perfect. I will come and get you. On Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 5:32 PM, Elon Musk - Ok, probably the 1st then. Kmailto: >> wrote: On Dec 15, 2013, at 2:25 PM, "Jeffrey Epstein" <jeevacation@gmail.com<mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com> <mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com-mailto:jeevacation@gmail.com>>> wrote: any day 1st - 8th. play it by ear if you want. always space for you On Fri, Dec 13, 2013 at 11:35 PM, Elon Musk <mailto: <mailto: mailto: → wrote: Will be in the BVI/St Bart's area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit? *********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein EFTA00680523

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 9d
February 2026 issue of the @apsrjournal.bsky.social: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
American Political Science Review: Volume 120 - Issue 1 | Cambridge Core
Cambridge Core - American Political Science Review - Volume 120 - Issue 1
www.cambridge.org

Reposted by Laia Balcells

jaylyall.bsky.social
Jason "Red5" Lyall @jaylyall.bsky.social · 10d
Oh Canada 🇨🇦

Reposted by Laia Balcells

atrupar.com
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 10d
Jeffries: "We believe there should be a prohibition on ICE deporting or detaining American citizens. We believe that ICE should conduct itself like every other law enforcement agency in the country. We believe ICE shouldn't run around with masks ... "

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 10d
New working paper with Ana Paula Pellegrino and Ben Burnley (both of them recent PhDs from Georgetown): "Between wars and words: how international conflict shapes discourse of non-belligerent political leaders" www.wider.unu.edu/sites/defaul...
www.wider.unu.edu

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 11d
I thought of this when I saw @benansell.bsky.social's piece on MN: benansell.substack.com/p/my-minneap...
My Minneapolis
An ode to a city that knows who it is
benansell.substack.com

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 11d
That's why Minnesota has a special place in my heart.

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 11d
When I was a teenager, I came to the US for three or four weeks to visit a friend and improve my English. My destination were the Twin Cities, thus the first place in the US I visited by myself.

Reposted by Laia Balcells

theguardian.com
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 12d
‘I was simply luckier’: Holocaust survivors warn against forgetting Nazi atrocities
‘I was simply luckier’: Holocaust survivors warn against forgetting Nazi atrocities
People urged to stand up against populism and antisemitism as the world marks International Holocaust Memorial Day
www.theguardian.com

laiabalcells.bsky.social
Laia Balcells @laiabalcells.bsky.social · 15d
Is there a word to describe being sad and terrified at the same time?

Reposted by Laia Balcells, David R. Miller

Reposted by Kim L. Scheppele, Will Jennings, Joshua S. Weitz , and 8 more

ddiamond.bsky.social
Dan Diamond @ddiamond.bsky.social · 15d
On tonight’s White House agenda:

Trump and guests will get a private screening of MELANIA, the documentary about the First Lady, @thr.com reports.

Attendees include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Mike Tyson, per the article.
The event, which has not been promoted or advertised, is taking place in the East Room of the White House on Saturday. Guests include director Brett Ratner; Queen Rania of Jordan; Zoom CEO Eric Yuan; Apple CEO Tim Cook; New York Stock Exchange CEO Lynn Martin; AMD CEO Linsa Su; Mike Tyson; socialite and Fiat heiress Azzi Agnelli; self-help guru Tony Robbins; and photographer Ellen von Unwerth, who shot the movie poster for the film. Barron Trump and Ratner's mother will also be on hand, along with Mike Hopkins of Amazon Studios, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and Marc Beckman, a senior adviser and longtime manager to the First Lady who was reportedly involved in every aspect of the project. Since the usual White House screening room in the East Wing has been shut down to construct the Trump ballroom, Melania built a make-shift theater, with state of the art sound and film equipment (overseen by Ratner himself), and a giant movie screen brought in for the occasion.