Alexander Kustov
@akoustov.bsky.social
Author of "In Our Interest: How Democracies Can Make Immigration Popular": http://tinyurl.com/4rwpr6dc. Substack at "Popular by Design": https://tinyurl.com/b93bwr9j. Professor. More at https://alexanderkustov.org/.
Pinned
In most countries, people who want to help refugees can't do so legally.
My new piece explores how the idea of private sponsorship empowers citizens to channel their humanitarian motivations, and why that can make refugee admissions more sustainable.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/why-dont-y...
My new piece explores how the idea of private sponsorship empowers citizens to channel their humanitarian motivations, and why that can make refugee admissions more sustainable.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/why-dont-y...
Another cool paper from Broockman et al. showing people oppose new housing not just because of NIMBY, but because they genuinely don't want others to live near ugly buildings.
I wonder how much of the so-called "cultural" concerns about migration are similarly about aesthetics.
I wonder how much of the so-called "cultural" concerns about migration are similarly about aesthetics.
NEW PAPER w/ @cselmendorf.bsky.social & @jkalla.bsky.social:
An under-appreciated reason why voters oppose dense new housing, especially in less-dense neighborhoods: they think it looks ugly and want to prevent that, even in other neighborhoods.
Some of what we think is NIMBYism might not be!
An under-appreciated reason why voters oppose dense new housing, especially in less-dense neighborhoods: they think it looks ugly and want to prevent that, even in other neighborhoods.
Some of what we think is NIMBYism might not be!
November 25, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Another cool paper from Broockman et al. showing people oppose new housing not just because of NIMBY, but because they genuinely don't want others to live near ugly buildings.
I wonder how much of the so-called "cultural" concerns about migration are similarly about aesthetics.
I wonder how much of the so-called "cultural" concerns about migration are similarly about aesthetics.
Japan feels "uncanny" to many visitors not because it's exotic but because things work there.
My new post reflects on my Tokyo sabbatical, and how this experience overturned my assumptions about cultural differences, the threat of depopulation, and the benefits of immigration in Europe and America.
My new post reflects on my Tokyo sabbatical, and how this experience overturned my assumptions about cultural differences, the threat of depopulation, and the benefits of immigration in Europe and America.
November 25, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Japan feels "uncanny" to many visitors not because it's exotic but because things work there.
My new post reflects on my Tokyo sabbatical, and how this experience overturned my assumptions about cultural differences, the threat of depopulation, and the benefits of immigration in Europe and America.
My new post reflects on my Tokyo sabbatical, and how this experience overturned my assumptions about cultural differences, the threat of depopulation, and the benefits of immigration in Europe and America.
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
Thrilled to share my new article in Political Psychology: “The psychology of political attitudinal volatility.” In it, I attempt to answer why do some people change their political views more than others? Open access at: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Thrilled to share my new article in Political Psychology: “The psychology of political attitudinal volatility.” In it, I attempt to answer why do some people change their political views more than others? Open access at: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
Public intellectuals these days are not like they used to be.
"Outgroup" is just "not the ingroup" for whatever identity line you draw. Immigrants, billionaires, fans of the "wrong" abstract painter all can be an outgroup. Power differences aren't required (contrary to the term "minority").
"Outgroup" is just "not the ingroup" for whatever identity line you draw. Immigrants, billionaires, fans of the "wrong" abstract painter all can be an outgroup. Power differences aren't required (contrary to the term "minority").
November 23, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Public intellectuals these days are not like they used to be.
"Outgroup" is just "not the ingroup" for whatever identity line you draw. Immigrants, billionaires, fans of the "wrong" abstract painter all can be an outgroup. Power differences aren't required (contrary to the term "minority").
"Outgroup" is just "not the ingroup" for whatever identity line you draw. Immigrants, billionaires, fans of the "wrong" abstract painter all can be an outgroup. Power differences aren't required (contrary to the term "minority").
Just so nobody is excluded, we now also got a good contender for a "libertarian" variety of populism blaming "overregulation" as the single cause responsible for all societal problems. To be clear, this is still not factually accurate.
November 22, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Just so nobody is excluded, we now also got a good contender for a "libertarian" variety of populism blaming "overregulation" as the single cause responsible for all societal problems. To be clear, this is still not factually accurate.
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
Our paper just got accepted in the @thejop.bsky.social 🎉 and is now on the journal website: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/... For me personally, it's a milestone: my first paper accepted after a peer review!
November 22, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Our paper just got accepted in the @thejop.bsky.social 🎉 and is now on the journal website: www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/... For me personally, it's a milestone: my first paper accepted after a peer review!
Since it is 🦋, I should've clarified that this isn't "full-throated defense of the billionaire class" or that I'm not "more willing to defend billionaires than Brown people" as noted by some.
My hot take is that populists blame their outgroup for any problem whether it is factually correct or not.
My hot take is that populists blame their outgroup for any problem whether it is factually correct or not.
Left-wing vs right-wing populism in one picture.
This couldn't have been more perfect. Ignoring tradeoffs and blaming the main outgroup as the solution to every societal problem.
This couldn't have been more perfect. Ignoring tradeoffs and blaming the main outgroup as the solution to every societal problem.
November 22, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Since it is 🦋, I should've clarified that this isn't "full-throated defense of the billionaire class" or that I'm not "more willing to defend billionaires than Brown people" as noted by some.
My hot take is that populists blame their outgroup for any problem whether it is factually correct or not.
My hot take is that populists blame their outgroup for any problem whether it is factually correct or not.
Left-wing vs right-wing populism in one picture.
This couldn't have been more perfect. Ignoring tradeoffs and blaming the main outgroup as the solution to every societal problem.
This couldn't have been more perfect. Ignoring tradeoffs and blaming the main outgroup as the solution to every societal problem.
November 22, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Left-wing vs right-wing populism in one picture.
This couldn't have been more perfect. Ignoring tradeoffs and blaming the main outgroup as the solution to every societal problem.
This couldn't have been more perfect. Ignoring tradeoffs and blaming the main outgroup as the solution to every societal problem.
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
I haven't seen this discussed much before: Japan's promising "training-based" immigration model, which can complement more traditional selective, skills-based pathways.
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
November 19, 2025 at 2:31 PM
I haven't seen this discussed much before: Japan's promising "training-based" immigration model, which can complement more traditional selective, skills-based pathways.
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
One of the most upsetting articles I've read in a long time www.theargumentmag.com/p/when-grade...
UCSD report senate.ucsd.edu/media/740347...
We are failing a generation of kids.
UCSD report senate.ucsd.edu/media/740347...
We are failing a generation of kids.
When grades stop meaning anything
The UC San Diego math scandal is a warning
www.theargumentmag.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:05 AM
One of the most upsetting articles I've read in a long time www.theargumentmag.com/p/when-grade...
UCSD report senate.ucsd.edu/media/740347...
We are failing a generation of kids.
UCSD report senate.ucsd.edu/media/740347...
We are failing a generation of kids.
I haven't seen this discussed much before: Japan's promising "training-based" immigration model, which can complement more traditional selective, skills-based pathways.
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
November 19, 2025 at 2:31 PM
I haven't seen this discussed much before: Japan's promising "training-based" immigration model, which can complement more traditional selective, skills-based pathways.
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
We often forget that skills can be gained, and often better so on the job than at school.
www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japans...
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
It looks like in the face of LLMs, just as professors have to go back to in-person and oral assessments to preserve the integrity of teaching, survey researchers have to go back to in-person interviews to preserve the integrity of polling. A lot of change is coming, folks! phys.org/news/2025-11...
Fake survey answers from AI could quietly sway election predictions
Public opinion polls and other surveys rely on data to understand human behavior. New research from Dartmouth reveals that artificial intelligence can now corrupt public opinion surveys at scale—passi...
phys.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:01 PM
It looks like in the face of LLMs, just as professors have to go back to in-person and oral assessments to preserve the integrity of teaching, survey researchers have to go back to in-person interviews to preserve the integrity of polling. A lot of change is coming, folks! phys.org/news/2025-11...
It looks like in the face of LLMs, just as professors have to go back to in-person and oral assessments to preserve the integrity of teaching, survey researchers have to go back to in-person interviews to preserve the integrity of polling. A lot of change is coming, folks! phys.org/news/2025-11...
Fake survey answers from AI could quietly sway election predictions
Public opinion polls and other surveys rely on data to understand human behavior. New research from Dartmouth reveals that artificial intelligence can now corrupt public opinion surveys at scale—passi...
phys.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:01 PM
It looks like in the face of LLMs, just as professors have to go back to in-person and oral assessments to preserve the integrity of teaching, survey researchers have to go back to in-person interviews to preserve the integrity of polling. A lot of change is coming, folks! phys.org/news/2025-11...
Yep, we have more and more evidence that much of what is labelled "misinformation" about immigration and other issues is just bad guesses. More generally, people are not very good with numbers, and we can't expect them to be knowledgeable about too many policy details. Great paper!
Our study on public immigration misperceptions is out! Prior research overstated their prevalence due to flawed measurement. Our new approach separates real misperceptions from uninformed guessing — showing they’re less common than widely assumed and ideologically motivated.
doi.org/10.1017/psrm...
doi.org/10.1017/psrm...
Beyond innumeracy: measuring public misperceptions about immigration | Political Science Research and Methods | Cambridge Core
Beyond innumeracy: measuring public misperceptions about immigration
doi.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Yep, we have more and more evidence that much of what is labelled "misinformation" about immigration and other issues is just bad guesses. More generally, people are not very good with numbers, and we can't expect them to be knowledgeable about too many policy details. Great paper!
I don't think this is a good argument.
A few speeches can't simply undo your reputation. No matter what you believe about the merits of various immigration policies or political strategies, the fact is that voters clearly did not see Harris's rhetorical moderation on immigration as being credible.
A few speeches can't simply undo your reputation. No matter what you believe about the merits of various immigration policies or political strategies, the fact is that voters clearly did not see Harris's rhetorical moderation on immigration as being credible.
Pundits: Why didn't Kamala Harris run to the center on immigration?
Kamala Harris's campaign speeches:
Kamala Harris's campaign speeches:
November 17, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I don't think this is a good argument.
A few speeches can't simply undo your reputation. No matter what you believe about the merits of various immigration policies or political strategies, the fact is that voters clearly did not see Harris's rhetorical moderation on immigration as being credible.
A few speeches can't simply undo your reputation. No matter what you believe about the merits of various immigration policies or political strategies, the fact is that voters clearly did not see Harris's rhetorical moderation on immigration as being credible.
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
Is our immigration good or bad? That may be the wrong question. Instead, we should talk more about how to make it better.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
November 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Is our immigration good or bad? That may be the wrong question. Instead, we should talk more about how to make it better.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
Is there any academic research about why people say they are against illegal immigration? Most people, especially those opposed, live in communities where they likely never encounter undocumented people. What reasons are they giving? Does it vary by country?
@akoustov.bsky.social, recommendations?
@akoustov.bsky.social, recommendations?
November 17, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Is there any academic research about why people say they are against illegal immigration? Most people, especially those opposed, live in communities where they likely never encounter undocumented people. What reasons are they giving? Does it vary by country?
@akoustov.bsky.social, recommendations?
@akoustov.bsky.social, recommendations?
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
If you're new to Substack or just looking for serious immigration writing, I've compiled "The Immigration Substack Universe"--a live directory of newsletters focused on policy analysis, research, and field reporting. Check it out and suggest additions.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
The Immigration Substack Universe
All migration newsletters and people you want to follow in one place
alexanderkustov.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:26 PM
If you're new to Substack or just looking for serious immigration writing, I've compiled "The Immigration Substack Universe"--a live directory of newsletters focused on policy analysis, research, and field reporting. Check it out and suggest additions.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
Is our immigration good or bad? That may be the wrong question. Instead, we should talk more about how to make it better.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
November 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Is our immigration good or bad? That may be the wrong question. Instead, we should talk more about how to make it better.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
It was a pleasure talking to Kelsey Piper about what voters want for another great immigration piece on automating admissions.
If you're new to Substack or just looking for serious immigration writing, I've compiled "The Immigration Substack Universe"--a live directory of newsletters focused on policy analysis, research, and field reporting. Check it out and suggest additions.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
The Immigration Substack Universe
All migration newsletters and people you want to follow in one place
alexanderkustov.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:26 PM
If you're new to Substack or just looking for serious immigration writing, I've compiled "The Immigration Substack Universe"--a live directory of newsletters focused on policy analysis, research, and field reporting. Check it out and suggest additions.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-immigr...
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
Great essay by Alex Nowrasteh. The Au Pair program isn't perfect, but it improves the lives of Americans and foreigners in clear ways. So it certainly merits more attention and study as a policy that could be scaled and sustained politically.
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
We Let an Immigrant Live in Our Home
You should too, especially if you have young children
www.alexnowrasteh.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Great essay by Alex Nowrasteh. The Au Pair program isn't perfect, but it improves the lives of Americans and foreigners in clear ways. So it certainly merits more attention and study as a policy that could be scaled and sustained politically.
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
Great essay by Alex Nowrasteh. The Au Pair program isn't perfect, but it improves the lives of Americans and foreigners in clear ways. So it certainly merits more attention and study as a policy that could be scaled and sustained politically.
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
We Let an Immigrant Live in Our Home
You should too, especially if you have young children
www.alexnowrasteh.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Great essay by Alex Nowrasteh. The Au Pair program isn't perfect, but it improves the lives of Americans and foreigners in clear ways. So it certainly merits more attention and study as a policy that could be scaled and sustained politically.
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
www.alexnowrasteh.com/cp/178535818
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
The @niskanencenter.bsky.social has a helpful new, centrist, and comprehensive roadmap to better immigration regulation in the United States.
Immigration beyond the extremes: A blueprint that actually works - Niskanen Center
By aligning enforcement, admissions, government effectiveness, and core values, we can remake immigration into a strategic tool.
www.niskanencenter.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The @niskanencenter.bsky.social has a helpful new, centrist, and comprehensive roadmap to better immigration regulation in the United States.
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
Have you heard of the thermostatic model of politics?
@mattyglesias.bsky.social dubs it a 'prognostication superpower' while @johnsides.bsky.social dubs it 'the big LOL of politics'—explaining why the public often wants the opposite of what the government does. Here’s how it works & why it matters:
@mattyglesias.bsky.social dubs it a 'prognostication superpower' while @johnsides.bsky.social dubs it 'the big LOL of politics'—explaining why the public often wants the opposite of what the government does. Here’s how it works & why it matters:
January 3, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Have you heard of the thermostatic model of politics?
@mattyglesias.bsky.social dubs it a 'prognostication superpower' while @johnsides.bsky.social dubs it 'the big LOL of politics'—explaining why the public often wants the opposite of what the government does. Here’s how it works & why it matters:
@mattyglesias.bsky.social dubs it a 'prognostication superpower' while @johnsides.bsky.social dubs it 'the big LOL of politics'—explaining why the public often wants the opposite of what the government does. Here’s how it works & why it matters:
Reposted by Alexander Kustov
Some folks asked if Popular by Design would do "newsletter stuff" like sharing links. So starting now, I'll post a monthly roundup focused on important, slightly more positive items you won't find in other migration newsletters. Read October's picks here: alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/migration-...
Migration, But Better: October 2025 Links
Pragmatism from Silicon Valley to the Vatican, what went wrong on immigration during Biden, and why being mean to immigrants doesn't attract voters
alexanderkustov.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Some folks asked if Popular by Design would do "newsletter stuff" like sharing links. So starting now, I'll post a monthly roundup focused on important, slightly more positive items you won't find in other migration newsletters. Read October's picks here: alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/migration-...