Sir Oliver Hart (Harvard University) presents his work on “Citizen Investors” at The Future of the Social Sciences VI: Theory, Prediction, and Confirmation, held by the Center for the Study of Economy and Society (CSES) in New York City on February 13, 2026.
Henry Farrell (Johns Hopkins University) and Margaret Levi (Stanford University) present their work on “RCTs and Democratic Experimentalism” at The Future of the Social Sciences VI: Theory, Prediction, and Confirmation, held by the Center for the Study of Economy and Society (CSES) in New York City on February 13, 2026.
Delia Baldassari (New York University) presents her work on “Harnessing Variation: Rethinking Experimental Research for Middle-Range Theorizing” at The Future of the Social Sciences VI: Theory, Prediction, and Confirmation, held by the Center for the Study of Economy and Society (CSES) in New York City on February 13, 2026.
Eldar Shafir (Princeton University) presents his work on “The Problem of Context” at The Future of the Social Sciences VI: Theory, Prediction, and Confirmation, held by the Center for the Study of Economy and Society (CSES) in New York City on February 13, 2026.
Duncan Watts (University of Pennsylvania) presents his work on “Integrating Explanation and Prediction in Computational Social Science” at The Future of the Social Sciences VI: Theory, Prediction, and Confirmation, held by the Center for the Study of Economy and Society (CSES) in New York City on February 13, 2026.
Please join us for The Future of the Social Sciences, 2026: Theory, Prediction, and Confirmation, a two-day conference taking place February 13–14 in New York City, hosted by Cornell University’s Center for the Study of Economy and Society and Department of Sociology, and co-sponsored by the Russell Sage Foundation. The conference brings together leading scholars to tackle the challenges of explanation, prediction, and empirical confirmation in the social sciences. From computational models and field experiments to cross-national studies of innovation and policy, participants will explore how theory and evidence intersect to advance understanding in complex social systems. Keynotes, interactive sessions, and discussions highlight when prediction works, how context shapes outcomes, and how experiments and theory can be integrated to generate robust, actionable insights. Each day will conclude with a dinner, giving attendees an opportunity to connect, discuss ideas, and continue the conversation.
This is a hybrid event, attend virtually on Zoom.
Speakers / Participants
Acid insults were set aside as New York’s mayor-elect and the president promoted their shared goals
This study compares perceptions in China and Taiwan regarding military unification and threat. Drawing on recent national survey data in China and long-term representative surveys in Taiwan, the findings reveal a widening gap. Many in China favor the use of force and often assume strong support for unification in Taiwan, though views differ across social groups and fall into distinct orientations ranging from moderates to militant hardliners. In Taiwan, confidence in China’s development has steadily declined, more people view China as a threat, and unification support remains marginal. Preference for maintaining the status quo is dominant, while support for independence has grown. Despite consistent willingness to resist aggression, confidence in Taiwan’s defense capacity has weakened, alongside stronger expectations of U.S. support. These mutually reinforcing perceptions sustain polarization across the Strait and raise concerns for regional stability and global security.
This is a hybrid event. To join the Zoom livestream, please register.
“The great bulk of controls over social behavior are not external but built into the relationships themselves.”— George Homans
