Stone Center initiative
SWIPE
The Stone Working Group on Inequality and Political Economy
A community of scholars examining how inequality shapes political power, institutions, and public life.
Fall 2026–Winter 2028
Whose Democracy?
Who does democracy serve, and who has the power to shape it?
SWIPE’s two-year series examines how wealth, class, geography, and race shape democratic power—from who runs for office and who funds campaigns to whose voices count.
The series brings visiting scholars and the U-M community together for conversation and builds toward a capstone conference in winter 2028.
Series roadmap
March 25, 2027
Who Funds?
Money in Politics
Adam Bonica
Stanford University
Time, location, and registration details will be announced.
Fall 2027
Who Counts?
Racial Gerrymandering
Kevin Morris
Brennan Center for Justice
Date and event details will be announced.
Winter 2028
Capstone conference
The series culminates in a conference on inequality and democratic power.
Program and event details will be announced.
A space for candid inquiry
SWIPE brings scholars together to explore questions about inequality and political economy through shared discussion, invited speakers, and collaborative exchange.
Interested in participating? Contact organizer Jeremy Levine to learn about the group and its activities.
“In SWIPE, we strive to create a space where we can ask dumb questions in a brave, supportive environment.”Jeremy Levine · SWIPE organizer
Past programming
September 17, 2026 · Series opening
Who Runs? Candidacy and Class
Noam Lupu (Vanderbilt University) and Nick Carnes (Duke University), moderated by Roberto Carlos (University of Michigan), discussed who seeks public office, how class shapes candidate viability, and who ultimately governs.
The conversation launched Whose Democracy? during Democracy Week at U-M, with support from the Initiative for Democracy and Civic Empowerment.
Join the conversation
Connect with SWIPE or explore other ways to participate in the Stone Center’s intellectual community.