Julia Cagé, an economist and professor at Sciences Po Paris, has been included in the 2026 Politico EU power list.

Cagé's inclusion highlights the growing influence of academic research on public policy and the financial structures of modern governance. Her work focuses on the intersection of economics, democratic stability, and the social effects of technology.

Cagé teaches at Sciences Po Paris, an institution described by Ava Seave as a university obsessed with action and policy [1]. Her research explores the high costs associated with maintaining democratic systems. In an analysis of U.S. political spending, it was noted that the 2020 federal races cost $14 billion [2], which was more than twice the price tag for 2016 [2].

Beyond the financial aspects of politics, Cagé has examined how the digital era transforms early human development. She said that childhood is being reprogrammed by digital technologies that shape how young people learn, play, and connect [3]. This research addresses the systemic shift in how children interact with their environment, and each other.

Her academic profile spans several years of high-level analysis. She has contributed to publications including Forbes and Project Syndicate, establishing a footprint in both the academic and public spheres. By linking the cost of elections to the quality of democratic representation, Cagé provides a framework for understanding how money influences policy outcomes.

As digital integration increases, Cagé continues to track the behavioral changes in youth. Her work suggests that the reprogramming of childhood is not merely a social trend but a structural change driven by technology [3].

“Childhood is being reprogrammed by digital technologies that shape how young people learn, play, and connect.”

Cagé's recognition reflects a broader trend of policymakers seeking economic frameworks to combat the rising costs of democratic processes and the societal disruptions caused by rapid digitalization. Her work suggests that the financial inflation of elections and the digital transformation of youth are interconnected challenges affecting the long-term stability of civic life.