Public Circle Research & Consulting

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Welcome to PUBLIC CIRCLE, a research consultancy specializing in the intersection of democracy, media, and technology.

I'm Dean Jackson, the principal behind PUBLIC CIRCLE and a former investigative analyst for the January 6th Committee with more than ten years of experience at think tanks in Washington, DC.

On this page, you can learn more about PUBLIC CIRCLE's research; find out how to get in touch; and see examples from my wider body of work.

Want to get in touch? Reach out to me at dwj@publiccircle.net.

Want to know more?

Read my bio and resume.
See examples of my work.
Find me on Bluesky.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PUBLIC CIRCLE research?

At PUBLIC CIRCLE, I specialize in research questions related to, and at the intersection of, democracy, media, and technology.

I believe that today, in most of the world—and especially in the United States—democracy is in crisis. Governments are becoming less representative and less accountable. Pluralism is under threat. Dignity and prosperity are increasingly out of reach for many people. Authoritarianism is on the march. Radical voices are growing louder and finding new audiences. Public discourse is increasingly angry and extreme. PUBLIC CIRCLE is unapologetic about its opposition to these trends.

These challenges have many drivers. PUBLIC CIRCLE specializes in understanding how speech, ideas, and media are used in ways that ultimately erode citizens' ability to participate in a free and fair political process—as well as how to prevent and reverse that erosion.

The tempestuous changes brought by the internet, social media, and emerging technologies mean much of my work has focused on these areas. But older forms of media and expression remain not just relevant but critically important.

Increasingly, I look for solutions beyond technology and the media environment. The relationship between democratic erosion, civic participation, electoral systems, institutional reforms, and political rhetoric deserves more attention. PUBLIC CIRCLE seeks to widen the aperture beyond tech criticism to consider democracy more holistically.

How do you conduct your research?

Most of my research is qualitative. Often, it is interview-based: think of me like a beat reporter trying to understand problems from different stakeholders' points of view. We've applied this approach across projects for nonprofits, government agencies, and other clients.

Sometimes, these interviews must be conducted off-record or anonymously to protect participant identities. We take this responsibility very seriously, having worked in contexts where it can have serious professional, legal, and even fatal consequences.

PUBLIC CIRCLE may pair those interviews with desk research and thorough document review, sometimes including thousands of pages of evidence. The combination of interviews and other sources provides more context and nuance than either method alone.

I also draw on recent academic literature to increase understanding, add nuance, test assumptions, and identify knowledge gaps. Past projects have included academic literature reviews for these purposes.

What kind of clients do you work with?

I'm flexible! As long as the project aligns with my values and principles, I am open to working with a wide range of clients.

Most of my recent work has been for non-profit organizations conducting research, community-building, or public communications. I also work closely with university centers and scholars and provide analysis for US government agencies in international development or public diplomacy. And I am steadily building relationships with philanthropic institutions.

But given the political nature of the topics I research, I am open to working with other clients, including progressive political campaigns and 501c(4) organizations. I am also open to working with for-profit organizations under the right circumstances.

If you are interested, just reach out! I'm happy to have a conversation.

What's with the name?

It starts with the concept of the public square: the space where societies debate ideas, deliberate on issues, and participate in civil discourse.

But a circle is more democratic than a square: King Arthur famously insisted his table be circular because no one sits at the head of a round table.

PUBLIC CIRCLE is based in Cleveland, OH, my home state (though I grew up closer to Dayton). There are two O's in "Ohio," and the circle reflects my commitment to democracy in the Buckeye State as well as at the local, national, and international levels—while recognizing that they are inextricably connected.

And what about the snake logo?

The serpent in PUBLIC CIRCLE's logo has two meanings. First, the serpent is a symbol of deceit, and much of PUBLIC CIRCLE's research focuses on threats to the public square from propaganda and "disinformation."

But the serpent is also an ouroboros, the snake that eats its own tail, a symbol of eternity suggesting that these challenges are perennial and that democracy must be renewed each generation.