Department of Political Science

Mark Alan Smith, professor of political science at the UW, talks about polling in the 2016 election and what it can tell us about the 2020 election. 

“Democrats project the image of one big happy pro-climate family, united against a common foe. This has fed the expectation that the Biden administration will transform U.S. climate policy. Trump turned the climate action switch off, but Biden will turn it back on,” write Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs at the UW, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW.

Amy Coney Barrett is facing the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, and as with many nominees, it’s difficult to get a sense of the future legal implications of her answers. Should the process be changed? Scott Lemieux, assistant teaching professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

"Facebook and Twitter have already removed dozens of Russian accounts spreading disinformation. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the problem is far worse this year than in 2016. He blames the increase in foreign trolling for Trump on the weak U.S. response to the ongoing threat. Yet that’s not the whole story. No matter how cunning the trolls or relentless the bots, Russia could not reasonably expect to achieve meaningful results in the absence of an already receptive audience," write Scott Livingston at George Washington University and W. Lance Bennett, professor emeritus of political science at the UW.

During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online. 

During this time of uncertainty and isolation, find solace in digital opportunities to connect, share, and engage. Each week, we will share upcoming events that bring the UW, and the greater community, together online.  Many of these online opportunities are streamed through Zoom. All UW faculty, staff, and students have access to Zoom Pro via UW-IT.  Curating...

James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, says we'd be losing an important part of the political process if the debates were canceled.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, explains Amazon's "Climate Pledge Friendhly" label and whether it'll impact online shopping.

How climate change and U.S.-China relations could affect the 2020 elections were top of mind last week at a University of Washington presentation. The presentation was given by Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, and Susan Whiting, an associate professor of political science at the UW.

Political Science faculty member James Long launched a podcast focused on election security, featuring experts from the UW and elsewhere.

Megan Ming Francis, associate professor of political science, was recently named a Freedom Scholar and granted $250,000 to do work in economic and social justice.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, says undecided voters may not think President Trump is the best person to lead the country after his illness.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, talks about how he hopes the president’s illness will give the election a reset and lead to a more thoughtful conversation around choosing our leaders.

This week at the UW, join online events ranging in topics from population health to contempary race and politics in the United States.

Scott Lemieux, assistant teaching professor of political science at the UW, gives insight into how the confirmation process for the Supreme Court will work before Election Day.