Department of Political Science

Washington and Oregon rarely feature in presidential races. But as demonstrations against police brutality and systemic racism have continued across the country, the Pacific Northwest — the site of some of the country’s largest and most persistent protests — has taken on a narrative role in the national campaign even as it remains an electoral backwater. Jacob Grumbach, assistant professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

"How a society handles disasters says a lot about its resilience, character and governance capacities. Disasters can foster paranoia or encourage solidarity. They can bring the country together or tear it apart," write Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs at the UW, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW.

"Disasters can foster paranoia or encourage solidarity. They can bring the country together or tear it apart," write UW Professors' Nives Dolšak and Aseem Prakash.

With two months before the general election – and amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – mail-in voting has taken on a greater importance, and drawn more political attention, than in elections past.

Christopher Adolph, associate professor of political science and John Wilkerson, political science professor and chair of the department explain the results of their study about mask mandates.

Christopher Adolph, associate professor of political science, authored a study showing that governor's political party is the biggest factor in whether a state has imposed a mask mandate.

Jacob Grumbach, assistant professor of political science, explains how unionization can help fix racial inequality.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, discusses outside influences on the Trump administration's environmental policies.

Political science professor Christopher Parker discusses conversations about race in relation to small-time sports.

In an attack mailer, a photo of Democrat T’wina Nobles, who is Black, was altered to make her look extremely dark. Christopher Parker, professor of political science, is quoted.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, is referenced in this article explaining the Biden-Harris administration's view towards nuclear energy.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, is referenced in this article explaining the Biden-Harris administration's view towards nuclear energy.

Aseem Prakash, Director of the Center for Environmental Politics, weighs in on the inequities felt by low-income neighborhoods during heatwaves.

Christopher Parker, professor of political science, explains how white allyship to the Black Lives Matter movement can be misguided and reckless.

Victor Menaldo, professor of political science, discusses "cancel culture."