Department of Political Science

"If a policy imposes costs locally to create benefits across the border, it is likely to run into local opposition. This is the story of Delhi’s air pollution as well as the global slowdown in addressing climate issues," write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

Political Science professor James Long studies why many voters choose to participate in elections in emerging democracies despite the considerable personal cost.

"My first-gen college experience has inspired my approach to my level of research, work, and connection with this campus along with students and faculty by encouraging me to always go above and beyond what is expected and become eager to learn new things at any moment." – Pedro Caballero, College of Arts & Sciences student majoring in both Political Science and Public Health.

"Being a first-generation college student is a badge of honor and a responsibility I carry with immense pride. It symbolizes the collective hopes and dreams of my family and community, as well as the barriers I have overcome to attain higher education." – MJ Mencias, College of Arts & Sciences student double majoring in both Political Sciences and Law, Society, and Justice.

"The rate of child poverty doubled in 2022, despite a growing economy and an increasingly tight labor market. Why? Because of a policy choice made by Congress," writes Scott Lemieux, teaching professor of political science at the UW.

"Climate change has emerged as an important issue for the younger generation—that is, Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996). Public opinion polls suggest that these cohorts are more worried about climate change and more supportive of climate policies," write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

"While appeals to grievance have been used in presidential campaigns, never before in American history has a leading contender for a major party's nomination made their personal grievances related to criminal liability and payback the centerpiece of their presidential run," write the UW's political science professors James Long and Victor Menaldo.

Amazon reported a slight drop in greenhouse gas emissions, but its total footprint remains millions of metric tons larger than past years, according to the company's sustainability report. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science and director of the Center for Environmental Politics at the UW, is quoted.

Identity - including race, sexual orientation, gender - have become lightning rod subjects of hundreds of bills in state legislatures across the country as Americans across the political spectrum seek to define the nation's values. Christopher Parker, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Three new faculty books from the University of Washington cover wide-ranging topics: oysters, the moral contradictions of religion, and Cherokee creature names and environmental relationships.

"The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a lavish welcome by the Biden Administration during his recently concluded U.S. visit. He spoke to the U.S. Congress, making him the sixth individual ever to address the U.S. Congress more than once...Why this courtship? For the U.S., India is critical to counter China," write the UW's Nives Dol?ak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

As a candidate, Joe Biden called himself a climate change pioneer. He promised a green energy revolution. More renewables, way less fossil fuels, and a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. So two years in, how's he doing? Outside/In host Nate Hegyi speaks with Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, to figure out where Biden has pushed his climate agenda, where he hasn't, and whether he's an octopus or a bighorn sheep.

"Early this month, Quebec forest fires caused severe air pollution on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. Although subject to some debate, many blamed climate change for these fires," write the UW's Nives Dol?ak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

Hayden Goldberg, graduating with majors in political science and economics, has advised the dean of Arts & Sciences for the past three years while juggling numerous other projects. 

"Does international trade undermine national security? Russia has weaponized its energy dominance to threaten European security. Might China weaponize its control over the renewable energy supply chain to pursue political objectives, such as reunification with Taiwan?" write the UW's Nives Dolsak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.