Department of Political Science

As a Congressional intern in Washington DC, UW senior Lillian Williamson was immersed in historic — and contentious — events on Capitol Hill.

Through public events and exhibitions, connect with the UW community every week! Highlights of current and upcoming exhibitions:  Until October 29 |The Traveling Jacob Lawrence Gallery: MFA Group Show, SOIL Art Gallery (Pioneer Square) October 27 – November 23 | Miha Sarani: Amends / November 2, 5 – 8 PM: Reception, Art Building November 6...

In a new book, Jake Grumbach writes that states are no longer looking at each other to see what works and what doesn’t to improve the lives of their residents. Rather, he says, they’re looking to the national political parties for guidance on policy, ideology and objectives.

Federalism, queer history, the impact of the Russian Revolution on Jewish communities, and the evolution of Filipinx American studies are among the subjects of recent and upcoming books by UW faculty.

“Individuals undertaking climate protests should also ask the following question: how will this action change what others do about climate issues? Who is the target and why should they respond to my protests? What is the desired outcome?” write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, explains why the high price of gas is not an economic issue, but a political one.

Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science, explains how, although mail election processing has increased in recent years, there has not been any change in voter fraud levels.

Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science, explains the importance
of cultue war politics in Trump's political campaigns.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, discusses the situation in Afghanistan and its possible effects on climate change policy.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, explains why climate policy is lacking even amidst increasing evidence of its importance.

"Straight Talk Africa" explores whether investigating former leaders is good for democracy. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

If the American labor movement is dead, nobody told Washington’s unions. While workers struggle amid a gig economy and union membership remains near a nationwide low, state legislators in recent years have passed more than 20 new labor-backed laws. Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

"Both New York and Seattle are in the process of electing their mayors. Because these cities are very liberal, the key election to watch for is the Democratic primary. Unless something unexpected were to occur between now and November, the candidate winning the Democratic primary will become the next mayor. In both cities, mayor hopefuls are focusing on crime, policing and homelessness. Climate change does not seem to be on their agendas. Why is this surprising?" write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

Every year, the U.S. Supreme Court, the nation’s highest court, issues several high-profile decisions that can have dramatic impacts on society. But much of what it does garners few headlines. Scott Lemieux, assistant teaching professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

University of Washington Provost Mark A. Richards today announced Dianne Harris will become dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, beginning Sept. 1.