Social Sciences Division

"As Donald Trump’s second inauguration fast approaches, concerns he threatens American democracy are rising yet again. Some warnings have cited Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, willingness to undermine or malign institutions meant to constrain any president, and a combative style that strives to stretch executive power as far as possible," writes Victor Menaldo, professor of political science at the UW.

"A new report further documents the evisceration of Washington’s capitol press corps as the state’s news industry shrank in recent years," writes Brier Dudley, an editor at The Seattle Times. A report from the UW is referenced and Matthew Powers, associate professor of communications at the UW, is quoted.

As director of government relations for the Catholic Health Association, Paulo G. Pontemayor (BA, 2005) is dedicated to increasing equity and access to health care in the United States.

New scientific advancements suggest that our canine friends might offer more than love and loyalty. Dogs may ultimately hold the power to potentially extend both their lives and ours. Daniel Promislow, professor of biology and of laboratory medicine and pathology in the School of Medicine, is quoted.

Since 1984, the Wildrose has been a cornerstone for “beers and queers.” Jen Self, assistant clinical professor of social work and lecturer of gender, women & sexuality studies at the UW, is quoted.

Researchers say drugs may be able to increase lifespan by extending health and thus shortening the rate of aging. Daniel Promislow, UW professor of biology and of laboratory medicine and pathology in the School of Medicine, is quoted.

Silicon Valley executives, some who have long had contentious relationships with President-elect Donald Trump, are pledging money and support to Trump's incoming administration. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

For the past decade or so, Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, has been teaching a course on climate politics in the UW’s political science department. During that time, there have been three climate change initiatives on the ballot here. He’s had a front row seat for how policymakers, activists and campaigners have sought to frame and spin one of the toughest issues in politics.

Washington had the smallest rightward shift of any state in the 2024 presidential election, an Axios analysis finds — although, after three weeks of vote counting, it's no longer true that the state trended slightly more blue. Victor Menaldo, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Married couples across the U.S. have had access to no-fault divorce for more than 50 years, an option many call crucial to supporting domestic abuse victims and key to preventing already crowded family courts from drowning in complicated divorce proceedings. Mark Smith, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

When he isnât lecturing at the University of Washington or pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of California, Davis, Tory Johnston (Quinault) co-hosts a global Indigenous radio show, Sounds of Survivance.

"Climate policy should not become associated with halted mobility, dark and cold buildings, and spoiled food in refrigerators. An important collective (as opposed to household) level response to outages is to strengthen grid resilience via undergrounding power lines," write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, Democrats are confronting a possible existential threat: The erosion of support among important demographic groups, particularly Latinos. Sophia Jordán Wallace, professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

Exciting. Confusing. Inspiring. Intimidating. Being a first-generation college student can bring many challenges and emotions. If you are a first-gen student, know that you are in good company. Here, ten UW Arts & Sciences students/alumni who've been in your shoes offer their thoughts on surviving — and thriving — as a first-generation student at the UW. 

Democrats faced heavy losses nationwide on Election Day, with many districts turning away from the party as Republican Donald Trump won another term as president. Experts say Democratic leaders should take pointers from U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Victor Menaldo, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.