Social Sciences Division

In 1932, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis applauded the role of experimentation within the states, calling them "laboratories of democracy" that could inspire reforms at the national level. Today, that dynamic is inverted, as some red states have become laboratories of authoritarianism, experimenting with the autocratic playbook in ways that could filter up to the federal government. Jake Grumbach, associate professor of political science at the UW, is mentioned.

Christopher Tounsel, associate professor of history at the UW, explains the reasons behind the violence and what it means for the chances of democracy being restored in Sudan.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is facing renewed scrutiny, but don't expect the lifetime appointee to face any real repercussions, experts said. Scott Lemieux, assistant teaching professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

"Republican leaders are now adopting increasingly autocratic measures, using the police powers of government to impose moralized regulations, turning private citizens into enforcement officers and expelling defiant elected Democrats just as county Republican parties, particularly in Western states, are electing militia members, Christian nationalists and QAnon believers to key posts," writes New York Times columnist Thomas B. Edsall. Jake Grumbach, associate professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

One of two Black Democratic legislators expelled by the Republican-controlled Tennessee House said, "what the nation is seeing is that we don't have a democracy in Tennessee." Chillingly, data offers some support for that contention. Jake Grumbach, associate professor of political science at the UW, is mentioned.

After Alice Ball died -- and just a year after her discovery of a treatment for leprosy -- another scientist took credit for her work. It would be more than half a century until her story resurfaced. Quintard Taylor, professor emeritus of history at the UW, is quoted.

The indictment of former President Trump isn't just about an individual but about the office of the presidency, and what the country is willing to accept from its leaders, say University of Washington political scientists James Long and Victor Menaldo,

This week, learn more about Japan's response to climate change, attend the talk on Yoko Ono and the Art of the Breakdown, enjoy music performances at Meany Hall and more.

At the UW, Phillip Meng juggled a triple major, research, internships, journal editorship, business consulting, and more. Here's his recipe for making the most of the University.

Former President Donald Trump may be the first U.S. president to face criminal charges, but he's hardly alone on the global stage. Plenty of other democracies have prosecuted their current or former leaders. James D. Long, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

The indictment of a former president of the U.S., Donald Trump, is history happening in real time. The Conversation asked the UW's political science professors James Long and Victor Menaldo to help readers understand the meaning of this moment in the U.S.

This week, head to Meany Hall for the Grammy-nominated Dover Quartet performance, learn about Seattle’s radical women’s liberation movement of the 60s and 70s from Barbara Winslow, celebrate Arab American Heritage Month and more.

The City of Seattle's civic art collection, which includes more than 400 permanent installations, contains only one outdoor monument honoring a female historical figure. Sasha Su-Ling Welland, chair and professor of gender, women & sexuality studies at the UW, is quoted.

This week, join fellow art lovers at the Henry Art Gallery for new spring exhibits, watch as The Motherboard Suite brings to life music, and much more. March 31, 7:00 – 9:00 PM |Public Opening: Spring Exhibitions, Henry Art Gallery New art is waiting to be enjoyed at the Henry Art Gallery. Join in celebration...

This week, join fellow art lovers at the Henry Art Gallery for new spring exhibits, watch as The Motherboard Suite brings to life music, and much more. March 31, 7:00 – 9:00 PM |Public Opening: Spring Exhibitions, Henry Art Gallery New art is waiting to be enjoyed at the Henry Art Gallery. Join in celebration...