Social Sciences Division

The University of Washington's Jonathan Mercer's book, "Reputation and International Politics," finds that there is no predictable effect of backing down in crisis.

A set of letters dating back to the 1940s led Devin Naar to study the history of Sephardic Jews. Now he heads the UW's Sephardic Studies Initiative and oversees an archive of Sephardic materials that is among the nation's largest.

Students learned about agroecology from the ground up—literally—as they worked with farmers in an unusual and isolated high-altitude farming community in the Upper Rio Grande.

Philosophy graduate student Amy Reed-Sandoval has spent the past three summers leading a philosophy program for children in Oaxaca, Mexico, guiding conversations on everything from individual rights to the nature of happiness.

This week, lawmakers are debating whether Congress should approve a military strike on Syria. Jonathan Mercer, associate professor of political science, is quoted.

The UW Tel Dor Archeological Excavation and Field School - whose students in 2009 unearthed a rare gemstone with the image of Alexander the Great - has completed another summer's excavation work.

Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology, comments on the outrage caused by Miley Cyrus' performace at the VMAs.

Ratings show that the television network Univision was the most watched network in the coveted 18-45 demographic for July. What does this news say about the growing Latino population in the U.S.? Associate vice provost and political science professor Luis Fraga weighs in.

Geography professor Kam Wing Chan discusses the little known "hukou," a small document that could have a big impact on keeping China's poor from joining the middle class.

Wenatchee World publisher Rufus Woods writes about "a provocative public forum" sponsored by the Seattle City Club and featuring communications chair, David Domke.

Former U.S. representative and current New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner is embroiled in another sex scandal. UW sociology professor Pepper Schwartz talks about what might motivate his wife to once again support him.

Anthropology professor Bettina Shell-Duncan consulted on a report that finds female genital cutting has seen a gradual but significant decline in many countries.

Political science and economics graduate Rogelio Riojas was one of two people named to the University of Washington Board of Regents by Governor Jay Inslee.

Rich Peruvians in the city of Lima request black pallbearers at their funerals. UW history professor Adam Warren explains why.

Sociology professor Pepper Schwartz says the Iowa Supreme Court's decision that it is not sex discrimination for a man to fire a woman for being attractive was a step backward.