Social Sciences Division

There’s a sense of disbelief that a president could foment a riot at the Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, and yet his party remains reluctant to hold him to account. Christopher Parker, professor of political science at the UW, isn’t the least bit surprised.

“Has a bloc of voters emerged that is not only alien to the American system of governance but toxic to it?” writes columnist Thomas B. Edsall. A study by Christopher Parker, professor of political science at the UW, and Rachel Blum of the University of Oklahoma is quoted.

Quintard Taylor, professor emeritus of history and the founder of Blackpast.org, discusses the life and legacy of Horace Clayton and his wife, Susie Revels.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was the top American philanthropist in 2020, giving away $10.1 billion to nonprofit efforts associated with climate change and education, according to a ranking released this week by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Bezos, ranked second on the list with donations to a wide array of non-profits that totaled $5.7 billion. The UW's Ed Lazowska, professor of computer science and engineering, and Margaret O'Mara, professor of history, are quoted.

“How do we atone for the worst thing we’ve ever done?” That is the question at the heart of the podcast “Making Amends,” which features men serving time in the Oregon State Penitentiary. Steve Herbert, professor of law, societies and justice and of geography at the UW, brought together a group of men at the prison for a class on atonement with the goal of creating a podcast.

“If history is any guide, the next act of Jeff Bezos, the man who turned a crazy-at-the-time idea to sell books over the internet into a $1.67 trillion behemoth, could be more consequential than the last,” writes Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW.

James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, says he thinks it's likely that the Senate will acquit former President Trump, but it depends on the evidence presented over the course of the trial.

James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, talks about why the impeachment trial is unprecedented.

James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed about what to expect from the impeachment trial.

Devin Naar, professor of history and Jewish studies, Melia Watras, professor of music, and Ted Poor, assistant professor of drums, have all received honors for their work recently.

This week at the UW, join Deborah Willis for the Monsen Photography Lecture, attend the 2021 Critical Issues series, and more.

“So what to do about the collateral damage that sometimes occurs when social media amplifies lies and fringe ideas through its use of algorithms? Thus far, the solutions that lawmakers and pundits have advanced are heavy-handed and often centered on the outright ban of innovative technology. They run the risk of making mis/disinformation and conspiracy theories worse,” write the UW’s James Long, associate professor of political science, and Victor Menaldo, professor of political science.

The Scandinavian Studies department at the University of Washington, the country's largest, is highlighted in this article about the history of Seattle's Norwegian American community.

Professor of Philosophy, Public Policy and Governance Michael Blake is interviewed in this article about impeaching former President Trump.

The Biden administration is already projecting a tougher policy on China and Taiwan than many expected. Analysts say that sends important early signals to allies in Asia — and Beijing. James Lin, assistant professor of international studies at the UW, is interviewed.