Politics and Government

"This time of year, aspiring elected officials insist that we must get tough on crime to keep us safe. 'Getting tough' almost always includes imposing more and longer prison sentences. Unfortunately, most of those claims are based on myths, fear, and half-truths. Therefore, voters should insist that calls for increased punishment be replaced by programs that can actually reduce crime, help victims, and increase public safety," writes David Trierweiler. Heather Evans, assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine at the UW School of Medicine, and Katherine Beckett, professor of sociology and of law, societies and justice at the UW, are mentioned.

While big-name donors and politicians gather and spend millions against the initiative to kill Washington’s fledgling carbon market, the man behind the measure is running a guerrilla campaign to sway voters to his side. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted. James Long, professor of political science at the UW, is mentioned.

A small Ohio city has been dominating headlines this past week, over claims that Haitian migrants have been killing pets and park birds for food. Sophia Jordán Wallace, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Mia Bennett, University of Washington assistant professor of geography, will spend a week this month in Norway as part of the orientation for the Fulbright Arctic IV Initiative. Bennett is one of 20 scholars selected to collaborate on multi-disciplinary research over the next 18 months.

"The Starbucks saga reminds us that we live in an era of heightened climate sensibilities, where corporate reputations are tarnished by small acts of CEO’s perceived climate transgressions," write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

Why denying the science of climate change is no longer politically tenable. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

It has been five years since Washington’s signature “sanctuary” law went into effect, prohibiting most local officials from cooperating with immigration enforcement. Since then, Washington jail and law enforcement agencies have committed hundreds of alleged violations, according to a report by the UW’s Center for Human Rights. Angelina Godoy, professor of law, societies, and justice and of international studies, as well as director of the Center for Human Rights at the UW, is quoted.

About one-fifth of all electricity customers in Washington will be eligible for a $200 energy credit this summer, funded through the state’s landmark climate law. Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Vice President Kamala Harris is quickly gaining momentum as a potential successor for President Joe Biden in November. But there’s still one major event that will define this year’s Democratic campaign: The Democratic National Convention. James Long, professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

Sudan has been at the center of a deadly and brutal war for over a year. It's the site of the world's largest hunger crisis, and the world's largest displacement crisis. Christopher Tounsel, associate professor of history at the UW, is interviewed.

In the 72 hours after a political earthquake, there is debate about the impact on the November election. James Long, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

"While the war between Hamas and Israel dominates the news, the growing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is far more dangerous. Since Hamas attacked Israel last Oct. 7, Hezbollah — far larger and better armed than Hamas — has been waging a less-publicized war on Israel from southern Lebanon, attacking with rockets, artillery, drones, antitank missiles and other weapons, forcing Israel to evacuate tens of thousands of civilians living near the border. Hezbollah could initiate full-scale war at any moment. Its goal: The destruction of Israel," writes Paul Burstein, professor emeritus of sociology and adjunct professor of political science at the UW.

"The Supreme Court’s decision that grants presidents immunity from criminal prosecution for their 'official acts' has been met by alarm by many legal scholars," writes Michael Blake, professor of philosophy and of public policy and governance at the UW.

"The first comprehensive federal immigration legislation in the history of the U.S., the 1924 law solidified features of the immigration system with us today: visa requirements, the Border Patrol, and the category of the 'illegal alien.' Even as the primary targets of immigration restrictionism have shifted over the century, the consequences for immigrants and their communities remain profoundly shaped by the system created in 1924," writes Devin Naar, associate professor of history and of Jewish studies at the UW.

U.S. President Joe Biden stumbled over his words repeatedly in his first presidential debate with former President Donald Trump leading up to the November election, and the Republican frontrunner responded to Biden’s verbal attacks with lies about his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection along with fibs about the economy. James Long, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.