Politics and Government

Christopher Parker, professor of political science at the UW, talks about whether this historical moment will result in progress when it comes to racial justice.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, has a new group called the Functional Federalism Working Group. Its name suggests that the group is meant to redress an imbalance of power between Biden’s presidency and state governments, a majority of which are dominated by conservatives. Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Over 700 people have died during pro-democracy protests following a coup in Myanmar on February 1st. Mary Callahan, associate professor of international studies at the UW, is interviewed.

James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed about President Biden's announcement to pull troops out of Afghanistan.

"The problem with pretext traffic stops is that when police use their discretion to decide who to pull over, they disproportionately pull over Black drivers more than white drivers, particularly within predominantly Black communities. As a result, Black drivers are searched 1.5 to 2 times as often as white drivers. The practice of pretext traffic stops allows police to surveil communities of color, over-patrol them, and pull people over," writes Alexes Harris, professor of sociology at the UW.

Jake Grumbach, political science professor, discusses the state of police reform in the United States.

In the wake of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis as former police officer Derek Chauvin stands trial for George Floyd's death, Alexes Harris, professor of sociology at the UW, comments on the two events.

What does the state of Washington owe people who were convicted under a drug possession law that's been overturned? Alexes Harris, UW professor of sociology, is interviewed.

Republican efforts to stall President Joe Biden’s climate agenda are slowly beginning to take shape. The American Legislative Exchange Council, a membership organization for state lawmakers and industry representatives that is best known for drafting model bills that are then picked up by state legislatures, is also involved. Jake Grumbach, assistant professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

Mary Callahan, associate professor in the UW Jackson School of International Studies, is interviewed about the conflict in Myanmar, following her recent departure from the country.

"Nomadland could provide a glimpse into future politics unless decarbonization processes are made equitable ... this is why 'just transition' policies should be a top political priority in climate policy design," write Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs at the UW, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW.

Research from the UW Center for Human Rights has confirmed disturbing human rights violations at the Northwest Detention Center. 

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers, Republican of Washington, drew kudos from across the aisle last month when she questioned the CEOs of Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet about the impact of their platforms on children. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Amazon warehouse employees voted against unionization in Bessemer, Alabama, in a victory for the company and a defeat for organized labor. But even if the results hold, was this really a win for Amazon? Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Jeff Bezos surprised some Amazon critics and followers this week by throwing his weight behind a federal corporate tax hike to help pay for President Biden’s infrastructure plan. It was a position that seemed out of step with his company’s history and the rest of corporate America. Margaret O’Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.