Prof. Allen Sens talks nuclear weapons, changing political tensions, and the delicate threat of mutually assured destruction
“It’s been a slow kind of creeping reality that nuclear weapons are not only still with us, but that tensions that could lead to nuclear confrontation are also increasing,” says Prof. Sens, considering the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other tense international relations.
Visiting Prof. Swaran Singh comments on ASEAN’s “centrality” and the underlying power politics
Addressing ASEAN’s challenges in their Indo-Pacific centrality, Prof. Singh writes that “ASEAN has too many serious issues at hand to address instead of being distracted by great-power politics,” namely Myanmar and Cambodia’s obedience as well as China’s influence.
Prof. Michael Byers discusses Russia, the ISS and space warfare with Dr. Aaron Boley in Op-Ed
In this Op-Ed, Prof. Byers & Dr. Boley examine the consequences of Russia’s threats of leaving the ISS, and their willingness to strike space targets. “International co-operation in space matters,” they write. “If it stops, all bets are off.”
Photos from our Graduate Research Conference
UBC Political Science would like to congratulate our Graduate Students, who put together a wonderful conference in May. We would particularly like to thank Conference Chair Katelynn Kowalchuk and Keynote Speaker UBC Professor Genevieve Bates.
Prof. Michael Byers comments on the significance of Russia’s announcement to depart from the International Space Station
“It’s a non-story in my view,” wrote Prof. Michael Byers, commenting on Russia’s decision to withdraw from the International Space Station. Byers argues that it’s most likely a public relations move more than anything.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien and Christina Song: South Korea’s foreign policy faces many challenges
South Korea’s recently-elected President Yoon Suk-yeol “faces the same challenge his predecessor faced — balancing the dual demands of trade relations with China and security alignment with the United States,” write Song and Prof. Tiberghien.
Alumnus Jan Lüdert talks about his role as Head of Programs at DWIH New York
UBC Political Science alumnus Dr. Jan Lüdert began his position as Head of Programs at the DWIH New York in April 2022. In a short interview, he talks about his work at DWIH New York.
Visiting Professor Swaran Singh writes on the bold promises of new ‘West Asian Quad’ I2U2
The I2U2 Group comprising India, Israel, the UAE and the US, held their inaugural online summit this month. Visiting Professor Swaran Singh writes on how their new template for international relations could tackle unfolding challenges.
Resilient and Resourceful: Dr. Richard Price on what he learned from his time as Department Head
UBC Political Science is saying goodbye to Department Head Richard Price, who will be finishing his term as Department Head at the end of June. Since his appointment, Dr. Price has lead the department through challenges presented by a global pandemic, expanded departmental supports for graduate students, equity, diversity and inclusion, created a new course and published a new book.
The new Canada-Denmark Hans Island border sends a signal to the world, says Prof. Michael Byers
Prof. Michael Byers says that invasion of Ukraine created the “right moment” for the countries to handle the issue of dividing Hans Island between Canada and Denmark: “there’s no significance of the border, except the signal it sends to the world that we can resolve our disputes in a friendly way.”