Prof. Michael Byers calls for Elon Musk to step away from politics: “Is Mr. Musk oblivious?”
Elon Musk has made his controversial foreign politics opinions very clear, standing by them despite evidence and widespread criticism. Prof. Byers writes that the US government must step up to prevent further meddling from Musk in places like Ukraine and China.
Professor Barbara Arniel elected to Royal Society of Canada
UBC Political Science Professor Barbara Arneil is one of thirteen UBC faculty members have been announced by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) as new Fellows and as new Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.
Pelosi’s visit could derail US–China compromise over Taiwan: Prof. Yves Tiberghien and Visiting Prof. Swaran Singh write in East Asia Forum
“The delicate diplomatic compromise of constructive ambiguity over Taiwan’s status initiated by former US national security advisor Henry Kissinger and Chinese premier Zhou Enlai in 1972 is fraying beyond repair,” Prof. Yves Tiberghien and Visiting Prof. Swaran Singh write. “We are witnessing a ratcheting up of the struggle between ideational commitments to the rival principles of democracy and national sovereignty.”
Despite his recent successes, “for many, Biden is running out of time,” says Prof. Paul Quirk
The past week has been a major success for the Biden administration: taking down the leader of Al-Qaeda, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the bipartisan veterans bill, and other achievements. Still, “whether Biden’s legislative successes will help him or the Democrats politically is less clear,” Prof. Quirk notes.
Visiting Prof. Swaran Singh writes on the “strategic ambiguity” of the Biden-Xi relationship
Prof. Swaran Singh highlighted the implications of “enduring uncertainties and anxieties” between two of the world’s most powerful leaders, and the consequences of their glamorous personalities. “Short-term gains often dictate strategies of being active without being productive,” wrote Singh.
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.
Joe Biden risks impeachment if Democrats lose both House and Senate
Professor Paul Quirk told Newsweek that Republicans “will certainly launch numerous investigations” if they regain majorities, however, any “obviously unwarranted, retaliatory impeachment” would “hurt Republicans in competitive states and districts.”
Prof. Paul Quirk on Trump’s possible prosecution and President Biden: ‘he’s in an “awkward position”‘
“[Attorney General] Garland may be afraid of giving the appearance of a politically motivated prosecution,” Prof. Paul Quirk says. “But as critics point out, that objection is itself politically motivated.” He highlights that despite the compelling evidence available and the power of a well-handled prosecution, “it is not at all clear that Biden’s Justice Department has gotten the memo.”
Prof. Paul Quirk says Joe Biden’s interactions with Russia go beyond short-term political consequences
“Inflation, high gas prices, and food shortages will not help in the midterm elections,” noted Prof. Quirk, stating that Biden was still concerned about political consequences. “But most presidents have understood that… their responsibility is to do their best for the country.”
Prof. Paul Quirk comments on President Biden’s damaging “gaffes”
Prof. Quirk notes that US President Joe Biden’s gaffes often leave observers wondering “why, despite his generally good strategic judgment, he sometimes blurts out immediate reactions on matters that call for careful consideration.”