Prof. Paul Quirk on overturning Roe v. Wade: “one of the greatest policy disasters for the Democratic Party in many years”
Professor Paul Quirk says Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg failure to retire during Obama’s term contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien quoted on the eroding US-led liberal international order in Outlook Business
“Twenty-one per cent of global GDP has changed hands from developed to emerging economies since 2000 (14% of which has gone to China). It means that the West cannot dominate all global institutions and rules any longer. But, the US itself under Donald Trump came to question its leadership role in that order and decided to give up on all institutions and global rules it created,” says Prof. Tiberghien.
Honours student Alexa Traboulay explores the intersecting effects of social media echo chambers and partisanship in shaping attitudes toward immigration
Fourth-year Honours student Alexa Traboulay undergraduate thesis examines the ways in which partisanship mediates the relationship between participation in social media echo chambers and extreme attitudes towards immigration.
Dr. Alan Jacobs selected as new Department Head
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Alan Jacobs has been selected as the next Head of the Department of Political Science. Dr. Jacobs will serve as Department Head starting on July 1, 2022 for a three-year term.
Prof. Paul Quirk says California’s decision to vote down universal healthcare about state issue rather than national trends
“Establishing universal health care at the state level was a bridge too far, even for many California liberals,” Prof. Paul Quirk said. “The state already has some of the most severe fiscal challenges in the country, dealing with homelessness, opioids, fires, floods, COVID-19, job losses, crime.”
Professor Alan Jacobs comments on how identity and values contribute to following COVID-19 restrictions
“My guess is that this is the kind of thing that will be cited by people who are not complying with restrictions, but most of whom perhaps would not have followed the restrictions,” Jacobs said.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: Don’t ignore democracy’s flaws
We need to ask “What ails democracy?” and work on reversing the erosion of governance before we can promote democracy globally, writes Prof. Maxwell Cameron
Could Canada hold the U.S. liable for billions in B.C. flood damage? Prof. Michael Byers comments
“Pressure should be directed to have the Canadian government and the U.S. government step in here and make a reference to the International Joint Commission, so we can actually get some national involvement and transboundary collaboration,” Byers said.
Prof. Paul Quirk commented on Biden’s role in the 2024 presidential election
Biden’s age has always been a cause for concern. UBC political science professor Dr. Paul Quirk says if Biden’s “senior moments” don’t become noticeably more frequent or more alarming over the next two years, he will probably run for a second term. “If the economy is in a strong recovery and the pandemic is behind us, he should have excellent prospects in the election, and there won’t be a strong argument that any alternative nominee would be more electable,” he added.
Prof Paul Quirk says Donald Trump could attempt to overturn the results of the 2024 election if he runs again
“If nothing else, [Trump] can use his candidacy to undermine the various prosecutions that he may be facing,” Professor Quirk said. “If his Plan A is to win 271 votes in the Electoral College, his Plan B may be to win at least one vote of a juror in any criminal trial.”