Op-ed: Prof. Michael Byers on international law in the Middle East
Professor Michael Byers explains that when states use international law’s right to self-defence, they are signalling their desire to avoid an escalation. This rule may be the best hope for peace in the Middle East today.
Prof. Kathryn Harrison comments on carbon tax frustration
Professor Kathryn Harrison says many B.C. residents believe the federal Conservative Party’s campaign that falsely claims carbon taxes are escalating the unaffordability of food, housing and heating.
Prof. Gerald Baier discusses B.C. United’s campaign struggles
Professor Gerald Baier explains that B.C. United does not fully own the B.C. NDP opposition votes in this election. The division could be a “disaster” for several parties as the centre and centre-right vote typically only succeed when unified.
Op-ed: Prof. Kathryn Harrison says carbon tax opposition rests on denial
Professor Kathryn Harrison says that federal and provincial opposition to the carbon tax uses exaggerated and incomplete arguments that fail to mention the rebate mechanism. Regulations work but the carbon tax is being unfairly compared to an idealized vision of regulation.
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot’s new publication explores the implication of Indigneous rights globally
This ground-breaking Handbook explores the key legal, political and policy questions concerning the implementation of Indigenous rights across the world. Expert contributors analyse the complex dynamics of contestation, engagement, advocacy and refusal between governments and Indigenous Peoples, presenting a profound challenge to mainstream policy scholarship.
Prof. Kathryn Harrison discusses eligibilty thresholds for the Carbon Tax
Professor Kathryn Harrison estimates the new income thresholds for the carbon tax will be approximately $60,000 for a single person and just above $100,000 a year for a household of one or two income-earners and three dependents.
Prof. Stewart Prest discusses B.C. NDP’s push to become a ‘Big-tent’ party
Professor Stewart Prest explains that the B.C. NDP have shifted their focus to appeal to middle class voters and become a big tent party of the left and centre, but this could also alienate their traditional working class voters.
Prof. Stewart Prest says the B.C. Conservatives need more appeal to capture voters
The Conservative Party of B.C. recently dropped two candidates after misinformation accusations. Professor Stewart Prest says that the party must appeal to “middle of the road” voters to become the official opposition.
UBC POLI Professor Maxwell Cameron elected Vice President/President-Elect at LASA
Professor Cameron is excited to begin his tenure and continue LASA’s mission to foster intellectual discussion, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate.
Op-ed: Prof. Yves Tiberghien says Taiwan’s election shows remarkable political resiliency
Despite external pressures from China, the Taiwan elected results were stable and as predicted. The DPP won the presidency but lost control of the legislature. The results show a degree of resilience and self-confidence of the Taiwanese in their democratic system, while also suggesting continuous caution and a preference for stability.