UBC Sending Delegation of Eight to COP26
UBC President Santa J. Ono announced the successful applicants that will represent UBC as official observers at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow this November. Among the eight delegates selected is Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans).
Facebook’s America-Centrism Is Now Plain for All To See
In her first piece as new columnist for The Centre for International Governance Innovation, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) discusses Facebook’s blatant America-centrism, and how while the vast majority of Facebook users live outside the United States, almost 90% of content moderation efforts are devoted to American posts.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Proposed Policies To Improve Distribution and Retention of Doctors in Rural Areas of Uttar Pradesh, India
Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored a paper for BMC Health Services Research, arguing that issues in retention and distribution of biomedical doctors in rural parts of India is negatively impacted by governance challenges and fragmentation within and outside of the health care sector.
Crisis Conservation and Green Extraction: Biodiversity Offsets as Spaces of Double Exception
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) discusses the politics of affinity and enmity shaping the extraction-conservation nexus and suggests that convergence of extraction and conservation reflects common politics of enmity directed at local communities that legitimize exclusionary practices rather than solve capitalisms contradictions.
On the Politics of Waste, Race, and Disposability
Professor Ramana, Professor Arefin (Geography), and Professor Troeung (English) discuss the overlooked topic of waste, in a fascinating conversation about the ethics of waste surveillance and how waste is a product of a broader system of power, politics and inequality.
Would China’s Move To Join This Transpacific Trade Pact Push the U.S. To Rejoin?
With China’s announcement that the country has officially applied to join one of the world’s largest free trade agreements, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Professor Kristen Hopewell discusses whether the move will push the US to rejoin in order to counter China’s growing influence.
A US-UK Submarine Deal Triggers Nuclear Fears Down Under
The US, UK, and Australia agreed on a tripartite deal (AUKUS) to supply a nuclear-powered submarine to Australia. Professor M. V. Ramana raises concerns about the partnership as it will increase tensions with China and can escalate the ongoing arms race.
Did Mongolia Give up on Winning a UN Security Council Seat?
In the co-authored article for The Diplomat, Professor Julian Dierkes discusses how Mongolian President Khurelsukh’s speech to the UN General Assembly suggests Mongolia’s intent to cede the seat on the Security Council to Japan.
Renewed WTO Talks on Subsidies Zero in on Overcapacity, Overfishing
The World Trade Organization is again negotiating an agreement to end harmful fishery subsidies after more than two decades on the matter. Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) stresses that it is crucial for negotiators to continue working on the issues holding up the agreement.
Taiwan’s COVID-19 Vaccine Struggles
Taiwan was effective in containing the spread of COVID-19; however, their measures eroded over time due to inadequate vaccine deployment, complacency, and fatigue. Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) analyzes Taiwan’s preventative measures against COVID-19 as well as the controversy surrounding vaccines.
AUKUS May Trigger Nuclear Arms Race in Indo-Pacific, France to Stay in NATO
Professor Ramana states that the nuclear issue brought forward by new AUKUS defense deal is disturbing at two levels, as it further escalates tensions with China, and the decision to share military technology blows a hole in the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Canada Federal Election Media Mentions
As the country ramps up for the Canadian federal election taking place on September 20, 2021, our SPPGA faculty are observing closely as political fervor sweeps the nation.
MPPGA Alumni Daniel Park Featured in Arts Amplifier
MPPGA alumni ’21 Daniel Park discusses his experiences interning at the Starling Labs at Stanford where he worked on building and deploying prototype designs to help document attacks against civilian infrastructure. Read more about Daniels’s accomplishments, and what lies in his future.
Indonesian Court Rules President Negligent over Pollution
The Central Jakarta District Court orders President Widodo and six other officials to strengthen air quality standards after finding them guilty of neglecting citizens’ right to clean air. Professor David Boyd (SPPGA & UBC IRES) emphasizes the constitutional and legislative duty of the Indonesian government to protect its people from the dire consequences of air pollution.
N. Korea’s Cruise Missile Test Aimed to Draw US Attention, Resumption of Talks Unlikely
Following North Korea conducting a cruise missile test aiming to draw U.S attention, prospects of future denuclearization talks remain dim. Professor Ramana states that he doesn’t believe the test will result in significant changes in U.S policy.
Trudeaus Agreed to Father’s Book Being Published by Chinese Communist-Run Company in 2005
Experts are discussing the motives behind a Chinese Communist-run company publishing book co-authored by Pierre Trudeau. Professor Paul Evans argues that it is doubtful the offer to translate and publish the book had anything to do with attempting to influence the Trudeau sons.
Dr. Heidi Tworek Appointed as Member of CCA Expert Panel on Public Safety in the Digital Age
Dr. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) has been appointed as a member of the Expert Panel on Public Safety in the Digital Age hosted by the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA).
Fish Consumption to Double by 2050, According to New Report
A Blue Food Assessment report estimates global consumption of fish and shellfish will almost double by 2050. Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Oceans) advises blue food exporters to carefully evaluate the trade-off between export revenues and domestic nutrition.
Nuclear Power: Why Molten Salt Reactors Are Problematic and Canada Investing in Them Is a Waste
One of the beneficiaries leading-up to the federal election has been the nuclear energy industry, specifically molten salt reactors. Professor Ramana states that molten salt reactors are problematic and that Canada investing in them is a waste.
China Weighs In on Canada’s Election After Conservatives Promise to ‘Stand Up’ to Beijing
Despite the Conservative Party having China in its election cross hairs after their promise to “stand up to Beijing,” Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) says that Canada’s stance on China remains contingent on developments in the US-China relationship.
China’s Cotton Subsidies Immiserate Farmers in the World’s Poorest Countries
“Cotton subsidies have long been seen as a symbol of the injustice in international trade”, writes Professor Kristen Hopewell. In China, cotton subsidies give farmers an artificial advantage in global markets while devastating farmers in low-income countries.
Fight ‘Galamsey’ at High Sea!
Dr. Rashid Sumaila, (SPPGA; UBC Oceans) discussed the cost of illicit trade in West Africa marine resources. He says “resources to tackle illegal and unreported fishing, especially those that fuel illicit trade, need to be pulled at both at regional and continental levels.”
[Federal Election] Analysis of Political Parties’ China Policy (BC)
Professor Paul Evans speaks in an interview regarding the Canadian election and the country’s China policy. (Video in Chinese).
IAR’s Statement of Cooperation with Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Study
Kyoto University’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) and the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs are delighted to announce their recently signed Statement of Cooperation. The statement is intended to support active collaboration between the two units, including among faculty, students at UBC.
Human Rights Could Address the Health and Environmental Costs of Food Production
Professor David Boyd discusses the devastating impacts caused by industrially produced food, and argues that transforming food systems that are inflicting tens of trillions of dollars in health and environmental damages is essential for realizing human rights.
Stopping the Hostile Online Attacks Hurled at Candidates
While candidates of the 2021 Canadian election have taken to social media to promote their campaigns, they often receive hostile responses. Professor Heidi Tworek and Chris Tenove discuss the impact that negative social media posts are having on political candidates, and states that all Canadians need to be part of the strategy to combat incivility.
Research Network on Women, Peace and Security and MINDS Combine Forces to Address Threats to Well-being of Women and Girls
The Research Network on Women, Peace and Security, an international, bilingual research hub leading a multi-faceted study of the Government of Canada’s Women, Peace and Security agenda, was recently funded $750,000 over three years by the Department of National Defence via the Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security program.
Delta Upends the East Asia COVID-19 Model
East Asian countries aced the COVID-19 battle in 2020 through strategies of implementing strict measures rapidly and effectively. Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) discusses how the largely successful East Asia COVID-19 model has partially fragmented since the summer of 2021 in the face of the Delta variant and growing socio-economic costs.
Beyond Productivism Versus Agroecology: Lessons for Sustainable Food Systems from Lovins’ Soft Path Energy Policies
Professor Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; UBC IRES) co-authors a paper that suggests a multi-pronged approach to environmentally sustainable food systems.
A Regional Agreement for Healthy Eco-Systems in Latin America & the Caribbean
Latin America and Caribbean continues to face dire ecological challenges. Claudia Ituarte-Lima argues that cooperation between vibrant grass-roots, civil society and government will be vital in championing the global recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
The Institute of Asian Research Fellows Program 2021/22 – Call for Applications
UBC graduate students, apply now to the IAR Fellows Program. The program brings together UBC grad students with an interest in advancing research that addresses a broad range of issues — particularly those with relevance to policy or global affairs — and is based on engagement with and deep knowledge of Asia.
Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot Elected Member of The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists by Royal Society of Canada
Congratulations to Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot, Canada Research Chair of Global Indigenous Rights and Politics at UBC, for being elected as a Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists by the Royal Society of Canada.
Canada, Allies Watchful of How China Will Fill Western Void in Afghanistan
With the withdrawal of the United States and its allies from Afghanistan, China is stepping into the void to exert influence on the troubled country. Professor Paul Evans states that avoiding spillover of terrorist groups into China is the number one priority.
Policy Matters 22 – Special Issue on Environmental Defenders
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-edited a three-volume issue of IUCN’s Policy Matters on the topic of environmental defenders and biodiversity conservation.
Thousands of People in BC Remain Unvaccinated. How Can Health Officials Convince Them to get Immunized?
CBC News spoke to Dr. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) about the challenge of improving COVID-19 immunization efforts as thousands of people in B.C. remain unvaccinated.
Tamara Baldwin Receives 2021 President’s Service Award for Excellence
Congratulations to Tamara Baldwin, Director of the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement and acting Assistant Director at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs on receiving the UBC 2021 President’s Service Award for Excellence.
SPPGA Staff Member Andrea Reynolds Receives 2021 President’s Staff Award for Wellbeing
Congratulations to Andrea Reynolds, Manager of Student Academic Services at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, on receiving the 2021 UBC President’s Staff Award for Wellbeing.
Third Covid-19 Shots Must Be Offered to Immunocompromised Canadians
In an op-ed for The Globe and Mail, Professor Kristen Hopewell discusses the implementation of a third Covid-19 shot for immunocompromised populations. For at-risk populations, a third dose may mean the difference between life and death, she adds.
SPPGA Welcomes Professor Maxwell A. Cameron – Q&A
Professor Maxwell A. Cameron joined the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs as a core faculty member. In this interview, Professor Cameron outlines his current research, engagement and how students can get involved in his work. Learn more about his work.
Canada’s China Relationship Edges Toward Strategic Clarity
With a federal election on the horizon, Professor Paul Evans remarks on, what he dubs, a “febrile moment in Canada–China relations.” Canada’s strategic silence on several controversial issues may be forced to an end, he writes in East Asia Forum.
Why Female Political Candidates in Canada are Receiving More Toxicity on Twitter
Professor Heidi Tworek (History; SPPGA) comments on why female political candidates in Canada are receiving more toxicity on social media, and how to deal with it.
Are Vietnamese Fishers Poachers? The Reality Is Far More Complex Than That.
For Vietnamese fishers, their fate is now largely charted not just by their country’s fishing regulations but also by that of their neighbors in the South China Sea. Rappler cited a study co-authored by Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA & UBC Oceans), which found that destructive fishing practices have decimated the East Sea’s fish stocks since the 1950s.
Asia’s Wealthiest Man Is Going Green but Still Gets Rich off Oil
SPPGA Professor Ramana says it would be hard for Reliance Industries, which owns the world’s largest oil refining complex, to dissociate from the emissions-heavy fossil fuel business despite their efforts to build more environmentally friendly products.
Human Rights Must Be at Heart of UN Plan to save Planet – Expert
Professor David Boyd (SPPGA/IRES), UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, says it’s not an option to leave human rights on the periphery. This is in regards to the upcoming conference to finalize the UN Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, which will look at threats to biodiversity, human well-being and the future of life on Earth.
Is There a Nuclear Option for Stopping Climate Change?
A rapidly warming climate has people questioning whether nuclear power is a viable option for decarbonisation. Director Allison Macfarlane warns that the construction time for nuclear plants is much longer compared to renewable projects and America “can’t afford to wait that long” (Subscription).
Canada-North Korea Pursuing Academic Exchanges via Video Conference
Prof Kyung-Ae Park was interviewed on the topic of constructive engagement with North Korea during the COVID-19 period, discussing KPP’s recent initiatives of knowledge sharing via video conference with Pyongyang (in Korean)
Principled Governance When Everything Matters, Edited by Moura Quayle
Moura Quayle (UBC’s Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Academic Affairs; SPPGA Professor and founding Director) is an editor of the book Principled Governance When Everything Matters, written by David S. Fushtey.
B.C.’s Extreme Heat Is Here to Stay. Critics Say Government’s Plan to Deal with It Is Dangerously Weak
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) believes the economic impacts of the B.C. heat wave could be huge, especially in ocean-dependent sectors. He adds that food and nutritional security could be threatened due to lost aquaculture.
‘A Combination of Failures:’ Why 3.6m Pounds of Nuclear Waste Is Buried on a Popular California Beach
The backend of the nuclear cycle gets very little attention, says SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane in response to why spent fuel often remains buried on-site. Handling stockpiles has always been an afterthought to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), she adds.
Sask. First Nation Communities Have 8 Active Outbreaks as Covid-19 Cases Continue to Rise
“The clearer you communicate, and more often to the large number of people, the more you can try to forestall poor quality information.” Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) speaks on taking a granular approach to combating vaccine hesitancy.
Climate Services Promise Better Decisions but Mainly Focus on Better Data
Climate services are intended to improve climate-sensitive decisions by making climate information ‘useful, useable and used’. Professor Milind Kandlikar’s (SPPGA; IRES) co-authors a study to evaluate whether this model of climate science has been successfully implemented in the public sector (Subscription).
‘Our Place Under the Sun’: Survivor-Centred Approaches to Children Born of Wartime Sexual Violence
Professor Erin Baines and MPPGA alumna Alessia Rodríguez’s work on a survivor-centered approach for children ‘born of war’ has been published in Human Rights Review. Learn how this approach can empower children in processes of social reconstruction and reconciliation.
The Impact of Colonial-era Policies on Health Workforce Regulation in India: Lessons for Contemporary Reform
Read the latest paper that Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored on the governance of health workforces. In particular, the paper focuses on the colonial origins of regulatory policies and their impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) today.
Professor George Hoberg Publishes New Book: “The Resistance Dilemma: Place-Based Movements and the Climate Crisis”
What are the risks around a so-called “resistance dilemma” in a world hungry for clean and renewable energy? SPPGA Professor George Hoberg’s new book, “The Resistance Dilemma: Place-Based Movements and the Climate Crisis,” is a fresh take on the climate movement and its shift from lobbying to blocking new fossil fuel infrastructure.
Is Covid-19 Frustrating or Facilitating Sustainability Transformations?
In a chapter that SPPGA Visiting Scholar Claudia Ituarte-Lima authored, she argues that Covid-19 and social-ecological crises require a recognition of the transformative agency of groups in vulnerable situations, instead of framing them as passive victims.
Fossil Fuels, Climate Change, and the COVID-19 Crisis: Pathways for a Just and Green Post-Pandemic Recovery
A climate-positive COVID-19 recovery can accelerate the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) suggests that most fossil fuel producers are more likely to take on a ‘dirty’ recovery path out of the pandemic than a ‘green’ one.
South China Sea, Xinjiang Muddy Water of Fishing Subsidies Debate as WTO Faces ‘Crucial Test’
The World Trade Organization hopes to conclude negotiations over fishing subsidies this year after a twenty-year impasse. SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell was quoted on this article on environmentally damaging fisheries subsidies worth $35 billion, with China handing out the most (Subscription).
The Art of Pondering Earth’s Distant Future
“We were born on a damaged planet careening toward environmental collapse. Yet our intellects are poorly equipped to grasp the scale of the Earth’s ecological death spiral.” As an anthropologist, Postdoctoral Fellow Vincent Ialenti shows us how thinking across time can help us become more responsible planetary stewards and foster empathy across generations.
The East Asian Covid-19 Paradox
Read the latest book by UBC Political Science Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate) titled “The East Asian Covid-19 Paradox.” This book discusses how East Asian countries mitigated the spread of Covid-19 and increase economic integration.
The Lawfare Podcast: With Disinformation, The Past Isn’t Past
How do current discussions around disinformation leave out or misinterpret history, and why should policymakers care? Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) delves into how to better inform conversations around disinformation and misinformation.
Disputa China-Canadá: el juego político detrás de la condena a muerte de Robert Schellenberg
Professor Paul Evans and MPPGA Alumni Darren Touch were quoted on China’s “hostage diplomacy” following Canadian businessman Michael Spavor’s sentencing for alleged espionage. (Article in Spanish).
Opinion: The Battle to Breach Big Tech’s Walled Gardens
Transparency is not a silver bullet but is important in helping researchers and others understand what’s happening in big tech companies, says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) in response to the spread of disinformation online.
Mind the Compliance Gap
Read SPPGA Visiting Scholar Claudia Ituarte-Lima’s co-authored article on how the Convention on Biological Diversity can draw from international human rights law to address the weak compliance in achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
Covid-19: B.C.’s Strategy Is All about Vaccination – Even as Case Counts Rise
Pushing vaccine rates higher will require a shift away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach, says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History). This would entail identifying and addressing the barriers to getting vaccinated, she adds.
U.S. Congress Introduces Bill to Target Donations from Foreign Adversaries to American Universities
Professor Kyung-Ae Park gave comments on the recent bill proposed by U.S. Congress on restricting donations to American universities from rival countries, such as North Korea (article in Korean).
Lessons from Trump’s Assault on the World Trade Organization
“Under Trump, the United States really began behaving as something of a rogue state in international trade.” Read the latest interview with Professor Kristen Hopewell on the recent rising tensions in trade and the future of the WTO.
Transparency Is Key to Curbing the Power of Big Tech
Disinformation in private groups on Facebook during Covid-19 may require a focus on agnotology, says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History). Finding the source of engagement may lead to responsibilities tech giants don’t want, she adds.
Transparency in Environmental and Resource Governance: Theories of Change for the EITI
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors article discussing how transparency is now a core principle in environmental and resource governance and identifies three “Theories of Change” for governance-by-disclosure and applies them to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
Why Canada Leaped Ahead of US in COVID-19 Vaccinations
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) believes that the removal of Covid-19 restrictions in Canada after meeting provincial immunization targets helped boost incentive to get vaccinated.
We’ve Been Here Before: Wyoming Nuclear Project Echoes of Past
After state officials unveiled Wyoming’s Natrium nuclear project, industry critics are doubtful plans will follow through. Director Allison Macfarlane warns that “we can’t pin our hopes on [nuclear] as the thing that’s going to get us out of the next 20 [crucial] years.”
Another 30 Years to Go – the Final Storage of High-level Radioactive Waste
Read the latest interview with SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane, where she discusses the worldwide search for a nuclear repository, the factors that determine a successful site search and the current United States’ stalemate on this issue.
Mongolia Focus Celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary
The Mongolia Focus Blog is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. With over 700 posts from 70 contributors, Mongolia Focus will continue sharing observations on current developments in Mongolia with readers across the globe.
Targeting COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) breaks down how we can have healthy conversations with our loved ones about getting vaccinated and what could be done to address the factors behind vaccine hesitancy.
Why Is the Vaccination Rate in the Interior and Northern Health Regions Relatively Low?
“To combat disinformation, we avoid stigmatizing people who haven’t gotten the vaccine yet.” Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) places emphasis on taking an empathetic and curious approach in communicating with unvaccinated individuals.
Vaccine Hesitancy Between Family Members
Tune in to Professor Heidi Tworek’s (SPPGA; History) feature on an episode of CBC Early Edition, where she discusses the various reasons behind the remaining eligible 20% of British Columbians who have yet to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Province Shifting Vax Strategy to Reach Those Without a Dose
Factors such as trusted members of communities receiving Covid-19 vaccines and the government ensuring an easy pathway to receive a shot are helping reduce vaccine hesitancy in B.C., says Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History).
MPPGA Global Policy Project Catalogue
We’ve launched the full catalogue of Global Policy Projects from UBC’s Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students, showcasing their work with clients on real-world policy challenges. Learn about each project, browse policy reports, and view presentations.
The National: The Push to Target Canada’s Unvaccinated
“There is a wide range of reasons why people are vaccine hesitant, and so we need a wide range of communications and other strategies to reach them.” Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) speaks on solving Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy.
Deep Time Reckoning: How Future Thinking Can Help Earth Now
Listen to the latest episode of Living on Earth’s podcast featuring SPPGA Postdoctoral Fellow Vincent Ialenti, where he discusses the world’s first spent nuclear fuel repository in Finland, as well as the benefits of thinking in deep time.
Can Small Modular Reactors Help Mitigate Climate Change?
Read the latest article Professor Ramana co-authored with Arjun Makhijani that analyzes the claims that small modular reactors (SMRs) will address the well-known problems of nuclear power, such as high costs, safety risks, and radioactive waste (paywall).
‘Together at the Heart’: Familial Relations and the Social Reintegration of Ex-Combatants
Read the latest publication from Professor Erin Baines and Carla Suarez examining the role that family relations play in combatants’ war and post-war trajectory within the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
Atieh Yekta Awarded WorkSafeBC Research Training Award
Congratulations to our MPPGA program alumna Atieh Yekta! As a recipient of this award, Atieh is supported to foster the development of occupational health and safety research expertise in B.C.
From Local to Global – Advocating for Human Rights in Nigeria
Listen to the latest episode of ‘Audio Alumni’ featuring MPPGA alumni Eseohe Ojo, where she talks about her work in advocating for human rights, as well as the importance of access to information in Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter.
Governments, Utilities and the Nuclear Industry Hope Small Modular Reactors Will Power Canada’s Future. Can They Actually Build One?
Designs that might seem captivating on paper might not actually work so well in real life, warns Professor Ramana. The real challenge is researching answers to safety concerns on small modular reactors (SMRs), which can set back projects by decades (paywall).
Environmental Defenders Deadly Struggles for Life and Territory
This book, edited By Mary Menton and Philippe Le Billon, is about environmental defenders and the violence they face while seeking to protect their land and the environment.
Pragmatic Advocacy: Advancing Racial Equity in Physician Associations
Read Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) and Dr. Sorcha A. Brophy’s article that discusses the future of physician associations advocating for racial equity in the United States.
EU the New Kingpin in Global Trade Order
With the U.S. cutting off the WTO’s “entire mechanism for enforcing global trade rules and resolving disputes”, SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell remarks that the E.U. has stepped in to resolve this crisis.
Youth Unemployment in Ghana: What Isn’t Gov’ts Doing Right?
Read MPPGA alumni Solomon Atta’s op-ed where he analyzes the mechanisms behind Ghana’s high unemployment rate. A shift in government expenditure and bridging the wage gap in hourly wage rates is the key to solving this problem, he adds.
Bitcoin Mining Firm Compass Inks Deal With Nuclear Microreactor Company Oklo
“The cost of generating nuclear electricity today is roughly about four times the cost of generating solar or wind power.” Professor Ramana gave comments on the viability and sustainability of nuclear-powered bitcoin mining.
Metro Vancouver Saw 15 times More Heat Wave Deaths than Estimated During Unprecedented Alert
In light of the recent heat wave in British Columbia, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) gave comments on how health communications could have been more effective to the public.
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou Loses Court Bid to Enter New Evidence
After a B.C. Supreme Court ruling last week stopped Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou from submitting new evidence in her own extradition case, SPPGA Professor Paul Evans says that more are recognizing that the current government approach is not working.
China’s 100-Year-Old Communist Party Has More Members than Most Countries Have People
The Chinese Communist Party celebrates its centenary this month. Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) speaks on the party’s growth into one the biggest political parties in the world–with more than 95 million members–and what China’s leader is doing about it.
Nuclear Energy Will Not Be the Solution to Climate Change
Read SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane’s op-ed on why nuclear energy cannot be a near- or medium-term solution to climate change, given the urgency needed to reduce carbon emissions, as well as economic and safety concerns.
Four New UBC SPPGA Faculty Projects Receive SSHRC Funding
SPPGA congratulates professors Philippe Le Billon, Rashid Sumaila, Sheryl Lightfoot, and Kristen Hopewell whose projects received SSHRC funding through Partnership Development and Insight Grants.
Stronger Together: A New Pandemic Agenda for South Asia
Read the latest publication Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authored on a pragmatic ‘Stronger Together’ agenda that discusses critical areas of concern for Covid-19 response at multiple levels of leadership in South Asia.
SPPGA Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs has published its 2020-2021 annual report which features our faculty’s research projects, policy engagement, and notable achievements, student and alumni profiles, and our various convening and learning activities.
Ethical Considerations for Research on Small-Scale Fisheries and Blue Crimes
Crimes at sea—blue crimes—can have devastating impacts on small-scale fishing communities. Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) discusses the risks and ethical challenges faced by a blue crimes research agenda to improve rather than worsen the plight of small-scale fishers.
SPPGA Congratulates Prof. Yves Tiberghien as Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research, Institute of Asian Research
Political Science Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate) has been appointed as Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research at the Institute of Asian Research. Professor Tiberghien will be supporting research in global lessons from Japan’s governance.
SPPGA Thanks Outgoing Director and Congratulates New Institute of Asian Research Director
We acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) as he completes his 3-year term as Director of the Institute of Asian Research (IAR) and welcome Professor Kai Ostwald (SPPGA; Political Science) as our new IAR Director.
Announcement of Retirement: Professor Brian Job
We wish to thank Political Science Professor Brian Job (SPPGA Faculty Associate) for his many contributions that have shaped the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and the wider UBC community over the years. We wish him well in his retirement.