Featured News & Events (Secondary)

Celebrating Achievements: CIRDI’s Year in Review 2019/20 Launched

Celebrating Achievements: CIRDI’s Year in Review 2019/20 Launched

The Canadian International Resources and Development Institute has announced the release of its Year in Review, highlighting the Institute’s biggest achievements and initiatives from 2019-2020.

SPPGA Welcomes Elsie Lewison, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

SPPGA Welcomes Elsie Lewison, Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) welcomes Elsie Lewison as a SSHRC-funded Postdoctoral Research Fellow working with Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; Anthropology).

Small Modular Reactors Aren’t the Energy Answer for Remote Communities and Mines

Small Modular Reactors Aren’t the Energy Answer for Remote Communities and Mines

The energy costs associated with small modular reactors exceed those of diesel-based electricity. Policy-makers should focus on renewables, argue SPPGA Professor Ramana, Professor Nadja Kunz (SPPGA & Mining Engineering), and MPPGA alumna Sarah Froese. Read the article in Policy Options.

Closing the Gap: Financing the Transition Towards an Inclusive Blue Economy IIED Webinar

Closing the Gap: Financing the Transition Towards an Inclusive Blue Economy IIED Webinar

Timed to coincide with World Oceans Day 2020, this online event that featured Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; The Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) asked how flows can be maximised and complementary in meeting the financing gap? What are the advantages and risks? And how might the coronavirus pandemic impact the transition?

Jessika Woroniak award

MPPGA Student Jessika Woroniak Awarded James Robert Thompson Fellowship

MPPGA student, Jessika Woroniak, has received the James Robert Thompson Fellowship, an award made to students planning a career related to preservation of the natural environment. Learn more about what this award means to her.

LeadersDebateCommission website

How Can the Debates Commission Contribute to Canadian Democracy?

Over the last year, the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions provided advice to Canada’s Leaders’ Debates Commission and organized a workshop that brought together experts to discuss the Commission’s experience in 2019. In this blog post, CSDI Research Associate Spencer McKay looks ahead to the future of the Commission.

Heidi Tworek

Leaving Big Tech to Govern Themselves Doesn’t Work. They’re Getting Even Worse

The appearance of Silicon Valley giants at US Congress last week made one thing plain: these huge companies represent an alarming concentration of economic and political power. Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) suggests that the world’s largest tech firms are failing to play their part in keeping us safe.

Moura Quayle in front of Liu Institute

SPPGA Professor Moura Quayle Appointed UBC Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Academic Affairs

Moura Quayle, Professor and founding Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, has been appointed as Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Academic Affairs at UBC for a five-year term commencing August 1, 2020.

Follow SPPGA On Social Media

Follow SPPGA On Social Media

Are you currently following the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs on social media? Some changes are happening this month, so be sure to follow our SPPGA accounts to stay up to date on our school, faculty, and Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students.

Struggles for Land: Comparing Resistance Movements Against Agro-Industrial and Mining Investment Projects

Struggles for Land: Comparing Resistance Movements Against Agro-Industrial and Mining Investment Projects

Investments in large-scale land-based projects have increased over the past two decades, with a concomitant rise in community-level resistance. Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors this paper comparing movements resisting either agro-industrial or mining projects.

Hazel Hollingdale Yale Fox Fellow

Reflections from Hazel Hollingdale, UBC-Yale Fox International Fellow

Learn about the experiences of Hazel Hollingdale who attended Yale as a UBC-Yale Fox International Fellow in 2018-2019. She recently graduated with her doctorate from the UBC Department of Sociology.

Japan’s Leadership in the Liberal International Order: Impact and Policy Opportunities for Partners

Japan’s Leadership in the Liberal International Order: Impact and Policy Opportunities for Partners

Since 2016, Japan has shown remarkable leadership on several dimensions of global and regional economic governance, including trade governance, economic and data governance, regional rules-based order, and environmental governance. How significant is this new phase of Japanese international leadership in historical perspective? What factors are driving this new global leadership? What are implications for Japan’s partners, including Canada, and the US?

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Statement on Academic Freedom

In light of the recent developments in Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia, the Institute of Asian Research within the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia is reaffirming our support of UBC’s commitment to advancing academic freedom in line with UBC policy.

Christiana Vanier Scholarship

MPPGA Alumna Christiana Onabola Recipient of 2020 Vanier Canada Doctoral Scholarship

Congratulations to Christiana Onabola, a graduate of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program, for receiving a 2020 Vanier Canada Doctoral Scholarship.

Unrooted Responses: Addressing Violence Against Environmental and Land Defenders

Unrooted Responses: Addressing Violence Against Environmental and Land Defenders

Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-authors this study considering how participants in community forestry and development organizations respond to forest-related violence.

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The Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE) Joins SPPGA

The Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE) has joined the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) as a Partner of the school.

Pitman Potter and the Institute of Asian Research

Pitman Potter and the Institute of Asian Research

Professor Pitman Potter retires on July 1, after 30 years at UBC. Appointed in the Allard School of Law, Professor Potter spent a significant portion of his career at UBC as the Director of the Institute of Asian Research (IAR). Timothy Cheek (current IAR Director) writes to note some of his singular accomplishments and to share the reflections of some of his colleagues from the IAR.

Heidi Tworek Announcement

SPPGA Welcomes Professor Heidi Tworek

UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) welcomes Dr. Heidi Tworek as a joint appointment with the Department of History. We spoke to Professor Tworek to learn more about her work and her engagement with MPPGA students and the school.

Black Lives Matter

SPPGA Statement of Support – Together against Racism and Injustice

The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs fully supports the position taken by UBC President Santa Ono and we stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, Asian and all racialized communities. Learn more.

The Conjugal Slavery in War

Masculinities + WPS: Forward-Looking Strategies in the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

The Conjugal Slavery in War partnership has published a policy brief titled “Masculinities + WPS,” as part of the series, Forward-Looking Strategies in the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Ododo Wa - Dusk in Pabo, Uganda

Ododo Wa: Stories of Girls in War, an exhibit at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Ododo Wa: Stories of Girls in War is an exhibit at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights that traces the journey of two girls from Uganda – Evelyn Amony and Grace Acan – who were abducted and held captive for years by a rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army.

UBC Sustainability Scholars Program

UBC Ranks Seventh Globally in Impact: Times Higher Education

UBC placed first in Canada and seventh globally out of more than 850 participating institutions from 89 countries in the 2020 Times Higher Education subject rankings, which assesses universities against the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about how SPPGA’s research connects to action on climate change and protecting our land and water environments.

What Constitutes “Local”? Exploring How to Create Local Value from Mining in Rural Mongolia

What Constitutes “Local”? Exploring How to Create Local Value from Mining in Rural Mongolia

In the remote areas, such as southwestern Mongolia, with very few local businesses, what constitutes “local” procurement? Now in its third year, this research partnership provides a unique opportunity to learn about effective approaches to public engagement when designing a mine. Stay tuned for details.

Media Mentions: Professor Heidi Tworek Co-Authors Report on Democratic Health Communications During Covid-19

Media Mentions: Professor Heidi Tworek Co-Authors Report on Democratic Health Communications During Covid-19

Dr. Heidi Tworek (History; SPPGA) issued a report recommending how to put health communications at the heart of democracies’ response to Covid-19.

In Conversation with Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister – A Day in the Life of The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne

In Conversation with Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister – A Day in the Life of The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne

SPPGA was pleased to host “In Conversation with Canada’s Foreign Minister – A Day in the Life of The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne,” a webinar moderated by Boyd Hayes, a MPPGA student. Watch the recording and learn more.

Learning from Disasters: Nepal Copes with Coronavirus Pandemic 5 Years after Earthquake

Learning from Disasters: Nepal Copes with Coronavirus Pandemic 5 Years after Earthquake

Does one kind of disaster prepare us for another? Five years after devastating earthquakes struck, Nepal is pondering this question while under lockdown due to COVID-19. Associate Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA & UBC Anthropology) and Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA & UBC Geography) address Nepal’s cascading upheavals in The Conversation.

CK Choi Building, Institute of Asian Research, UBC SPPGA

Status of SPPGA Buildings & Events in Relation to COVID-19

Given the recent B.C. Provincial Advisory in relation to COVID-19, SPPGA has taken the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming events and to close the Liu Institute for Global Issues and C.K. Choi buildings until further notice.

Summer RA Opportunities at IAR Centres and Programs

The area Centres and Programs at the Institute of Asian Research at UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) are offering Summer RAships for graduate students associated with the Centres and Programs or the Masters of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program at the SPPGA.

Important Update on the 2020 Institute for Future Legislators Program

Important Update on the 2020 Institute for Future Legislators Program

The CSDI is closely monitoring the ever-changing situation with Covid-19 and its impacts across all variety of activities. After much deliberation, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel this year’s Institute for Future Legislators program.

Community-UBC Refugee & Migration Working Group

Informing Public Knowledge, Practice & Research: The Community-UBC Refugee & Migration Working Group

The Community-UBC Refugee & Migration Working Group connects members from across sectors and agencies who work collectively to inform public knowledge, practice, and research. Learn more about their past and current work.

2020 Women in House students

Student Reflections from the 2020 UBC Women in House Program

Ten UBC participated in the second year of UBC’s Women in House program in Ottawa. Learn more from the students’ inside look into the working lives of female politicians in Canada.

UNAC Breakfast

MPPGA Students Reflect on UNAC’s Think Global, Link Local 2020 Networking Breakfast

Several UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students attended the Think Global, Link Local 2020 Networking Breakfast, hosted by the Vancouver Branch of the United Nations Association Canada. Explore their reflections.

Liu Building entrance, Liu Institute, UBC SPPGA

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – A Public Health Statement from SPPGA

Read a coronavirus (COVID-19) public health statement from SPPGA.

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CIRDI Releases Strategy for Promoting Gender Equality in Natural Resource Governance

UBC’s Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) announces the release of its gender equality strategy, a guiding document for ensuring the Institute’s project work reinforces its foundational value of empowering women and girls through sustainable natural resource governance. Learn more.

UBC Campus

Ensuring academic freedom and a respectful environment – statement from SPPGA faculty

Ensuring academic freedom and a respectful environment, a statement from SPPGA faculty members.

government, canada, climate panel, ottawa

MPPGA Students Participate in UBC’s Women in House program

Three MPPGA students are participating in this year’s UBC Women in House program, an innovative and practical program aimed at promoting a greater level of female representation in Canada’s parliament. Learn more about why they’re excited to participate.

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Meet Andrea Reimer, SPPGA’s First Policy Practitioner Fellow

Meet Andrea Reimer SPPGA’s first Policy Practitioner Fellow. Andrea was elected to four terms in municipal government including a term on the Vancouver School Board and three terms on Vancouver City Councillor. Learn more about what she’s looking forward to as a SPPGA Fellow.

Jiaxin Li - website

MPPGA Alumni Spotlight on Jiaxin Li

Name: Jiaxin Li Hometown: Shanghai, China Current Location: Vancouver, B.C. Job Title: Analyst Employer: Pembina Institute Graduation Year: May 2019 MPPGA Course Stream: Resources, Energy and Sustainability Visit her LinkedIn Profile In this alumni spotlight, we hear from Jiaxin Li, a UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs alumna, regarding how her experiences during […]

Darren Touch, China

MPPGA Alumni Spotlight on Darren Touch

In this alumni spotlight, we hear from Darren Touch, a UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs alumnus, regarding how his experiences as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University in China have impacted him. “The last five months studying at Tsinghua University as a Schwarzman Scholar has been a transformative experience for me. The […]

Aerials Main Mall

SPPGA Welcomes Faculty Members Dr. Kristen Hopewell and Dr. Matias Margulis

SPPGA welcomes Associate Professor Kristen Hopewell, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Global Policy, as well as Assistant Professor Matias Margulis, who is jointly appointed with the Food, Nutrition, and Health Program at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, to our academic community.

CABC GP2 Team

Global Policy Project: Mobility Constraints to Canada – ASEAN Trade and Commerce

The fieldwork component for the 2019-2020 Global Policy Projects has now been completed by five UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) students who completed their fieldwork in the ASEAN region throughout December 2019. Find below a reflection from students who travelled to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, and Jakarta to analyze the role mobility plays […]

Luthfi

MPPGA Alumni Spotlight on Luthfi Dhofier

Enjoy this spotlight on Luthfi Dhofier, MPPGA Alumnus and a Local Government Consultant with Urban Systems Ltd.

SPPGA Annual Report

SPPGA 2018-2019 Annual Report

Learn more about UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2018-2019 Annual Report.

Thinking While Black

The 2020 Phil Lind Initiative: Thinking While Black

UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs is proud to present the 2020 Phil Lind Initiative series on the theme of “Thinking While Black” in Term 2 at UBC Vancouver.

Xiaojun Li & Paul Evans

International Media Coverage of UBC Released Report

UBC SPPGA Professor Paul Evans and Political Science Professor Xiaojun Li’s, National Opinion Survey on Canadian Public Attitudes on China and Canada-China Relations, was referenced in Yahoo News, LTN News, Radio Free Asia, World Journal, INA News, DW News, and Ming Pao Daily News, in continued discussion regarding Chinese-Canadian relations amidst rising tensions.

SPPGA Professor Ramana Selected as a 2020/2021 Wall Scholar

SPPGA Professor Ramana Selected as a 2020/2021 Wall Scholar

SPPGA Professor Ramana has been selected as a Wall Scholar 2020/2021 at the UBC Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies. As a Wall Scholar, he aims to explore nuclear energy through various intellectual lenses and work towards a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the nuclear energy sector.

‘We’ve Seen China’s Dark Side’: Experts Urge Overhaul Of Strategy To Free Two Canadians

SPPGA Professor Paul Evans shares his insights on the China impasse and advises Canada to avoid public confrontation with the Beijing government and consider other deals to lessen diplomatic tensions.

SPPGA Professor Ramana Is Cited in the Recent World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2019

SPPGA Professor Ramana Is Cited in the Recent World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2019

SPPGA Professor Ramana is a contributing author of the 2019 World Nuclear Industry Status Report, which gives a comprehensive overview of global nuclear power development and reflects on the nuclear industry’s capacity to meet IPCC temperature targets.

Capacity-Enhancing Fisheries Subsidies Must Be Disciplined, Research Says

Capacity-Enhancing Fisheries Subsidies Must Be Disciplined, Research Says

A study titled Updated Estimates and Analysis of Global Fisheries Subsidies urgently underscores the need for the World Trade Organization to reach a meaningful agreement within 2019 – 2020.

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Liberal Minority Allows Continuation of China Trade Discussion: Expert

Amid ongoing trade tensions, SPPGA Visiting Professor Wenran Jiang sits down with BNN Bloomberg to discuss the potential for the new Liberal minority government to repair relations with China.

China Choices

China Choices: Recalibrating Engagement in a Turbulent Era—Canadian & Australian Views

Workshop co-chairs, SPPGA Professors Timothy Cheek and Paul Evans, released a report entitled, China Choices: Recalibrating Engagement in a Turbulent Era, Canadian and Australian Views.

Gerald Baier

In Likely Tight Canadian Vote, Deciding Who Governs Could Take Weeks

CSDI Acting Director Gerald Baier is quoted in a Reuters article on the predicted voting outcome and its implications for the winning party.

UN Rights Experts Criticise London Climate Protest ‘Ban’ Before Court Hearing

UN Rights Experts Criticise London Climate Protest ‘Ban’ Before Court Hearing

SPPGA Associate Professor and U.N. special rapporteur on human rights and the environment David Boyd comments on U.K.’s police ban on Extinction Rebellion gatherings, citing a violation of human rights.

What a Minority Would Mean for Trudeau

What a Minority Would Mean for Trudeau

Polls suggest that Canada is headed towards a minority government. SPPGA Acting Director Maxwell Cameron explains why Justin Trudeau will still be the Prime Minister, even if the Liberals don’t win a minority.

These Are The Vancouver Ridings To Watch In The 2019 Federal Election

These Are The Vancouver Ridings To Watch In The 2019 Federal Election

MPPGA Professor Allan Tupper comments on Canadians’ propensity to vote for candidates who belong to political parties as opposed to independent candidates.

The Road to Reconciliation Starts with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The Road to Reconciliation Starts with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

In her recent article published with The Narwhal, SPPGA Professor Sheryl Lightfoot comments on the road to reconciliation in Canada, specifically examining the role of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Announcing the 2019 Nehru Humanitarian Graduate Scholarship in Indian Studies

The Centre for India and South Asia Research (CISAR) at The University of British Columbia, invites submissions for the 2019 Nehru Humanitarian Graduate Scholarship in Indian Studies.

Sanctioned: The Arrest of a Telecom Giant

SPPGA Professor Paul Evans shares his insights on the Huawei CFO hearings and the escalating tensions between Canada and China in a podcast by CBC Radio.

Timothy Cheek

Tanks, Missiles And No Pigeons: China To Celebrate 70th Birthday Of The People’s Republic

SPPGA Professor and IAR Director Timothy Cheek comments on the challenges faced by President Xi and the Communist Party in an era besieged by sociopolitical turmoil and prospects of economic decline.

Canada Will Take A Harder Stance On China — No Matter Who Wins The Next Election

Canada Will Take A Harder Stance On China — No Matter Who Wins The Next Election

SPPGA Professor Paul Evans sheds light on Canada’s deteriorating relations with China in regards to the political unrest in Hong Kong, the city with the most Canadian residents in Asia.

M.-V.-Ramana-Preferred landscape

Professor Ramana Receives Fostering Research Partnerships Fund Grant

SPPGA Professor Ramana was recently awarded a Fostering Research Partnerships Fund (FRPF) grant for his project titled, “Environmental Impacts Of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors: Engagement with Civil Society”.

Battered Trudeau Gets Brief Reprieve Amid Canada Blackface Scandal

Battered Trudeau Gets Brief Reprieve Amid Canada Blackface Scandal

MPPGA Professor Allan Tupper commented on Trudeau’s blackface scandal and the need for his team to regain control over their election campaign.

Climate Change and the Personal Sacrifice Debate on the Campaign Trail

Climate Change and the Personal Sacrifice Debate on the Campaign Trail

SPPGA Professor George Hoberg spoke about actions on climate change issues in relation to the federal election campaign.

Sheryl Lightfoot

The Road to Reconciliation Starts With the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

In her article for The Conversation, SPPGA Professor Sheryl Lightfoot asserts that much still needs to be done to redress past injustices against the Indigenous community.

Green Party Gaffes Won’t Make Much of a Difference Come Election Day

Green Party Gaffes Won’t Make Much of a Difference Come Election Day

Controversy over Green Party candidates’ ideologies may have party supporters shaking their heads, but SPPGA Acting Director Maxwell Cameron says it’s not going to have much of an impact on election results.

Professor Rashid Sumaila Named Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

Professor Rashid Sumaila Named Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

Professor Rashid Sumaila (Institute for Oceans & Fisheries; School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, UBC) was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Boris Johnson’s Brother Resigns as MP

Boris Johnson’s Brother Resigns as MP

Professor Yves Tiberghien discusses Boris Johnson’s brother’s resignation as MP. Johnson alleges this was done due to a conflict between family loyalty and national interest.

U.S. Trade Deal with Japan May Cost Canadian Farmers a Tariff Edge

U.S. Trade Deal with Japan May Cost Canadian Farmers a Tariff Edge

Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien comments on the US farm lobby ‘pressuring’ Trump to get agreement that will help boost exports into key Asian market.

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Canada Names New China Envoy Amid Damaged Relations

SPPGA Visiting Professor Faculty Wenran Jiang speaks to The Associated Press about the recent appointment of Dominic Barton as ambassador to China.

Canada Could Slow the Accelerating Nuclear Arms Race

Canada Could Slow the Accelerating Nuclear Arms Race

In light of the explosion at a remote missile test site in Northern Russia last month, SPPGA Professor Ramana and Lauren J. Borja argue that Canada could do more to slow the accelerating nuclear arms race.

Power Distribution and Decentralisation in New Malaysia

Power Distribution and Decentralisation in New Malaysia

SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald just published a memo on power distribution and decentralization in Malaysia under Pakatan Harapan. Access the memo at ResearchGate.

Bo Wang

MPPGA Alumni Spotlight on Bo Wang

Enjoy this spotlight on Bo Wang, MPPGA Alumnus and China Associate at the Principles for Responsible Investment based in Beijing.

2018 Cohort Headshot_Schyler Edmundson

Summer Co-op Reflections by Schyler F. Edmundson

Learn more about MPPGA student Schyler F. Edmundson’s summer Co-op Program role as a Policy Analyst with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Programs Directorate of the Pan-Canadian Framework Implementation Office.

2018 Cohort Headshot_Sanmini Koffi

Summer Co-op Reflections by Sanmini Koffi

Learn more about MPPGA student Sanmini Koffi’s summer Co-op Program role as a Policy Consultant for Vancouver Coastal Health.

David Eby

The Pub Podcast: Interview with B.C. Attorney General David Eby

Listen to a special podcast interview on policy issues in British Columbia with the Honourable David Eby, Attorney General of B.C., hosted by MPPGA student Guilherme Rosales.

The CK Choi Building (IAR)

2019 IAR Report

The 2019 IAR Report looks at the rich past and current activities of the Institute of Asian Research (IAR), as part of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. The report is intended to support UBC colleagues, new partners, and Canadians understand the opportunities and challenges of working together to leverage resources on Asia at UBC.

Environmental Activists Have Higher Death Rates than Some Soldiers

Environmental Activists Have Higher Death Rates than Some Soldiers

According to a Scientific American article, more than 1,500 people across 50 countries were murdered in retaliation for protecting land, water, forests and other natural resources between 2002 and 2017. SPPGA Professor Philippe Le Billon provides comments about the violence done against environmental defenders.

Is There Hope for US-China Talks?

Is There Hope for US-China Talks?

US and China trade representatives have begun two days of talks in Shanghai, the first meeting since negotiations between the two broke down in May. SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien discusses hopes for talks this time around and the implications for Canada’s economy in this CBC Early Morning interview.

Personal Feud Turns Public as Singapore PM’s Brother Backs Opposition

Personal Feud Turns Public as Singapore PM’s Brother Backs Opposition

As family feuds enter national politics ahead of Singapore’s general elections, SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald was quoted in an article about regional and global factors that may pose a threat to the PAP party, who have been in power since 1959.

Climate Change and the Upcoming Election

Climate Change and the Upcoming Election

If you’ve missed the CBC News broadcast on major parties’ climate action plans in the run-up to the federal election, and the impact of young activists at the forefront of climate change action, check out their interview with SPPGA Professor George Hoberg.

Minorities Matter: Malaysian Politics and People

Minorities Matter: Malaysian Politics and People

SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald’s chapter in “Minorities Matter: Malaysian Politics and People,” covers local elections, decentralization, and institutional reform in the aftermath of the 2018 Malaysian federal elections.

8 Urgent Steps Needed to Restore Ocean Health

8 Urgent Steps Needed to Restore Ocean Health

Fully implementing the Paris Agreement is crucial for the health of the global ocean, says SPPGA Professor Rashid Sumaila. Read the full International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) publication to learn about the eight urgent steps needed to address the ocean emergency.

Horgan’s Government Exceeding Expectations on Two-Year Anniversary: Experts

Horgan’s Government Exceeding Expectations on Two-Year Anniversary: Experts

Thursday marked the end of NDP leader John Horgan’s 2nd year as premier. Despite what SPPGA Faculty Associate Maxwell Cameron calls a remarkable run for a minority government, failure to deliver with the referendum on proportional representation and other campaign promises may cost him voter support.

Designed Leadership Book Cover

Designed Leadership by Moura Quayle – Paperback Version Now Available

The paperback version has now been released of a new book by Moura Quayle, UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs Director pro tem, strategic-design scholar, and urban systems designer.

Andrea Reimer course promo

GPP 591N Special Topics in Public Policy – Power & Practice

UBC graduate students, register now for the GPP 591N Power & Practice course taught in Term 1 by Andrea Reimer, Adjunct Professor of Practice with the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Learn more.

Research Helps Us Understand How Technical Solutions to Nuclear Waste Are Insufficient

Research Helps Us Understand How Technical Solutions to Nuclear Waste Are Insufficient

Professor Ramana’s publication in Springer highlights the uncertainties surrounding the stockpiling of nuclear waste, which can be hazardous to human health for hundreds of thousands of years.

Localizing Nuclear Capacity? Saudi Arabia and Small Modular Reactors

Localizing Nuclear Capacity? Saudi Arabia and Small Modular Reactors

Professor Ramana makes the case for Saudi Arabia to make large-scale investments in renewable energy as Saudi Arabia pursues its long-term goal to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Innovation in Policy: How UBC is Influencing Global Affairs

Innovation in Policy: How UBC is Influencing Global Affairs

Yves Tiberghien is the Founder and Co-Chair of the donor-funded Vision 20 Initiative that enables UBC students to impact the uppermost echelons of global political power, inspiring change at high profile events such as the Paris Peace Forum and the G20. Read more about this project.

Encouraging Signs from the Osaka G20

Encouraging Signs from the Osaka G20

Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien picks out encouraging signs from the Osaka G20 summit despite disappointing media narrative.

Timothy Cheek

Is Xi Jinping’s Heavy Hand Just What China Needs?

Is an iron-fisted ruler what China needs? Check out the Ear to Asia podcast for Professor Timothy Cheek’s analysis on Xi Jinping’s political actions and leadership.

Fisheries Subsidies Wreck Ecosystems, Don’t Bring Them Back

Fisheries Subsidies Wreck Ecosystems, Don’t Bring Them Back

As the EU moves to lift a 2004 ban on fishing vessel building regulations, Professor Rashid Sumaila urges academia, NGOs & civil society to push the EU to fulfill its sustainability obligations under international agreements and fisheries law.

Can Trudeau Solve Canada’s Beef with China (Podcast)

Can Trudeau Solve Canada’s Beef with China (Podcast)

China suspends Canadian meat imports based on quality control but the Canadian government suspects foul play. Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien speaks on the potential links between this situation and the ongoing Canada-China political disputes.

Kids Suing Governments About Climate: It’s a Global Trend

Kids Suing Governments About Climate: It’s a Global Trend

From Colombia to Pakistan to the Netherlands, kids are taking their right to a clean environment to the courts. Professor David Boyd says no other series of legal actions has spread as quickly across the globe as the struggle for environmental rights.

China Jets “Buzz” Canadian Ships in Taiwan Strait, Adding New Layer to Dispute

China Jets “Buzz” Canadian Ships in Taiwan Strait, Adding New Layer to Dispute

On June 18 Chinese fighter jets “buzzed” Canadian warships in the Taiwan Strait – causing another rift in increasingly tense Canada-China relations. Professor Brian Job comments on implications of this as the dispute is set to take center stage in G20 summit.

The Steady Attack on Freedom in Hong Kong

The Steady Attack on Freedom in Hong Kong

The Tyee recaps last week’s roundtable, where UBC faculty broke down the controversial extradition bill and what would need to happen for tensions to de-escalate.

Trump-Xi Meeting to ‘Break Down, Break Through or Muddle Through,’ Says Expert

Trump-Xi Meeting to ‘Break Down, Break Through or Muddle Through,’ Says Expert

SPPGA Professor Yves Tiberghien discusses what’s in store for Canada at the upcoming G20 Summit, amidst US-China and China-Canada tensions.

Bill C-262’s Legal Uncertainty a Certainty, Say Experts

Bill C-262’s Legal Uncertainty a Certainty, Say Experts

Bill C-262 would require all Canadian laws to be in compliance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Professor George Hoberg discusses implications for Canadian laws amidst unresolved reconciliation failures.

New UBC Research Stream Focusing on Memory and Justice

New UBC Research Stream Focusing on Memory and Justice

The new Memory and Justice Research Stream offers graduate courses and learning opportunities for students interested in interdisciplinary research with a focus on memory and justice in the aftermath of mass violence.

Rashid Sumaila

Professor Rashid Sumaila Receives CRC in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics

Professor Rashid Sumaila (IOF; SPPGA) has been awarded the Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics, Tier 1.

Nuclear Submarines in South Asia: New Risks and Dangers

Nuclear Submarines in South Asia: New Risks and Dangers

Professor Ramana writes on the risks, dangers, and new developments as South Asia’s foremost nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, are taking the nuclear race to sea.