MPPGA Alumnus Darren Touch: It’s Time for French Museums to Return Cambodian Artifacts
MPPGA Alumnus Darren Touch: writes about why France should return stolen artifacts to its historical colony, Cambodia.
Prof. Kyung-Ae Park Led the KPP-Parliamentarian Delegation to South Korea
A delegation of five Canadian parliamentarians visited Seoul, South Korea, from April 9-16, 2022, led by SPPGA Prof. Kyung-Ae Park, Founding Director of the Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP).
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Emerging Powers, Leadership, and South–South Solidarity
Prof. Kristen Hopewell analyses how emerging powers have leveraged South-South solidarity and developing world leadership status to reinforce bargaining positions in WTO negotiations.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Vietnam Protests Annual South China Sea Fishing Ban
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) reports on Vietnam’s protest against the annual Chinese ban on fishing in the South China Sea.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: New Report Analyzes China’s Own Fisheries Data
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries) discusses China’s distant water fishing data and its impact on global relations and sustainability.
Prof. Timothy Cheek: COVID-19 Lockdown Fears Spark Panic Buying in Beijing as Mass Testing Begins
Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) comments on Beijing residents stockpiling food and supplies, fearing that officials could implement a mass lockdown to contain a COVID-19 outbreak.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: India’s Inadvertent Missile Launch Underscores the Risk of Accidental Nuclear Warfare
Professor M.V. Ramana co-authors a Scientific American article on the dangers of nuclear weapons in light of the recent accidental missile launch by India.
MPPGA Students & IAR Fellows: The Hurdles Facing Mongolia’s Overseas Voters
MPPGA students Anoushka Chandarana, Anthony Coompson, Jemimah Ogundele, and Hari Narayan write about the challenges overseas Mongolians face to vote in key elections and the implications this has for democracy, as part of their Global Policy Project with IOM Mongolia.
MPPGA Students Co-Author British Columbia and One Health: A Collective Approach to Policymaking
MPPGA students Benedetta Beltramo, Soumya Kolluru, Lisa Slager, and Lindsey Wall co-author an article for Genome BC with George Poulakidas on the implementation of One Health to combat environmental disasters and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof Yves Tiberghein: The Paradox of China–India Relations
Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science Prof) co-authors this article discussing whether occasionally cooperative relations between China and India are sufficient to edge out the stalemate at the border.
MPPGA Students Co-Author a Blog Post on Mongolian Diaspora
MPPGA students Anoushka Chandarana, Anthony Coompson, Jemimah Ogundele, and Narayanan (Hari) GL co-author a blog post on the blog, Mongolia Focus.
Jeehye Kim: Management of Us–China Rivalry Is Key to South Korea’s Future
Jeehye Kim (Director of the Centre for Korean Research, IAR; Political Science Postdoctoral Fellow) discusses why one of the most pressing items on the foreign policy agenda for South Korea’s next president is how to handle the US–China contest for influence.
MPPGA Student, Hugo Tang, on Why Hong Kong Must Lift Covid-19 Flight Ban
MPPGA student Hugo Tang authors an op-ed detailing updates about the ongoing Hong Kong Covid-19 flight ban and the consequences it has on Hongkongers.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien Comments on China’s Relationship with Russia in the Context of the Russo-Ukrainian War
Prof. Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science Prof.) speaks to CBC News about China’s relationship with Russia in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Manimugdha S. Sharma: Why Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shahenshah’ Comment on Modi Shouldn’t Surprise the Right
Manimugdha S. Sharma (SPPGA and CISAR Fellow; History) authors an article on a comment made by the former Indian Congress president and current Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi in his speech in the Lok Sabha on February 2.
Prof Timothy Cheek: A Succession Drama, Chinese Style, Starring Xi Jinping
Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) discusses how long Xi Jinping will remain in power, and what the future of the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership will look like.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell on the Growing Threat of U.S.-China Trade Relations
Professor Kristen Hopewell authors an essay analyzing the growing U.S.-China rivalry and the threat their trade relations pose to the multilateral trading system.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien Discusses Japan’s COVID-19 Border Control Protocol
Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate) co-authors this article discussing the strict border control protocols implemented by the Japanese government as a response to the Omicron variant.
Professor Yves Tiberghien Discusses Ping-Pong Diplomacy Between China and the United States
Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) speaks about ping-pong diplomacy between China and the US through the context of historical events from 1971-1972.
Prof. Timothy Cheek Publishes “The Party History and Study Campaign” in the Party Watch Annual Report 2021
Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) contributes “The Party History and Study Campaign” as a part of a full annual report published by the Center for Advanced China Research.
Sound of Your City featuring Paul Evans
Professor Paul Evans joins the Beyond the Headlines radio show to discuss Canada-China relations after the events of the 2 Michaels.
MPPGA Students Working Towards Real Policy Impact through Global Policy Project
UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) student teams have been conducting virtual fieldwork with clients on projects in Canada, India, and Mongolia as part of the 2021-2022 Global Policy Projects.
Rio Tinto To Push Ahead with Mongolian Copper Project
Professor Julian Dierkes shares his thoughts on Rio Tinto’s plan to sign a contract with the Mongolian government for the expansion of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine (Subscription).
Another Pandemic Year, Another Election for Mongolia
In his authored article, Professor Julian Dierkes examines the results of Mongolia’s 2021 presidential election and the challenges the country will face amidst the ongoing pandemic.
SPPGA Welcomes Dr. Jessica DiCarlo, Chevalier Postdoctoral Research Fellow
We welcome Dr. Jessica DiCarlo as Chevalier Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Transportation and Development in China.
“India” in Assuring Destruction Forever: 2022 Edition
SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana co-authors a chapter in the Assuring Destruction Forever report about the nuclear weapon modernisation plans and programmes in India.
Overfishing Fuels South China Sea Tensions, Risks Armed Conflict, Researcher Says
Professor Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses how a collapse in the fishing industry caused by overfishing and climate change could fuel major tensions and armed conflict in the South China Sea.
China Looms Behind Regional Trade Agreements
Professor Kristen Hopewell discusses how China’s growing participation in bilateral and mega-regional trade agreements will accelerate the shift in global economic power from the United States and Europe to China.
La Rapide Modernisation Du Japon Durant L’ère Meiji
Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) speaks about the Meiji era, and how Japan was able to rapidly move from the era of shoguns and samurai to that of modern powers in just over 30 years. (Podcast in French)
China Revives Abandoned HTGR Nuclear Technology in Safe Power Drive
As China plans to connect high-temperature gas-cooled reactors to the grid, Professor M.V. Ramana warns that accidents may arise from the technology.
Meet Our SPPGA Directors – Professor Kai Ostwald
In this interview with SPPGA, Professor and Director of the Institute of Asian Research Kai Ostwald sits down to talk with us about his expertise in development, public policy, and ethnic politics with a strong focus is Southeast Asia, and his leadership of the Institute of Asian Research.
Meet Our SPPGA Directors – Series Compilation
Meet our SPPGA directors in this leadership interview series and explore what drives our directors’ research, policy engagement, and teaching, and how you can connect with their work.
The ‘Penny Has Dropped’: Liberal Government Throne Speech Signals New Direction on China, Analysts Say
Professor Paul Evans analyzes the Liberal government’s usage of the term “Indo-Pacific” in their crown speech, and what it indicates about the future direction of Canada-China relations.
Xi Jinping Is in a Good Position to Break Norms and Continue to Lead China
Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) speaks on China’s Communist Party passing a historic resolution that will allow leader Xi Jinping to lead for an unprecedented third term.
Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan Struggle with the Curse of Mineral Wealth
Professor Julian Dierkes comments on the daunting challenges facing Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan’s mining industry. (Subscription)
Applications due for 2021 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 2021 Nehru Humanitarian Graduate Scholarship in Indian Studies.
What’s Known—and Not Known—About India’s Nuclear Weapons Budget
With India’s lack of transparency around nuclear weapon expenditures, Professor MV Ramana states that even government bureaucracies do not seem to have access to expenses relating to weapons facilities.
South Korea’s Deepening Social Fractures Amid COVID-19 Success
While South Korea was well prepared and acted rapidly at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a comparatively low death rate, Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) discusses how the pandemic has exposed deep social fragilities and worsened inequalities.
Canada-China: Where to Next?
Professor Paul Evans was featured as a panelist in this virtual Q&A Town Hall event hosted by the Munk School of Public Policy, questioning whats next for Canada-China relations following the return of the two Micheals.
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou & 2 Michaels Media Mentions
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on September 24, 2021 that Canada’s Michael Korvig and Michael Spavor, dubbed the 2 Michaels, were returning from detention in China shortly after Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was released from house arrest in Canada.
CPTPP Members Must Be Wary of China’s Attempt to Join Trade Pact
Since China’s announcement last month about its application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Singapore and Malaysia have indicated their approval. In her authored article, Professor Kristen Hopewell exhorts the CPTPP members to be cautious of China’s attempt of entry because of their history of economic coercion and disregard for global trade rules.
Analysts Say China on Track to Meet Carbon Targets Despite Challenges
In anticipation for the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the world is following China closely as they are the largest global polluter. Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) discusses China’s accomplishments in sustainability and states that they are on track to meet carbon targets despite current challenges.
Chromatic: Ten Meditations on Crisis in Art and Letters
Read this new collection of essays and illustrations from the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies, offering 10 illustrated meditations on crisis from the 2020 Wall Scholars. Professor Ramana writes on the nuclear crisis in Japan at a time of global upheaval.
Canada Urged to Join Allies in Tougher China Stance After Kovrig, Spavor Release
Following Canada’s long fight with China over the imprisonment of the Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, Professor Paul Evans argues that Canada’s recent usage of the label “Indo-Pacific” rather than “Asia-Pacific” signifies Canada taking a tougher stance towards future relations with China.
Canada Must Oppose China’s Entry to Trans-Pacific Trade Pact
China officially applied to be a part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in September 2021 and is awaiting the members’ approval. In her authored article, Professor Kristen Hopewell advises Canada to deny China’s entry due to their history of global trade rules violations under President Xi Jinping.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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 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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2021 Global Policy Project Symposium Highlights
As a defining element of UBC’s professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) curriculum, the Global Policy Project (GP2) provides the opportunity for MPPGA students to engage with policy makers and civil society organizations on a real-world policy challenge, in Canada and around the world. Learn more on the Global Policy Project page. On April […]
Anti-China Sentiment Is Becoming Anti-Chinese Prejudice in Canada
“Criticism crosses a threshold when it sensationalizes Chinese actions and stigmatizes individuals or groups with connections to China.” Read the op-ed Professor Paul Evans co-authored on navigating tensions between Canada and China.
In Japan, South Korea and China, It Is Clear That Aging Will Have a Negative Impact on Growth
Japan, Korea, and China must urgently adapt their economic and social model to address the implications of a rapidly aging population, warns Professor Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science) (paywall) (French).
China Repackages Its History in Support of Xi’s National Vision
Professor Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History; IAR Director) gave comments on how the recent CCP campaign to repackage its history serves as a guide to how leaders, cadres, and ordinary citizens should act and talk in public (subscription).
China Nuclear Drama May Be Less Alarming than the Politics Behind It
Nuclear expert Professor Ramana gave comments regarding the Taishan Unit 1 reactor’s recent gas leak. The EDF’s decision to consult the U.S. government suggests concern with accessing critical information about the gas leak, he says (paywall).
Khurelsukh Cruises to Victory in Mongolian Presidential Race
In a co-authored piece for The Diplomat, SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes and others reflect on the tumultuous events that have led to Khurelsukh’s presidential victory.
When the Hegemon Goes Rogue: Leadership amid the U.S. Assault on the Liberal Trading Order
In her latest publication, SPPGA Professor Kristen Hopewell argues that the EU has taken the lead in defending the established order of the WTO, despite the focus on U.S. and China’s rising trade tensions under the Trump administration.
Mongolia’s Economic Prospects: Resource-Rich and Landlocked between Two Giants
Read the latest book chapter Professor Julian Dierkes authored for “Mongolia’s Economic Prospects: Resource-Rich and Landlocked between Two Giants.”
Alberta Calls for National Security Rules for Academics to Prevent Intellectual Property Transfer to China
SPPGA Professor Paul Evans gave comments on the Albertan government’s decision to suspend its four major universities from pursuing partnerships with people or organizations linked to Beijing or the Chinese Communist Party (paywall).
Countries Are Scrambling for Vaccines. Mongolia Has Plenty
At a time when vaccine supply is uncertain, Mongolia now has enough for its entire adult population thanks to deals with Russia and China. China’s shipment of 4 million Covid-19 vaccines could be part of a longer game, says SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes (subscription).
Citizen Lawsuit Seeks Court’s Help in Battle for Clean Air in Jakarta
Jakartans are joining a citizen lawsuit against the government to force officials to address the city’s grave air pollution. Professor David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES; UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment) submits a brief in support, pointing out that air pollution is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in Indonesia each year (Subscription).
If South Asia’s Pandemic Isn’t Addressed as a Whole, India’s Covid-19 Crisis Could Be Just the Beginning
Professor Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) and Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; Anthropology) release an article to address the escalating crisis in South Asia and how there is a need for Canada and its South Asian community to build on existing efforts to present a united fight against the pandemic.
Alberta Vows to Curb University’s Research Ties to China
Professor Paul Evans says although Canadian security agencies have identified some concerns, research collaboration arrangements with China are widely valued and facilitate advanced research and training.
Paul Evans in Special Committee on Canada-China Relations
Professor Paul Evans appeared in a Special Committee on Canada-China Relations hosted this week by the House of Commons. He spoke on Canadian universities being a foundation of engagement between the two nations. Segment starts at 19:30.
Gabriel Yiu: Why Are Chinese Canadians Divided on the Uyghur Genocide?
The ‘Xinjiang Documentation Project,’ a collaborative resource by SPPGA and Simon Fraser University’s Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies was mentioned in a piece for the Georgia Straight on the divergence of opinions on the Uyghur genocide.
Media Mentions: COVID-19 Crisis in India
India, one of the world’s most populous countries, is currently suffering a major setback in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn more with comments from Professor Veena Sriram (School of Public Policy and Global Affairs; School of Population and Public Health).
Learning During the Pandemic in Nepal
With limited access to reliable internet and devices in Nepal, MPPGA students Boyd Hayes, Nabila Farid, and Riya Sirkhell, and UBC Research Assistant Ujjwal Neupane discuss programs that teach parents about technologies for remote learning.
Expertise, Labour, and Mobility in Nepal’s Post-Conflict, Post-Disaster Reconstruction
The SSHRC-funded Partnership Development Grant ‘Expertise, Labour, and Mobility in Nepal’s Post-Conflict, Post-Disaster Reconstruction’ released two policy briefs on reconstructing Nepal regarding finance and law following the 2015 earthquake. Each brief was produced by a team led by Principal Investigator, Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; Anthropology).
Mongolia’s President Tries to Ban Its Ruling Party
The Mongolian president’s recent decision to outlaw the Mongolian’s People’s Party (MPP) for allegedly militarizing the state to entrench power is an overblown claim, says SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes.