2025 Global Policy Project Symposium: MPPGA Students Address Real-World Policy Challenges
Learn about the capstone Global Policy Project (GP²), and the groups of MPPGA students who are working with clients from around the globe.
Canada’s Federal Election: Expert Opinion on Foreign Interference, Misinformation and Democracy
SPPGA faculty members offer expert opinion on foreign interferences and misinformation impacting the results of Canada’s upcoming federal election
What it Means to be “American” – 2025 Phil Lind Initiative Recordings
Whether you joined us in person or missed an event, you can now watch the full recordings from the 2025 Phil Lind Initiative Series.
Crisis of Democracy in the Andean Region: Report by Professor Max Cameron
Prof. Maxwell Cameron is the lead author of a new policy report that investigates crises of democracy in the Andrean region
The Looming Threat of Nuclear Weapons: “the bomb” and Faculty Insights
From Trump’s executive orders putting nuclear safety at risk, to weapons manufactures who profit off of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, read faculty insights and events on looming nuclear threats
Netheena Mathews, MPPGA Second Year Student Designing Policy through a Journalistic Lens
Meet Netheena Mathews, a current second-year student of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program. We chatted with Netheena to discover how her unique experiences have shaped her interest in policy design, and listened to her key takeaways from the MPPGA program thus far. Introduce yourself! What is your background? I joined the […]
Japan Lower House Election Report
On October 27th, Japan held its 50th Lower House Election. Read CJR Assistant Mei Terasawa’s in-depth analysis here.
Su Thet San, MPPGA Second Year Student Rethinking Policies Affecting Minorities in Myanmar
Before joining the MPPGA Program, Su Thet worked at a local NGO in Myanmar and their current interests are deeply informed by this experience. Read more about their research and their experience with the program so far.
Protecting elections in the age of generative AI: Q&A with Chris Tenove
CSDI’s Chris Tenove discuss the risks and potential positive uses of generative AI in elections
Prof. Max Cameron elected Vice President and President-elect of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA)
Congratulations to SPPGA/POLI Prof. Max Cameron who has been elected Vice President and President-elect of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA). The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of […]
SPPGA 2022-23 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2022-23 annual report.
Harsha Walia Breaks Down Borders: Speaking on Climate Migration, Racial Capitalism and Empire
Canadian activist, writer and organizer Harsha Walia tackles issues of border imperialism, racial capitalism and anti-migrant xenophobia in her recent talk with UBC.
KPP Plays Key Role in Launch of Korea Study Group in Federal Parliament
The Knowledge Partnership Program (KPP) played a pivotal role in the launch of the Korea study group in the Canadian Parliament. In 2022, the KPP took a new initiative on parliamentary diplomacy and organized two KPP-Parliamentarian Delegation Visits to South Korea (in April and September), led by SPPGA Professor Kyung-Ae Park. Following the visits, the […]
MPPGA Student Panthea Pourmalek, Prof. Heidi Tworek, Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Can Elections Survive the Digital Age?
Researchers from SPPGA’s Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) and the Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research examine the role of social media in elections.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: What Commentators Get Wrong (and Right) About North Korea
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) writes an article about the ‘unfair portrayals’ of North Korea and its implications for policy and security.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: Protests in Peru After Ousting of President Pedro Castillo
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) speaks about the protests in Peru after the ousting of President Pedro Castillo.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: The High Seas: The Last Frontier for Ocean Finance
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the new the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement and how it can help manage the High Seas.
News Compilation: China’s Zero-COVID Policy
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses civil unrest in China as a result of the country’s zero-COVID approach.
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng: Women Politicians in Southeast Asia Face Abuse
Former IAR Fellow Aim Sinpeng writes an article about the rise of violence towards female politicians and activists in Southeast Asia.
Prof. Gerald Baier: B.C. Liberals Gamble on New Name: B.C. United
Prof. Gerald Baier (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments on the implications of the B.C. Liberal party’s name change.
Prof. M.V Ramana: Will Expanding Canada’s Plutonium Interests Support the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy?
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana co-writes an article on the security risk of separating Canada’s plutonium interests (subscription).
Prof. Heidi Tworek: Musk’s Twitter Takeover Creates Uncertainty for Professionals Using Platform for Good
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) discusses how Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter impacts individuals and their professions.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Elected as Brazilian President
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell’s research is quoted in an article about Lula’s victory in Brazil’s presidential election.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mongolia is Keen to Distance Itself from Moscow and Beijing
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes writes an article about Mongolia’s desire to be independent of its neighbouring countries, China and Russia.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: Anjali Appadurai’s Disqualification Stirs The Political Pot
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) comments on the contributing factors that led to the division of members and leaders in the NDP party.
Prof. Gerald Baier: North Vancouver District CAO Takes On Dual Role As Port Moody Councillor
Gerald Baier (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments on David Stuart’s dual roles as the newly elected councillor of Port Moody and CAO of the District of North Vancouver.
Prof. Gerald Baier: David Eby to Be Next B.C Premier as NDP Disqualifies Anjali Appadurai From Leadership Race
Gerald Baier (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments on Anjali Appadurai’s disqualification from the BC NDP’s leadership race.
Profs. Maxwell Cameron and Gerald Baier: Partisanship and Political Learning
A study involving Profs. Maxwell Cameron and Gerald Baier (SPPGA; Political Science) examines hyper-partisanship among aspiring politicians and policymakers. This project was part of the 2019 Institute for Future Legislators program at the CSDI.
Prof. Gerald Baier: Does the B.C. NDP Fear a Hostile Takeover of the Party During Leadership Race?
Gerald Baier (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) is quoted in an article about the B.C. NDP’s leadership race.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: Another Jan. 6? Bolsonaro Attacks Brazil’s Election, Raising Fears of Violence
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) comments on the federal elections in Brazil.
Prof. Heidi Tworek: Biden’s Covid-19 Declaration, Twilight of the SPAC & Genome Editing 2.0
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; CSDI) speaks on her thoughts of President Biden’s declaration that the “pandemic is over” and how leaders discussing the evolution of Covid-19 in its third year.
SPPGA Releases 2021-2022 Annual Report
Learn more about the major research, achievements, and programming of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in our 2021-22 annual report.
Prof. Maxwell A. Cameron: We can steer politicians away from hyper-partisanship
Professor Maxwell A. Cameron (Ph.D., California, Berkeley, 1989) is jointly appointed with the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) and Political Science.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: The Americas After American Hegemony
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) speaks about democracy challenges in the Americas.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Pelosi’s Visit Could Derail US-China Compromise Over Taiwan
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses how Pelosi’s visit in Taipei could derail US-China’s agreement over Taiwan.
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Japan’s Former PM Shinzo Abe Assassinated
Yves Tiberghien (Centre for Japanese Research Director; Political Science prof.) is interviewed by CBC News about the assignation of Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former PM.
Dr. Heidi Tworek Appointed Director of the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions
SPPGA is pleased to welcome Dr. Heidi Tworek as Director of the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI).
2022 Global Policy Project Symposium
Leading up to their graduation, MPPGA students from the class of 2022 presented their policy findings at the annual Global Policy Project Symposium held by the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron: Canada Has an Opportunity to Exert Influence in Latin America
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) writes an article discussing opportunities to increase Canada’s involvement in Latin America.
Prof. Timothy Cheek: Ideology in Xi Jinping’s China
Prof. Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; History) discusses Xi Jinping and ideology in modern China in an interview with the Center for Advanced China Research.
Call for Applications: 2022 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs welcomes applicants interested in applying for the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
Prof. Heidi Tworek: Why Is Politics Getting Nastier?
Prof. Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) is quoted in an article discussing how social media algorithms feed on political extremism during elections.
Prof. Heidi Tworek: Elon Musk’s Free Speech Plans for Twitter to Face Challenges from Governments
Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) describes the regulatory challenges that Elon Musk will face from different governments in the process of easing Twitter’s free speech restrictions. (Subscription)
News Compilation: Russia-Ukraine War Media Mentions
Faculty members from the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) comment on the evolving conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Global Policy Projects: MPPGA Students Engage with Clients on Policy Challenges
The Global Policy Project allows MPPGA students to engage with policymakers and client organizations to solve a real-world policy challenge. Learn about some of this year’s projects, with topics related to housing crisis, climate policy and reconciliation.
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.
Prof. Max Cameron: How the Liberal-NDP Agreement Could Impact the Conservative Leadership Race
Professor Max Cameron posits that the new Liberal-NDP Agreement can make the Liberals less vulnerable while the Conservatives grapple with selecting a new leader and uniting its party.
Prof. Gerald Baier: What the Liberals and NDP Can Learn from B.C.’s 2017 Confidence and Supply Agreement
Professor Gerald Baier (CSDI Acting Director; Political Science Prof.) discusses the federal confidence and supply agreement between the Liberals and the NDP that was announced on March 22, 2022.
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.
Hari Narayan on the “Freedom Convoy” in Canada
Hari Narayan (MPPGA student) discusses the ongoing “Freedom Convoy” around Canada and the invocation of the Emergencies Act. (Subscription)
Prof. Maxwell Cameron Awarded LASA Guillermo O’Donnell Democracy Award and Lectureship 2022
Congratulations to Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Poli Sci) for receiving the Latin American Studies Association Guillermo O’Donnell Democracy Award and Lectureship 2022.
Prof. Maxwell Cameron on Politician Responses to Trucker Protests Continuing in B.C.
In a podcast episode of BC Today, Professor Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) speaks with host Michelle Elliot about politician responses to the ongoing trucker protests against COVID-19 mandates.
Prof. Gerald Baier Discusses the B.C Liberal Party Leadership Election
Professor Gerald Baier (Acting Director, Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions; Political Science) discusses the B.C. Liberal Party’s leadership election, and what the future direction of the party may be.
Prof. Gerald Baier Discusses Federal Conservative Leadership
Professor Gerald Baier (Acting Director, Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions; Political Science) discusses what Erin O’Toole being ousted as a leader means for the Conservative Party, and why electing a more right-wing leader may cause the party to have challenges gaining seats in urban B.C.
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.
Is the Media Doomed?
To celebrate POLITICO’s 15th birthday, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) presents her forecast for the American media landscape 15 years from now.
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.
Meet Our SPPGA Directors – Professor Gerald Baier
In our SPPGA Faculty Leadership series, meet Dr. Gerald Baier, Acting Director of the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA), and Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Faculty Associate of SPPGA at the University of British Columbia. In an interview […]
The Inaccessible Archive
Using an autobiographical narrative, Professor M. V. Ramana writes this essay offering a glimpse of the challenges posed by secrecy to democratic debate of India’s nuclear policy.
World’s Major Nuclear Powers Pledge to Avoid Wars—Even as They Continue to Upgrade Their Arsenals
Professor M. V. Ramana discusses how, despite the world’s five major nuclear powers pledging to prevent nuclear wars, the countries continue to upgrade and enhance existing nuclear arsenals.
US Will Not Agree to All Russian Security Proposals, Compromise Possible
While it is expected that the United States will not agree to all of Russia’s security proposals, especially regarding NATO expansion, Professor M. V. Ramana shares why it is possible for the two sides to reach a compromise.
The Mysterious Case of Joe Biden and the Future of Drone Wars
Professor Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) discusses how withdrawal from Afghanistan has played a role in the reported number of U.S. drone strikes plummeting under the Biden administration.
Canada’s Year of Action on Democracy
Professor Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; Political Science) co-authors this article discussing reasons why now may be the time for the Canadian government to fulfill commitments to democratic development.
Don’t Ignore Democracy’s Flaws
Approaching Biden’s Summit for Democracy and the Ninth Summit of the Americas, Professor Max Cameron (Former SPPGA Acting Director; Political Science) proposes three key steps to strengthen democracy.
MPPGA Student Association Announces New 2021-22 Executive
UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs students recently appointed their 2021-22 Student Association executive members and set forth their strategic vision for this academic year.
What To Watch for as Biden, Trudeau, López Obrador Tackle Immigration, Supply Chain
With North American leaders, Biden, Trudeau, and López Obrador planning to meet face-to-face for the first time in four years, Professor Kristen Hopewell discusses regional friction over issues such as trade and immigration.
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.
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.
[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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 […]
SPPGA Adjunct Professor of Practice Andrea Reimer Resumes AMA
Andrea Reimer, SPPGA Adjunct Professor of Practice, is hosting an AMA on Twitter over the lunch hour on Wednesdays. Engage on topics of power and practice, and the practical challenges of policy-making using #AMASPPGA.
Grappling with Parliament Limiting His Powers, Mongolian President Moves to Dissolve Ruling Party
“Political shenanigans ahead of a June presidential election in Mongolia have taken a new turn,” say SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes, Bulgan Batdorj and Marissa Smith. Read more on how said political maneuvers could threaten Mongolian democracy.
Strategic Narratives in Global Trade Politics: American Hegemony, Free Trade, and the Hidden Hand of the State
Professor Kristen Hopewell’s research on global trade politics suggests that the dichotomy between American “free-market capitalism” and “state capitalism” is not so clear cut – and tied to a strategic narrative deployed for legitimizing US economic interest.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2021 Virtual Institute for Future Legislators
Have you ever thought about running for public office? Do you wonder what it would be like to serve as a legislator? If you want to know more about what being a legislator means and how to be most effective in that role, apply to UBC’s Institute for Future Legislators (IFL).
How to Feed the World & Shrink Our Climate Footprint
On Project Drawdown, Professor Navin Ramankutty shares up-to-date insights on food systems, climate solutions, and the importance of voting and youth climate action.
COVID-19: Radio Station at SFU Temporarily Suspends Program Linked to Website with Pandemic Conspiracy Theories
After a program from an SFU radio station was suspended, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) emphasizes that early and accessible response by health officials is the key to reducing COVID-19 misinformation and conspiracy theories.
SPPGA Welcomes New Liu Scholars
We warmly welcome our 2021-22 Liu Scholars. Learn more about their research and who they are working closely with among SPPGA faculty.
Canada’s Parliament Vote to Name China’s Actions in Xinjiang Province a Genocide
What does it mean for Ottawa’s already fragile diplomatic relationship with China? Hear from SPPGA Professor Paul Evans.
Oil and the Islamic State: Revisiting “Resource Wars” Arguments in Light of ISIS Operations and State-Making Attempts
Professor Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) reviews key scholarly arguments concerning the relationship between natural resources and armed groups, and examines the interrelationship between oil, armed conflict and ISIS.