Democracy

There is a problem of focusing on the U.S. in platform governance, Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA; History) warns. The difference in response to the U.S. and Myanmar Rohingya genocide shows the platform’s inconsistent principles, she adds.

Cameron outlines the classical theory of oligarchy, examines the use of the concept in contemporary theories of comparative politics, describes oligarchic modes of rule in Latin America’s hierarchical market economies, offers an account of the dynamics of populist mobilisation and oligarchic modes of rule in Peru, and draws lessons from the Odebrecht corruption scandal.

Amidst the pro-Trump rallies in Vancouver and across the globe, Professor Maxwell Cameron (former SPPGA Acting Director & UBC Political Science) warns of the impact that it may have on Canada, reminding us all of how important and vulnerable our democratic institutions are.

“Social media are crucial for contemporary election campaigns, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated that trend. While online interactions during campaigns can be positive and productive, candidates also face insults, threats, hate speech, and other forms of incivility,” declares a new report from Heidi Tworek and Chris Tenove.

In the run up to the US presidential election on November 3, digital platforms are releasing or updating policies related to disinformation, election advertising and content moderation. Professor Heidi Tworek (SPPGA & UBC Department of History) argues these changes come far too late. More at the Centre for International Governance Innovation.

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.

Last Friday, Mongolia held its 8th regular parliamentary election. Bulgan Batdorj (SPPGA staff; incoming UBC Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability PhD student) provides a breakdown of the Mongolian People’s Party’s landslide victory and what it could mean for the country’s future.

Against the backdrop of accumulating voter frustration towards established political parties, the 2020 Mongolian election sparks a surge of new candidates for parliament. SPPGA Associate Professor Julian Dierkes shares his insights on the unexpected shift in Mongolia’s political culture and the socioeconomic concerns in various media outlets.

In Mongolia, proactive and transparent use of social media by public health authorities has helped to limit the spread of misinformation, populist messages and fear, says Bulgan Batdorj (SPPGA staff; incoming UBC Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability PhD student). Read more at FES in Asia.

Voter frustration has led to a surge in new candidates running in Mongolia’s June 24th parliamentary election, say SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes and Bulgan Batdorj (SPPGA staff; incoming UBC Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability PhD student) Read more at The Diplomat Magazine.

SPPGA Visiting Professor Wenran Jiang advocates for compromise between all parties in the Hong Kong protests, and emphasizes the urgent need for demonstrators to end the wave of violence.

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.

MPPGA students Nabila Farid and Victoria Ker comment on Monday’s federal election debate, and UBC CSDI Acting Director Gerald Baier shares his insight on the debate outcome in an interview with CBC News.

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

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.

Radio-Canada quoted Professor Paul Evans in an article about WeChat, a messaging and social media app mainly used in China, and its possible role in the upcoming federal election.

SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien addresses the upcoming Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong amidst continuing political unrest. This article was published on Australian Institute of International Affairs.

SPPGA Professor Paul Evans talks freedom, democracy and Hong Kong’s autonomy. Read more from the Vancouver Sun.

In a thought-provoking piece for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Professor Timothy Cheek writes that the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Incident is a reminder and invitation for us to review the 30 years of our relations with China.