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.
Hitting Back Against Trump’s Tariffs: Faculty Expert Opinion
In the midst of cross-border uproar surrounding proposed tariffs by American president Donald Trump, SPPGA faculty and associated researchers weigh in with expert opinion on how our nation’s future might be impacted by a trade war and what we can do to fight back.
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
Trump’s Return: Faculty Insights in the Media
SPPGA faculty members offer their expert insights into how Trump’s return will impact Canada, the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond.
News Compilation: December 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for December 2024.
From Earthquakes to Floods: Prof. Sara Shneiderman on Preparedness and Multi-Hazard Approaches
Prof. Sara Shneiderman discusses key findings in her latest publication about disaster preparedness in BC.
News Compilation: October 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for October 2024.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Prof. Tricia Logan Provides Expert Comment
Prof. Tricia Logan spoke with media this week on and in the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
News Compilation: September 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for September 2024.
Expert Commentary in the Media, 2023-24
This past year, SPPGA faculty and scholars achieved significant media visibility with their expert commentary sought in topics spanning from global diplomacy to climate change, nuclear energy, and Indigenous rights.
News Compilation: August 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for August 2024.
News Compilation: July 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for July 2024.
News Compilation: June 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for June 2024.
News Compilation: May 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for May 2024.
News Compilation: April 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for April 2024.
News Compilation: March 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for March 2024.
Phil Lind Initiative 2024 Media Mentions
Review media coverage about the speakers featured in the 2024 Phil Lind Initiative series
News Compilation: February 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for February 2024
News Compilation: January 2024
Stay informed with the latest news compilation for January 2024
News Compilation: December 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for December 2023.
News Compilation: November 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for November 2023.
KPP Seminar Celebrating Canada-Korea 60th Diplomatic Relations
Seoul seminar on North Korea’s policy & Kim Jong-un’s diplomacy insights
News Compilation: October 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for October 2023.
News Compilation: September 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for September 2023.
News Compilation: August 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for August 2023.
News Compilation: July 2023
Get the latest Public Policy and Global Affairs insights with UBC’s SPPGA curated news compilation for this month
News Compilation: June 2023
Get the Latest Public Policy and Global Affairs Insights With UBC’s SPPGA Curated News Compilation for June 2023.
News Compilation: May 2023
Get the Latest Public Policy and Global Affairs Insights With UBC’s SPPGA Curated News Compilation for May 2023.
News Compilation: April 2023
SPPGA in the news: A Mongolian boy has been declared an important leader for Tibetan Buddhists
News Compilation: March 2023
SPPGA in the news: What does TikTok know about you? and more
News Compilation: February 2023
SPPGA in the news: Loss in the Aral Sea, Global data concerns, Our Very Own Tyler Prize Award Winner, Turkey’s earthquake recovery, Russian’s Invasion of Ukraine, and more
News Compilation: The Tradeoffs of Nuclear Reactors
With climate concerns on the rise, U.S. and Canadian governments have escalated interest in adopting nuclear energy sources. But with an array of concerns still present, research is needed to assess the feasibility of such implementation. SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana and Allison MacFarlane critically examine considerations for widespread nuclear reactor adoption in their recent research, providing […]
News Compilation: January 2023
SPPGA in the news: Peru’s violent unrest, Elections in the digital age, Nuclear disarmament and more
Zoe Braden & SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane: Final countdown to site selection for Canada’s nuclear waste
Canada stands on the brink of a momentous decision: selecting a final resting spot for its spent nuclear fuel waste. Article by SPPGA Postdoctoral Research Fellow Zoe Braden and SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane.
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. M.V. Ramana: The Decline and Fall of Nuclear Disarmament in 2022
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the state of nuclear disarmament in 2022.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: Trade Focus to Split in 2023 Between Indo-Pacific, U.S.
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell comments on trade negotiations with India, Indonesia, and ASEAN as part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M.V. Ramana: Canada’s First New Nuclear Power Reactor in 30 Years Has Embarked on a Crucial Review
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane and Prof. M.V. Ramana comment on the review process for Canada’s first new nuclear power reactor in 30 years.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Fusion: It’s Really About Nuclear Weapons, Not Clean Energy
Prof. M.V. Ramana writes an article on nuclear fusion and highlights the challenges of achieving “clean fusion energy.”
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Canada’s Asian Engagement Sharpens Regional Security Focus
Prof. Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discusses political governance in the Indo-Pacific, particularly recent leadership changes in Japan and South Korea.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: How Can Fisheries Support Biodiversity Recovery?
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) is quoted in an article highlighting how fisheries and people can address threats against biodiversity.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada Firmly Dips Its Toe in Indo-Pacific Waters
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans writes an article on Canada’s long-waited Indo-Pacific Strategy and how it will advance Canada’s relationships with its allies and partners.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: Globalised Food Systems Are Making Hunger Worse
A 2018 study co-led by Prof. Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) is mentioned in an article about global food systems.
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. Julian Dierkes: Mongolians Brave the Cold to Decry Corruption
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes comments on the anti-corruption protests in Mongolia and the consequences of leaderless movements.
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. M.V. Ramana: Energy or Weapons? What the Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion Really Means
Prof. M.V. Ramana writes an article about a recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion research. He comments on nuclear power’s viability as an energy source and what this means for weapons development.
Prof. Allison Macfarlane: Scientists Produce More Energy in a Fusion Reaction Than Was Used to Ignite It
SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane shares thoughts on a recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion in a radio broadcast with CBC News.
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.
Prof. Matias Margulis: Planning A Holiday Feast? Be Prepared for the Sticker Shock, Experts Say
Prof. Matias Margulis (SPPGA; LFS) comments on rising food prices and how it affects Canadians’ festivities this holiday season.
Prof. Navin Ramankutty: 10 Billion Mouths to Feed
Prof. Navin Ramankutty (SPPGA; IRES) discusses how combating global food insecurity requires a complex set of solutions.
Elena Gordillo Fuertes: The Slow Violence of Air Pollution in Mongolia
MPPGA Student and IAR Fellow Elena Gordillo Fuertes writes an article on the toxicity of air pollution in Mongolia.
Prof. David Boyd: Here Are 5 Things To Know About COP15 and How It Affects B.C.
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) outlines how the COP15 biodiversity summit impacts B.C.
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen: Charities Offering Meals Grapple Shrinking Donations and Soaring Demand
Senior Fellow Gisèle Yasmeen comments on how political conflict and food insecurity are affecting organizations offering hot meals during the holidays.
Prof. Gerald Baier: Speculation Grows in B.C. Over Snap Provincial Election
Prof. Gerald Baier (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) comments on the consequences and implications if Premier David Eby were to call a mid-election.
Prof. Julian Dierkes: Mass Protests in Mongolia Decry ‘Coal Mafia,’ Corruption
SPPGA Prof. Julian Dierkes writes an article on mass protests in Mongolia due to recent revelations about coal mining corruption.
Prof. Vina Nadjibulla: Canada Rethinks Its Relationship with China
SPPGA Adjunct Prof. Vina Nadjibulla speaks in a podcast about Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy and what it means for Canada’s relationship with China.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Plutonium is Plutonium, Period, and Separating It Increases Nuclear Proliferation Risks
Prof. M.V Ramana co-writes an article on the global security risks of separating plutonium from spent nuclear fuel.
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.
Prof. Hugh Gusterson: This Is How the U.S. Totally Misjudged the War in Ukraine
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; Anthropology) comments on the American and allied intelligence agencies’ predictions for the Russia-Ukraine war.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Seafood Growth Rate Declining
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the declining growth rate of seafood and how it will impact minority groups.
Prof. Paul Evans: Families with a Proud Legacy in China
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans and his book “Engaging China” are referenced in an article about the legacy of Canadian missionaries and the importance of Canada’s relations with China.
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. Rashid Sumaila: Can Wild and Farmed Fish Co-Exist?
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the current aquaculture system and how land-based systems could be an alternative to open-net fish farming.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Nuclear Power No Solution for the N.W.T., Some Experts Suggest
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the lack of economic incentives to manufacture small modular reactors (SMRs) for remote communities in Canada.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Scientists Say Farmed Fish Can’t Replace Fish Caught in the Wild
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses in a podcast a potential supply shortage of seafood.
Prof. M.V Ramana: New-build Nuclear Must Face Down Industry’s Costly Past
SPPGA Prof. M.V Ramana comments on the possibility of nuclear energy and power to increase interest for market shares.
Prof. Paul Evans: Canada Reacts to Alleged Chinese Political Interference
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans comments on the allegations of China’s involvement in Canadian politics.
Prof. David Boyd: Barrick Gold Under Fire by UN for Toxic Spills From Veladero Mine in Argentina
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) signed a UN letter expressing concern about toxic spills from the Veladero mine in Argentina.
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. Rashid Sumaila: Plant-based Seafood Substitute Meets Demand For Food Sustainability
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) comments on the benefits of plant-based substitutes for fish to achieve a more sustainable food supply.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Seafood Farming’s Growth Rate Has Already Peaked, and Now It’s in Decline
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses aquaculture over-optimism and seafood farming’s declining growth rate.
Prof. Allison Macfarlane: From Nuclear Power to Bamboo: The Climate Solutions at COP27
A study co-authored by SPPGA Director and Prof. Allison Macfarlane on nuclear waste is mentioned in an article about climate solutions proposed at COP27.
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. M.V Ramana: Climate, Conflicts, Prompt New Look at Old Nuclear
SPPGA Prof. M.V Ramana comments on the possibility of nuclear energy and power to increase interest for market shares
Prof. Philippe Le Billon: COP27: Which Countries Will Push to End Fossil Fuel Production?
Prof. Philippe Le Billon (SPPGA; Geography) co-writes an article on the need for international participation to end fossil fuel production.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: TPG&E Resubmits License Renewal for Diablo
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana warns about the implications of renewing a previously withdrawn license to operate the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant (subscription).
Prof. Yves Tiberghien: Vancouver Critical Mineral Firms Caught in Chinese Investments
Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) acknowledges Canada’s abrupt change in direction on Chinese investments in Canadian critical-mineral exploration.
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. Rashid Sumaila: AI May Help Authorities Track ‘Ghost’ Fishing Boats
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses the importance of AI technology development to detect illegal fishing accounts in the ocean.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Why It’s So Hard to Decide Whether Nuclear Power is a Good Idea for the Climate
Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the financial costs and safety risks of using nuclear power as a main energy source in Canada.
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Prof. Yves Tiberghien: The Indo Pacific’s Green Industrial Policy Race
IAR Fellow Sun Ryung Park and Yves Tiberghien (SPPGA Faculty Associate; Political Science prof.) discuss the race for green innovation and policy among Indo-Pacific nations.
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. Paul Evans: Canada and China – Looking to The Future
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans discusses Canada and China’s economic relations as China soars to become the world’s most powerful economy.
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. M.V. Ramana: Arms Control at Near-Standstill as Nuclear Threats Escalate
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on how easily the progress in nuclear disarmament can be overwhelmed by the actions of nuclear weapon states.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Federal Infrastructure Bank Commits $970M Toward Canada’s First Small Modular Nuclear Reactor
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on Canada’s first small modular nuclear reactor in Ontario.
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. David Boyd: UN Says Trillions Needed To Close Financial Gap on Sustainable Development Goals
Prof. David (SPPGA; IRES) reports the two main reasons why states are not reaching UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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. Rashid Sumaila: Experts are Calling to Halt Fishing in Antarctica
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) discusses how fisheries contribute to the overexploitation of Atlantic fish.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: The BRICS Countries: Where Next and What Impact on the Global Economy?
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell is cited in an article on the BRICS countries: Where next and what impact on the global economy?
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.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: Ploughshares and Swords: India’s Nuclear Program in the Global Cold War
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on the book’s useful connection to India’s nuclear program literature and how it powerfully undercovers its importance.
Prof. Kristen Hopewell: How China Lost its Wolf Pack
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell discusses the abandonment of the Brazil, India and China (BIC) alliance at the WTO and its impacts on China.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Rights and Representation Support Justice Across Aquatic Food Systems
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) co-publishes a research study that examines the significance of injustices in aquatic food systems.
Prof. Rashid Sumaila: Murder at Sea
A study by Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA; IOF) on illegal fishing and trade is mentioned in an article by Hakai Magazine.
Prof. David Boyd: UN Says Access to A Healthy Environment Is A Human Right
Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA; IRES) calls for Australia to declare access to a healthy environment a human right.
Prof. M.V. Ramana: North Korean Missile Testing Could Be Prelude to High-Stakes Bargaining
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana comments on North Korea’s recent missile tests and what this means for the peace process on the Korean peninsula.