August 3, 2023
Indicted populists have a history of staying in office
Despite their divisive personas and politics, figures like Trump often see long-lasting political success. Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA, Anthropology) describes what he calls the “feedback loop” of the relationship between voters and populists. via the Yakima Herald-Republic
August 4, 2023
India’s rice ban is affecting Canadians, but some may be panic-buying the wrong variety
Assoc. Prof. Matias Margulis (SPPGA, LFS) explains why India’s impending rice export ban affects Canadian prices and supply all the way across the globe. via Global News
August 5, 2023
Hiroshima Day 2023: The global footprint of nuclear fallout
Although the Hiroshima bombing happened decades ago, the world still feels its radioactive effects. Prof M.V. Ramana authors this article. via DowntoEarth
August 8, 2023
Africa’s Blue Economy can continue to deliver huge benefits to the continent
Prof. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, UBC Oceans) explains the importance of protecting marine life in the interest of Africa’s growing Blue Economy and thousands of livelihoods. via Brookings Institution
August 9, 2023
UBC anthropologist reflects on Oppenheimer and 78th anniversary of nuclear bombing of Nagasaki
As discussion surrounding nuclear capabilities ramp up from the release of Oppenheimer, Prof. Hugh Gusterson sheds light on the historical Nagasaki bombing. via CBC
August 10, 2023
Who Was Fernando Villavicencio?
Dr. Grace Jaramillo (SPPGA) comments. Remembering the life of the presidential candidate tragically assassinated yesterday, with a history of challenging power in Ecuador. Read it via The New York Times
August 15, 2023
Editorial: How overfishing handicaps resilience of marine resources under climate change
Dr. Rashid Sumaila (SPPGA, UBC Oceans) co-authors an in-depth look at how the marine economy is exacerbating strain on the environment. Read it via Frontiers in Marine Science
August 16, 2023
A tale of two suspects: ‘Oppenheimer’ versus ‘A Compassionate Spy’
Prof. Hugh Gusterson reflects on the portrayal of nuclear powers in ‘Oppenheimer’ against the backdrop of American government and contrasting media rhetoric. via Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
August 17, 2023
On the eve of elections, Ecuadorsppga.ubc.ca/profile/hugh-gusterson‘s democracy teeters on the brink
Following Fernando Villavicencio’s assassination, questions surrounding Ecuador’s precarious political future become all the more urgent. Dr. Grace Jaramillo (SPPGA) comments via Globe and Mail.
August 18, 2023
The Charter challenge of first-past-the-post could lead to a better electoral system
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA, UBC Political Science) explains why a reconsideration of Canada’s current electoral system could work in favour of a stronger democracy. Read it in the Globe and Mail.
August 24, 2023
Questions remain around Fukushima wastewater release
As Japan releases radioactive water waste into the Pacific Ocean following natural disaster, Prof. Allison Macfarlane raises concerns for marine life and global environmental impacts. Watch her interview on CBC News.
August 29, 2023
Will Japan’s nuclear waste affect B.C.’s coast?
Many B.C. residents are wondering what, if any, impacts the Fukushima power plant’s release of nuclear waste into the Pacific Ocean will have on our shores. Prof. Allison Macfarlane speaks to City News.
August 29, 2023
Japan has begun releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific
Prof. Allison Macfarlane joins Stephen Quinn on CBC’s The Early Edition to discuss whether Japan’s release of wastewater will have significant international impacts.
August 30, 2023
Few Catholics in Mongolia, but Pope’s visit eyes geopolitics
Pope Francis makes history with his visit to Mongolia, guided by a mission of diplomacy and interfaith dialogue. Prof. Julian Dierkes (SPPGA) explains why Pope’s visit matters for global diplomacy on France24.
August 31, 2023
Rights redux: the return of human rights at the WTO
It’s time to rethink the role of developing nations in global trade. Prof. Matias E. Margulis (SPPGA, Faculty of Land and Food Systems) breaks down how these nations are driving the human rights narrative within the WTO, dispelling conventional wisdom. via Taylor & Francis
