SPPGA in the news:
May, 2023
Child Marriage and Early Unions (CMEU) in Latin America and the Caribbean
GP2 students, Clara Renault, Condie Cantrell, Darby Walton and Norma Patiño Sánchez, shed light on the critical issue of child marriage and early unions in Latin America and the Caribbean and discuss how knowledge development and advocacy can combat these issues. Available in both English and Spanish. via UNICEF
May 3, 2023
Harassment of journalists increasing, a new UBC study says
SPPGA Prof. Chris Tenove discusses the harmful impact and growing prevalence of reputational attacks against journalists in his recent global report. Via The Vancouver Sun
May 4, 2023
Nuclear Energy and the Non-Proliferation Treaty: A Retrospective Examination
SPPGA Prof. M. V. Ramana co-authors a commentary investigating the evolution of global nuclear power use over the last 50 years. Via Taylor & Francis Online
May 5, 2023
Despite new EPA rule to reduce pollution, Catholic activist says fight to protect communities far from over
As an environmental activist fights to save her community from the poisons of industrial activity in an area called “Cancer Ally”, Prof. David Boyd (SPPGA, UBC IRES) agrees that larger policy change needs to be transformative. via Earthbeat
May 8, 2023
What would nuclear power look like for the Prairies?
SPPGA Prof. M. V. Ramana weighs in on the future of nuclear power and small modular reactor production in the Prairies. Via CBC
May 8, 2023
Lost in translation: inadequate non-technical risk assessment within major project teams in mining
SPPGA Assistant Prof. Nadja Kunz investigates the role of water risk management in the mining sector, emphasizing the need for improved governance and stakeholder engagement to ensure sustainable practices. Via Taylor & Francis Online
May 10, 2023
MPs unanimously vote to probe Chinese envoy’s alleged targeting of Michael Chong
SPPGA Adjunct Prof. Vina Nadjibulla discusses possible repercussions of House of Common’s vote to investigate an alleged intimidation campaign on Conservative MP Michael Chong by Chinese government. Via Vancouver Is Awesome
May 11, 2023
Countering China’s economic coercion by building on a European initiative
MPPGA Graduate Oliver Boucher suggests Canada and its allies need to establish an economic security pact similar to the European Union’s anti-coercion instrument to combat China’s economic coercion. Study based on research funded by the IAR. Via Policy Options
May 13,2023
Pema Tseden, Pioneering Tibetan Filmmaker, Is Dead at 53
SPPGA is proud to announce that our esteemed faculty member, Tsering Shakya, has been featured in a New York Times article discussing the life and legacy of the late Pema Tseden, a prominent figure in Tibetan cinema. Shakya shares his expert insights on Tseden’s impact on the film industry and the significance of his work in preserving Tibetan culture. Via The New York Times
May 13, 2023
A 21st Century Freeze on Nuclear Weapons: Will it be a Reality?
SPPGA Prof. M. V. Ramana emphasizes the urgent need for policies and policy discussion which address growing nuclear dangers, following the US Senate’s reintroduction of the Hastening Arms Limitation Talks (HALT). Via In Depth News
May 15, 2023
Challenging colonial mining laws: First Nations fight for Indigenous consent
SPPGA Assistant Professor Nadja Kunz explores the ongoing battle between First Nations and colonial mining laws, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous consent in shaping a sustainable future. Via Canada’s National Observer
May 15, 2023
What Is the United Nations, and Why Is it Important?
Gain a deeper understanding of the United Nations and its global significance through an illuminating article that explores its functions and importance, featuring expert insights from faculty member Heidi Tworek. Via US News
May 15, 2023
The KPP-Parliamentarian Delegation Visits the Demilitarized Zone (Korean)
Prof. Park was interviewed on the role of the Knowledge Partnership Program in parliamentary diplomacy between Canada and South Korea and Canada’s possible contribution to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. ViaThe JoongAng Ilbo
May 15, 2023
Trudeau preps to head Eastward
SPPGA Prof. Paul Evans comments on why this year’s G-7 meetings come at a pivotal moment in global affairs as Prime Minister Trudeau travels to Asia. via Politico
May 16, 2023
Mongolia shows Canadian foreign policy dominated by mining companies
SPPGA Assoc. Prof Julian Dierkes urges Canada to step into its diplomatic role as Mongolia’s largest investor rather than focus on self-serving policy.
May 17, 2023
As we fight the Alberta and B.C. wildfires, we must also plan for future disasters
Against the backdrop of approaching wildfire season, Associate Prof. Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; ANTH) and UBC ANTH PhD student Jonathan Eaton co-author an appeal for more extensive, integrated disaster planning. Listen to their interview here. Via The Conversation
May 17, 2023
Electoral denialism in American democracies
Political polarization and growing distrust are forces that have been and continue to undermine America’s democracy. SPPGA and UBC Political Science Prof. Maxwell Cameron sheds light on electoral denialism in his most recent paper. Via Canadian International Council
May 18, 2023
What Will Result From Ecuador’s Political Turmoil?
SPPGA Instructor Grace Jaramillo comments on the implications of Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly in a “cross-death scenario”. via The Dialogue
May 21, 2023
China’s Xi Mimics Mao’s Crisis Response in Sweeping Indoctrination Drive
Will Xi Jinping’s Mao-parallel attempts to regain control over slipping public trust emerge successful, or be received as poorly masked power desperation? SPPGA and UBC History Prof. Tim Cheek comments. Via The Wall Street Journal
May 23, 2023
We Can Get Better at Seeing Disasters Coming
SPPGA & UBC Anthropology Assoc. Prof. Sara Shneiderman co-authors this article detailing how humans can create mental and practical shifts to understand natural disasters better. via The Tyee
May 23, 2023
‘If You Want Peace, Create Peace’: Women’s Rights Organisations as Operatives of Hybrid Peace in the Former Yugoslavia
In her latest research, MPPGA student Nicole Johnston examines how the inclusion of women’s rights organizations (WROs) can benefit transitional justice and international peace-building processes. via Taylor & Francis
May 23, 2023
Aquaculture’s dark side
SPPGA & UBC Oceans Prof. Rashid Sumaila is featured on a radio podcast to discuss fish farming and why aquaculture is still holding out on prioritizing sustainability over profits. via The World
May 24, 2023
Small module nuclear power plant that failed in the US, hype on Korean lines… Uljin-gun should not be promoted
As global popularity of SMR usage rises, South Korea is the latest country to consider its implementation – but Prof. M.V. Ramana warns of inherent risks and high costs. Via The Hankyoreh
May 25, 2023
Canadian reactors that “recycle” plutonium would create more problems than they solve
Prof. M.V. Ramana speaks on the legitimacy of company Moltex’s claims to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency, and what this could mean for Canada’s environment and economy. via Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
May 25, 2023
B.C. trade mission to Asia does not include China as province focuses on diversifying trade
As B.C. prepares to insulate itself from China’s international tensions, Prof. Paul Evans explains why expansion of trade is a practical defense rather than a political statement. via Vancouver Sun
May 30, 2023
US urged not to use bomb-grade uranium in nuclear power experiment
Prof. Allison Macfarlane and a panel of nuclear experts warn against the security and economic pitfalls of new uranium-based nuclear reactors. via Reuters
May 30, 2023
How B.C. is playing a major role in the growing trade ties between Taiwan and Canada
Prof. Paul Evans comments on the complementary nature of Canada and Taiwan’s interpersonal ties. via BC Business
May 31, 2023
Military insubordination has saved the world from nuclear war several times
The Russia-Ukraine war prompts international questions of allyship and what this might mean for nuclear involvement from countries like the USA. Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA, UBC Anthropology) provides insight in this interview. via Europe Solidaire Sans Frontières
