Publications
October 24, 2024
Holy grail or convenient excuse? Stakeholder perspectives on the role of health system strengthening evaluation in global health resource allocation
Prof. Veena Sriram (SPPGA; SPPH) co-authors a report analysing global health systems strengthening (HSS), considering key stakeholders’ outlooks. The navigation of varying stances would optimally expand HSS evaluation. Via BioMed Central
October 15, 2024
The state of disaster and resilience literature in British Columbia, Canada. A systematic scoping review
SPPGA Prof. Sara Shneiderman co-authors a publication evaluating the current disaster and resilience publications in BC, underscoring the value of disaster resilience research for policy and hazard adaptation. Via Science Direct
October 7, 2024
The World Is Abandoning the WTO
SPPGA Prof. Kristen Hopewell writes about the rising number of nations violating WTO regulations, warning of the possibility for a “tipping point where the multilateral trading system collapses altogether”. Via Foreign Affairs
October 4, 2024
The Tin State
Prof. Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; UBC Anthropology) writes on “the post-earthquake ‘tin-state’” following Nepal’s 2025 earthquakes, sharing insight on material and political transformation through a reconstructive lens. Via Himalaya Journal
Media
October 31, 2024
What Canadian provinces can learn from the Texas energy experience
Prof. Milind Kandlikar (SPPGA; IRES) adds to discourse surrounding Canada’s renewable energy use compared to American leaders like Texas, noting that BC’s hydropower domination may hinder prospective switches. Via The Globe and Mail
October 28, 2024
Thousands of North Korean soldiers training for combat in Russia
SPPGA Faculty Assoc. Yves Tiberghien comments on North Korean soldiers’ training in Russia, as well as their possible deployment in Ukraine amidst rising political tensions. Via CBC Radio’s On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko
October 28, 2024
Political scientist reacts to BC election
Prof. Maxwell Cameron (SPPGA; UBC Political Science) reviews the results of BC’s recent election, commenting on the narrow race between NDP and the Conservatives. Via CBC Radio’s On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko
October 28, 2024
WA nears energy crisis as Amazon funds nuclear reactors, sparking controversy
SPPGA Prof M.V. Ramana weighs in on the controversial energy crises caused by the nuclear power investments of tech giants, noting how these investments are falsely perceived as sustainable by the public. Via FOX 13 Seattle
October 26, 2024
The Man Who Shaped China’s Strongman Rule Has a New Job: Winning Taiwan
Prof. Timothy Cheek (SPPGA; UBC History) discusses Chinese politician Wang Huning’s 1992 examination of how China’s leaders navigated the maintenance of political order during pronounced social and economic reformation. Via The New York Times
October 25, 2024
Examining Totalitarian Trends hosted by Greg Feldman
Prof. Hugh Gusterson (SPPGA; UBC Anthropology) discusses the nuclear weapon industry, delving into the complex interplay of democracy and nuclear armament. Via Today’s Totalitarianism
October 25, 2024
Will AI’s huge energy demands spur a nuclear renaissance?
SPPGA Director Allison Macfarlane discusses the tech industry’s rising investments in ‘advanced’ nuclear power. “Solar panels and wind turbines can be deployed at a much faster rate” than new reactors, she suggests. Via Nature Portfolio
October 21, 2024
SHAKEOUT BC: BE PREPARED, DON’T WAIT FOR THE BIG ONE | Manimugdha Sharma | Dr. Sara Shneiderman
Prof. Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; UBC Anthropology) discusses the significance of BC inhabitants’ preparation for natural disasters, referencing the recovery of other nations such as Nepal. Via SherePunjabRadio AM600
October 16, 2024
RCMP investigate ‘disturbing’ vandalism of NDP candidate’s sign
CSDI’s Chris Tenove speaks on recent instances of vandalism during BC’s election period causing Canadian politicians’ rising violence concerns. Via CBC News
October 15, 2024
How Canadians are Preparing for Natural Disaster
Prof. Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA; UBC Anthropology) delves into Canada’s nationwide preparation for natural disasters amidst BC’s recent earthquakes, stressing the importance of practicing safety procedures. Via CTV News
October 13, 2024
Thousands of kilometres from home, Justin Trudeau learns of dissension in his caucus
Prof. Kai Ostwald (SPPGA; UBC Political Science) comments on the development of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, including free trade negotiations with Indonesia and anticipated agreements with other ASEAN countries. Via CTV News
October 12, 2024
Pickering nuclear power plant to continue operations
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana speaks on the CNSC’s approval of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s prolonged operation, warning of the imminent danger of nuclear accidents from any improper safety and waste management. Via City News
October 8, 2024
Private sector advances proposal for large-scale nuclear power plant in northern Alberta
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana discredits claims that nuclear power will solve the global climate crisis, suggesting that funding for nuclear plants are “better invested in renewables”. Via CBC News
October 7, 2024
Who’s right? Pro-nuclear narrative in check
Amongst institutional buzz for nuclear power, SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana explains its pervasive danger, including potential accidents and prospective “military proliferation”. Via Casper Star Tribune
October 7, 2024
British Columbia’s Election Is a Bellwether for Climate Policy
SPPGA Prof. Sheryl Lightfoot (FNIS; UBC Political Science) speaks on BC’s enactment of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), operating alongside First Nations’ liaison with government and private industry in a “more democratic” manner. Via The Walrus
October 7. 2024
Trudeau heads to Southeast Asia as Israel-Hamas war promises to overshadow trade talks
Prof. Kai Ostwald (SPPGA; UBC Political Science) weighs in on Asia-Pacific relations, stating that the ASEAN and East Asia Summits offer the chance to “raise global concerns and call for solidarity” regarding geopolitical conflicts. Via CBC News
October 3, 2024
Construction of Ontario nuclear reactor should move forward despite incomplete design, regulator says
SPPGA Prof. M.V. Ramana casts doubt on the approval of Canada’s new power reactor, noting the inevitable modifications during construction & CNSC’s inadequacy in answering “key safety questions”. Via The Globe and Mail
