Politics and Government

"Those fearing an impending dictatorship underestimate the robustness of our institutions and overstate the power of any individual to dismantle them," writes Victor Menaldo, professor of political science at the UW.

Before the results of the 2024 election start rolling in, UW News asked three University of Washington professors of political science to discuss whatâs on their minds heading into the final hours.

Arts & Sciences Dean Dianne Harris offers a personal reflection on the importance of voting.

A survey of voters in July showed approval of Washington's four statewide initiatives, including repealing the Climate Commitment Act and the state's long-term care program. Three months later and voters appear more likely to reject three of them. James Long, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

UW History professor Margaret O'Mara provides historical context for this moment in US presidential politics. 

The best way to stay engaged in the political process is to vote. But even with a record number of people voting in the last presidential election, we still only had a 66.8% turnout, unfortunately. Victor Menaldo, professor of political science at the UW, is quoted.

"Hurricanes Helene and Milton remind us of electricity infrastructure’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. However, at least one Florida community, Babcock Ranch, managed to avoid electricity shutoffs from downed power lines," write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

Silicon Valley has historically prided itself on technological supremacy and a belief in social progress. Now many of its loudest and most well-resourced personalities support a candidate who espouses retrograde views. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Mathematics and Democracy, an undergraduate mathematics course, explores the role of math in many aspects of democracy, from elections to proportional representation. 

Victor Menaldo, UW professor of political science, co-authored the forthcoming book, "U.S. Innovation Inequality and Trumpism." The book focuses on how former President Donald Trump â like other populists that came before him â exploits âinnovation inequality," or the divide between areas that are more technologically advanced and those that arenât.

James Long, University of Washington professor of political science, launched a new course this quarter. "How to Steal an Election" highlights the types of politicians who try to steal elections, and how and what can be done to secure them.

To navigate this momentous election season, Arts & Sciences faculty suggest 10 books about the US political landscape.

UW students cited abortion, LGBTQ+ rights & gun violence as important issues, but can they be motivated to vote? Students from the UW and James Long, professor of political science at the UW, are quoted.

"Kamala Harris of 2024, in a sharp deviation from Kamala Harris of 2016-20, epitomizes the emerging climate pragmatism," write the UW's Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science.

"This time of year, aspiring elected officials insist that we must get tough on crime to keep us safe. 'Getting tough' almost always includes imposing more and longer prison sentences. Unfortunately, most of those claims are based on myths, fear, and half-truths. Therefore, voters should insist that calls for increased punishment be replaced by programs that can actually reduce crime, help victims, and increase public safety," writes David Trierweiler. Heather Evans, assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine at the UW School of Medicine, and Katherine Beckett, professor of sociology and of law, societies and justice at the UW, are mentioned.