Politics and Government

“[MacKenzie] Scott and [Jeff] Bezos are not impulsive philanthropists. Their advisors have pored over lots of data to identify the beneficiaries. Yet, they fund different causes and organizations. Why so and what does this reveal about their priorities?” write Nives Dolšak, professor of marine and environmental affairs at the UW, and Aseem Prakash, professor of political science at the UW.

Aseem Prakash, professor of political science, discusses the differences between MacKenzie Scott's and Jeff Bezos' philanthropic efforts.

Michele Cadigan, sociology graduate student, explains how to create a legal market for cannabis without increasing police budgets.

Oregon has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of any drug, and there’s a push in Washington to do the same. But what effect will that really have on arrests, prosecution and the War on Drugs? Temper your expectations, says Katherine Beckett, professor of sociology and of law, societies and justice at the UW. [This is the third segment of the Dec. 15 episode of “The Record.”]

Katherine Beckett, Professor of sociology and law, societies and justice, explains Oregon's decriminalization of drugs, and whether Washington will be next.

Washington state’s Electoral College gave President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris their votes in Olympia today. James Long, associate professor of political science at the UW, is interviewed.

See public a public art exhibition on the side of city buses, watch a talk about "Public Opnion and Polls in the 2020 Presidental Election, revisit Marc Seales Group's performance at Town Hall, and more!

Angelina Godoy, director of the Center for Human Rights, explains how detainees are being held in close conditions despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Christopher Parker, professor of political science at the UW, talks about the significance of the selection of General Lloyd Austin as U.S. Defense Secretary.

New research from the University of Washington shows that for Black youth, having an encounter with police in middle school means a higher likelihood of being arrested by age 20. Annie McGlynn-Wright, who led the study while a doctoral student in sociology at the UW, is quoted.

"Social media played a significant role in the way that Armenians and Azerbaijanis experienced this year’s brief war. Globally, people could follow military movements, drone footage, respond to statements by authorities and discuss the events. All of this activity provided leaders with instant public opinion that informed decisions," writes Katy Pearce, associate professor of communication at the UW.

In the early days of modern computers, the Simulmatics Corporation manipulated technology to mine data, affect the news, and influence voter and consumer preferences. Sound familiar? The tech titans of today have formidable ancestors. Margaret O’Mara, professor of history at the UW, interviews Harvard University’s Jill Lepore.

Black youth are more likely to face a tough criminal justice path than white youth after being stopped by police in middle school, a new study out of University of Washington found. Annie McGlynn-Wright, who led the study while a doctoral student in sociology at the UW, is interviewed.

Local notaries, whether in trade or politics, many have strong but guarded optimism for how a Biden administration will bring stability and mutual growth back to China-U.S. relations. David Bachman, professor of international studies at the UW, is quoted.

Harlequin Productions is offering a radio theater-style “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Orson Welles, available for streaming beginning Sunday, Dec. 6. Antonio Mitchell, who is pursuing a master of fine arts in acting at the UW, is playing Jacob Marley.