Maxwell School News and Commentary

Using the military for domestic law enforcement would be a fundamental shift, one which too few Americans have considered or grappled with, says William Banks, professor emeritus of public administration and international affairs. “It would turn our whole society upside down…all these arguments about him [Trump] being an autocrat or dictator, it is not a stretch.”

“North Korean troops in Ukraine would be another confirmation that the Russian war in Ukraine is not a local or regional conflict,” says Tetiana Hranchak, visiting assistant teaching professor in the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs. 

“North Korea and Russia signed a joint military assistance agreement last June and they are pursuing cooperation...In terms of what North Korea might get in return, I think the big fear is that Russia would be sharing more advanced nuclear technology, perhaps submarine technology or other conventional weapons technology with North Korea,” says Brian Taylor, professor of political science.

“I don’t think we have the conditions for a cease-fire. The U.S. presence will likely need to remain what it is for the foreseeable future,” says Vice Adm. Robert Murrett (Ret.), professor of practice of public administration and international affairs. “Shuttle diplomacy can’t move people if they have an interest in keeping the hostilities going.”

Vice Adm. Robert Murrett (Ret.), professor of practice of public administration and international affairs, says President Zelenskyy is here to “garner additional support from the administration, the Congress, and address the United Nations in ways that will provide the military support and also looking forward to negotiations.”

Findings by Amy Lutz, associate professor of sociology, and Ph.D. student Iwona B. Franczak, suggest changes to family and school routines caused by the war hindered academic performance and social–emotional well-being of some Ukrainian school-age refugees regardless of mothers' advantageous socio-economic backgrounds. Published in Sociological Forum.

If Israel was indeed behind the attack, as U.S. officials have said, then it comes as no surprise from a country that has already proven its technical prowess, says Sean McFate, adjunct professor in Maxwell's Washington programs. “Israel is a very tech-savvy state with its own ‘Wadi Valley,’ as they put it,” McFate says.

“To my eye, the mural intentionally attempts to implicate Jews writ large for the actions of the Israeli government, and it does so by taking a universal Jewish symbol, the star of David, and attempts to merge it with a swastika,” says Britt Tevis, assistant professor of history.

“The cost to the private sector is quite high,” says Kristen Patel, professor of practice of policy studies. “Former President Trump has not coherently explained how tariffs would benefit us, companies and consumers.” Daniel McDowell, professor of political science, says, “The idea of using tariffs to deter countries from invading other countries, it’s pretty out there.”

“The installation of [Nobel Laureate Muhammad] Yunus as interim head is what Bangladesh needs at this time. His first speech called to ensure the protection of all religious and ethnic minorities, prevent violence and strengthen  democratic processes to keep rebuilding Bangladesh,” writes Farhana Sultana, professor of geography and the environment.