Maxwell School News and Commentary

“Having a nuclear weapon in space like that permanently would be a clear violation of international norms,” says Sean McFate, adjunct professor in Maxwell's Washington programs. “That can create a nuclear space race. I think that’s the bigger threat.” 

"We don’t know every detail about the circumstances of his death today, but it is 100 percent fair to say that Alexei Navalny was killed by Vladimir Putin and the Russian state," says Brian Taylor, professor of political science and director of the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs.

"It’s time to think beyond left, right and center," writes James-Christian Blockwood, adjunct professor in Maxwell's Washington programs. "Time to move beyond traditional political ideology that creates an identity trap dividing us instead of unifying us and encouraging compromise.

Vice Adm. Robert Murrett (Ret.), professor of practice of public administration and international affairs, says the war has entered a new phase and predicts an “operational tactical reset” but no major battlefield movements. “I don’t expect to see any dramatic shifts in the activity by the Ukrainian army,” he says, “but the leadership remains strong. I think we’ll see evidence of that very clearly in the months ahead.” 

“If I were a Democratic consultant or strategist, I would be taking a huge grain of salt before I base my playbook on this election,” says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

"He emphasizes, 'This is not your war. It is so far from you. You have other matters besides Ukraine,'" says Tetiana Hranchak, visiting assistant teaching professor. "Putin really wants to persuade the West to end the war sooner, which may indirectly indicate that his resources are running out."

"He [Putin] could get drunk on his success, conclude that the West is just a paper tiger and decide to push further to see what happens," says Brian Taylor, professor of political science and director of the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs.

"We need to be intentional in forging new pathways by which BIPOC students can find physical geography and achieve their desired level of education, because regardless of career end points, diversification depends on drawing in more students from marginalized groups," writes Professor Emeritus of Geography and the Environment Jacob Bendix and his co-authors.

“Good news. Good news. Good news,” says Scott Landes, associate professor of sociology and O'Hanley Faculty Scholar. “They got the message that we need to engage.”

"It's hurt the general population's views of him, but it's fueled and strengthened his base, and even driven some Republicans on the fence to 'stay loyal' to the cause," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science. "Trump has been trying to wear these legal troubles as a badge of honor for his victimization, and of his commitment to his supporters."