In the News
News media from around the world rely on the expertise of Watson Institute faculty and researchers to help make sense of current world affairs and public policy issues. On this page, you will find articles that cite research done at Watson, opinion pieces by our faculty, interviews, podcasts and more.
In the News
News media from around the world rely on the expertise of Watson Institute faculty and researchers to help make sense of current world affairs and public policy issues. On this page, you will find articles that cite research done at Watson, opinion pieces by our faculty, interviews, podcasts and more.
In an interview on NPR's Detroit Today, Wendy Schiller discusses how both Biden and Trump attempted to win the favor of UAW workers in Michigan this week.
Landmines in Ukraine: Lessons for China and Taiwan (co-authored by Lyle Goldstein)
Lyle Goldstein co-authored an analysis for The Diplomat about China’s assessments of the war in Ukraine to probe for lessons to understand the shape of modern warfare.
Why The War in Ukraine Did Not Break Europe's Fossil Fuel Addiction (interview with Jeff Colgan)
In a Global Dispatches podcast interview, Jeff Colgan discusses the war in Ukraine and its relationship to fossil fuel consumption.
JPMorgan's Malek Says We Can Survive Even $120 Oil
In an interview on Bloomberg Surveillance, Wendy Schiller offered commentary on the looming risk of a government shutdown.
A Lively Experiment 9/22/2023 (interview with Wendy Schiller)
On an episode of Rhode Island PBS's A Lively Experiment, Wendy Schiller discusses a federal judge's decision to dismiss the shoreline access lawsuit, the pros and cons of special elections, and a new report that shows chronic absenteeism in Providence schools.
Is Modi's India Heading in the Right Direction? (interview with Prerna Singh)
In an interview on Open to Debate podcast, Prerna Singh argues that Modi’s India is not heading in the right direction.
A dangerous moment for minorities (written by Ashutosh Varshney)
Ashutosh Varshney writes for The Straits Times, "The question of what role minorities have in a democratic polity has been around for a very long time, and does have its ups and down."
The clash of Bidenomics and MAGAnomics (interview with Mark Blyth)
In an interview on Marketplace, Mark Blyth explains what Bidenomics actually means and why it’s not the easiest message to sell to voters.
Even the Senate is loosening its dress code in the return-to-office era (comments by Wendy Schiller)
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Wendy Schiller offered commentary on Congressional dress codes.
In China, the challenge of democracy without elections (written by Ashutosh Varshney)
Ashutosh Varshney writes for The Indian Express, "The Communist Party does not accept any challenges to its monopoly over power. A way out is to intellectually formulate a non-electoral conception of democracy and propagate it to the world. But that comes with its own challenges."
‘Military harassment’: China sends record number of aircraft near Taiwan (comments by Lyle Goldstein)
Lyle Goldstein comments for Stars and Stripes, “This could be part of China’s strategy to stretch and intimidate Taiwan’s forces.”
Americans Can Barely Afford Homes — and That’s a Problem for Biden (comments by Wendy Schiller)
Wendy Schiller comments for BNN Bloomberg, “It contributes to a general sense that the American dream is out of reach, and that if the Democratic Party promises a middle-class American dream and it’s failing, then I think those voters are more likely to listen to the Republican Party.”
Letter showing Pope Pius XII had detailed information from German Jesuit about Nazi crimes revealed (comments by David Kertzer)
In a recent Associated Press article, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Italian Studies David Kertzer, who uncovered evidence in the Vatican archives of the Catholic church's history of involvement in the persecution of Jews, offers commentary.
Exhibit ‘Endangered Animals and Their Ghosts: The Wish to Move Backward’ opens at the Watson Institute
A recent Brown Daily Herald article features the new Art at Watson exhibit ‘Endangered Animals and Their Ghosts: The Wish to Move Backward’ by Jess Regelson.
Should we be worried about older politicians? (comments by Rose McDermott)
Rose McDermott comments for BBC News, "You have these kind of established schemas and ways of thinking about things. And you're able to integrate new information into existing structures much more readily and in many cases creatively than you can when you're younger because you don't sit on the same degree of knowledge base."
50 years later, Chile’s coup has a disturbing number of supporters (written by Stephen Kinzer)
Stephen Kinzer writes for The Boston Globe "The 1973 overthrow of a democratically elected government led to disappearances, repression, and dictatorship. Today, many Chileans see it as a moment of liberation."
Twenty-two years later, what is the enduring significance of 9/11? Rhode Islanders reflect. (comments by Michael Kennedy)
In a piece for Ocean State Stories, Michael Kennedy shares his reflections on the anniversary of 9/11.
Chinese Military Strategists Study the Pacific War to Enhance Amphibious Warfare Capabilities (written by Lyle Goldstein)
Visiting Professor Lyle Goldstein shares an analysis of the Chinese military strategy for Norwich University News.
Pentagon Misled Congress About U.S. Bases in Africa (comments by Stephanie Savell)
Stephanie Savell comments for The Intercept “This is a case of the U.S. military showing a marked lack of transparency by using technicalities to avoid conveying an accurate understanding of the extent of U.S. bases in Africa."
In an interview with CNA's Asia First, Prerna Singh discusses the India G20 invite controversy.
'Welcome to the USA! Now get to work.' (interview with Blair Sackett)
In an interview on NPR's The Indicator from Planet Money, Blair Sackett explains how current policy essentially resettles refugees into poverty.
Researchers Identify Jews Aided by Catholics in Nazi Era as Pope Was Silent (comments by David Kertzer)
David Kertzer, who uncovered evidence in the Vatican archives of the Catholic church's history of involvement in the persecution of Jews, offered commentary in this New York Times story.
How the Navy spent billions on the ‘Little Crappy Ship’ (comments by Lyle Goldstein)
Lyle Goldstein comments for ProPublica, “There is a lot of money flowing through this vast ecosystem, and somehow the only thing all these people can agree on is more, more, more."
Five takeaways from Gabe Amo’s Democratic primary victory (comments by Wendy Schiller)
Wendy Schiller comments for Rhode Island Current “He ended up breaking through at the right time to a bunch of voters who were not overly excited or committed to any of the front-running candidates and gave him a second look."
Democrat Gabe Amo one win away from being 1st person of color to represent Rhode Island in Congress (comments by Wendy Schiller)
In an article for Associated Press, Wendy Schiller comments on Gabe Amo's Democratic primary win for Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District special election.
In Chaotic Rhode Island Primary, 11 Democrats Vie for a House Seat (comments by Wendy Schiller)
Wendy Schiller comments for the New York Times, “There are a lot of groups that have been excluded from power that are now vying for power successfully, and you wonder how it can all be harnessed."
AlphaSimplex’s Katy Kaminski Digs In With Her Bet Against Bonds (comments by Wendy Schiller)
In a recent Bloomberg article, Wendy Schiller mapped out how the general election math of 2024 favors President Joe Biden over Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.
What to Know in Washington: Democrats Run Tests in Rhode Island (comments by Wendy Schiller)
Wendy Schiller comments for Bloomberg Government “This race can give us hints about the persistent battle in the Democratic Party between White very liberal progressives and candidates of color.”
Carlson exit from CD1 race reignites debate over R.I. early voting provisions (comments by Wendy Schiller)
Wendy Schiller comments for Rhode Island Current, “In voting early, you take a risk. But typically, the voters that are going to take the time to vote and vote early are doing so because they have such a strong preference.”
We Thought It Would Be Heaven by Blair Sackett and Anette Lareau
In an interview with Leonard Lopate at Large on WBAI Radio, Watson postdoc Blair Sackett discusses her new book and the stories of resettled refugees in America.
Should we abolish school boards? (written by Jonathan Collins)
Jonathan Collins writes for Kappan, "Abolishing school boards may get rid of an antiquated institution, but at what cost?"
China Ponders Russia’s Logistical Challenges in the Ukraine War (co-authored by Lyle Goldstein)
Lyle Goldstein co-authored a recent article for The Diplomat that states "China is paying close attention to how Russia’s logistical failures hampered its invasion of Ukraine."
Dany Bahar's latest report on immigration reform was cited in a recent CNBC article.
GOP Debate, Nvidia, Russia, and Subway (interview with Wendy Schiller)
In an interview with The Tape podcast, Wendy Schiller discusses the GOP debate.
Brown University Sociologist Michael D. Kennedy Talks CD1 Race (interview with Michael Kennedy)
In an interview on The Bartholomewtown Podcast, Michael Kennedy offers his analysis on the Democratic primary.
Patrick Heller comments for Vox, “There is still a really strong sort of anti-colonial reflex in all these countries, that Europe and the US have dominated everything for as long as anyone can remember.”
In an essay written for Steve Ahlquist, Michael Kennedy discusses how "the Democratic Party Primary to run for Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1 seat seems to revolve around endorsements and money..."
On the warpath: AI's role in the defense industry (comments by Rose McDermott)
Rose McDermott comments for BBC News, "In my view the algorithms should have brakes built in that force human oversight and evaluation - which is not to say that humans don't make mistakes. They absolutely do. But they make different kinds of mistakes than machines do."
The Missed Opportunity of Europe’s Energy Crisis (co-authored by Jeff Colgan)
Jeff Colgan co-authored an article for Foreign Affairs on the dangers of fossil fuel dependence, especially during world conflicts or disasters.
The political earthquake in Guatemala (written by Stephen Kinzer)
Stephen Kinzer writes for The Boston Globe "Voters have elevated an anti-corruption reformer to the presidency of a country teetering on the edge of becoming a failed state."
Q&A: Dr. Jeff Colgan on the Energy Security Impacts of Russia’s War in Ukraine
Jeff Colgan discusses the findings of his new white paper, “Letting Europe’s Energy Crisis Go to Waste: The Ukraine War’s Massive Fossil Fuel Costs Fail to Accelerate Renewables,” co-authored by Alexander S. Gard-Murray and Miriam Hinthorn.
Evercore’s Emanuel Sees AI Driving US Exceptionalism (interview with Wendy Schiller)
In an interview with Bloomberg Surveillance, Wendy Schiller provided commentary on the state of Trump and his supporters leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
Ashutosh Varshney comments for The Print “The problem isn’t whether Congress or other governments have abused their power before. It is the degree of abuse — the degree to which restrictions are made, minorities are attacked, and freedom of expression is curtailed right now.”
What will happen to US troops stationed in Niger if the region explodes? (comments by Stephanie Savell)
Stephanie Savell comments for Responsible Statecraft "What this moment really calls us to do, in the United States, is to see this as a wake up call that a dramatically different kind of an approach is needed."
Your Marriage Needs a CFO and a COO (comments by Emily Oster)
In an article for the Wall Street Journal, Emily Oster provided commentary on domestic labor division and how specialization is the key to getting things done efficiently in any setting - including a marriage.
In Israel and the U.S., 'apartheid' is the elephant in the room (comments by Omer Bartov)
Omer Bartov comments for The Washington Post "There's a connection between the occupation and everything it has done over the decades and this attempt by the government to change the nature of the regime of itself."
Liberal Jewish scholars, leaders urge increased focus on Palestinians in judicial reform protests (comments by Omer Bartov)
In an article for The Jerusalem Post, Omer Bartov offered commentary on protests against Israel's judicial overhaul.
At Least Five Members of Niger Junta Were Trained by U.S. (comments by Stephanie Savell)
Stephanie Savell comments for The Intercept "When you look at the big picture, from Afghanistan to Somalia to Burkina Faso, the U.S. government's funding and training of other nations' military and police forces in counterterrorism has largely been ineffective and counterproductive in regards to the pursuit of meaningful safety, for either Americans or anyone else around the world."
Ivy degrees, legacies, and wealth. Where colleges should go from here (interview with John Friedman)
In an interview with MarketWatch, Professor of Economics John Friedman discusses a study he co-authored on the extent to which being very rich is its own qualification in selective college admissions.
A recent YahooNews article cites new research from Deborah Gordon on the life cycle of coal and gas.
In Piedras Negras, a nun prays for migrants as smugglers benefit from Texas' border buoys (comments by Ieva Jusionyte)
Ieva Jusionyte comments for The Dallas Morning News "Like the steel wall, the buoys in the river endanger the lives of people who are attempting to cross."
Lyle Goldstein comments for USA Today "A more charitable interpretation of all these events is that the Chinese Communist Party, which is obsessed with corruption, is really concerned about protecting its reputation."
US adds 187,000 Jobs (interview with Wendy Schiller)
In an episode of Bloomberg's Surveillance podcast, Wendy Schiller discusses indictments against former President Donald Trump.
In an article for Reason, Visiting Professor Lyle Goldstein offered commentary on Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian military forces.
Why the U.S. Hasn't Declared a Coup in Niger (comments by Stephanie Savell)
In an article for Reason, Costs of War Co-Director Stephanie Savell offered commentary on the relationship between the U.S. and Niger.
Yes, colleges favor rich kids. How much should we care? (research by John Friedman cited)
A recent Boston Globe article cites a study co-authored by Professor of International and Public Affairs John Friedman that revealed college admissions preferences for wealthy students.
Niger was the 'model of stability' in Africa. So what happened? (written by Stephanie Savell)
"This military takeover in what was portrayed as a stable partner in the region should serve as a wakeup call," Stephanie Savell writes for Responsible Statecraft.
How much will R.I.'s congressional race hinge on race? (comments by Wendy Schiller)
Wendy Schiller comments for The Boston Globe "To have four white men representing Rhode Island in 2023 or 2024 seems disconnected to me, based on Rhode Island's diversity."
Trump Indicted a Third Time (interview with Wendy Schiller)
In an episode of Bloomberg's The Tape podcast, Wendy Schiller joined a panel of experts to discuss Donald Trump's most recent indictment.
DYSOM 8/4/23: Richard Arenberg (interview with Rich Arenberg)
In an interview on WPRI's Dan Yorke State of Mind, Rich Arenberg discusses Donald Trump's indictments, the 24-hour news cycle, political polarization and more.
A Political Battle Within Political Science: Which Side Is the APSA On? (comments by Margaret Weir)
Margaret Weir comments for The Nation "A lot of us understand how important unions are in addressing inequality. We don't want to undermine the efforts of unions."
U.S. seeks to balance security and human rights in turbulent West Africa (comments by Stephanie Savell)
Stephanie Savell comments for The Washington Post "Americans are failing to ask the big-picture questions about what has happened in the past and whether it is effective."
Succeeding Cicilline: Which Democrat does Rhode Island's First Congressional District want? (written by Michael Kennedy)
Michael Kennedy analyzes cultural politics around class, race, gender, & community in the Rhode Island primary election for Steve Ahlquist.
In an interview with Democracy Now, Costs of War Co-Director Stephanie Savell discussed the the recent coup in Niger.
Wall Street Dumps Confusing Data to Ride Momentum (comments by Wendy Schiller)
Wendy Schiller comments for Bloomberg "If you are the opposition, you have to go after Trump directly."