In an op-ed, Prof. Mark Juergensmeyer explores the question of why Hamas persists in its quest to attack Israel. The op-ed highlights the tragic consequences of this ongoing conflict and the need for a lasting peace resolution.

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in an article about the internal conflicts of the modern GOP. He explained, “…you have a party consisting of constituencies that see themselves as under siege—white Christians who see a country that is less white Christian, working-class people who see a country where all advantages go to the college-educated. It’s the coalition of the ascendant versus the coalition of the resentful.”

In a co-written op-ed, Prof. Manfred Keil highlights the current state of the logistics industry, stating that although the region has seen growth in a number of sectors, the industry has recently experienced employment losses of over 20,000 jobs (7.1%) since December 2021.

Prof. Pitney was quoted in an Associated Press piece on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s temporary appointment of Laphonza Butler, a former union leader and Democratic insider for Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s vacant seat. He shared, in reference to the Governor’s choice, “…a comfort level is important. Any governor might be a little hesitant about somebody with too many degrees of separation.”

Prof. Minxin Pei was quoted in an article on China’s president, Xi Jinping and the question of whether or not he is currently weak or powerful. Prof. Pei shared, “…objectively speaking, Xi is not doing well. But in terms of his control of the levers of power, he remains unassailable. He is not acting out of strength, but out of insecurity. You can have a leader who faces no real threat but nevertheless behaves as if he is in danger.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was mentioned in a piece by The Fresno Bee Editorial Board regarding the California Republican party’s support of former President Donald Trump. He noted that the Republican party that used to win statewide contests in California is long gone.

Prof. Andrew Busch was quoted in a piece on the topic of consequential deaths in Congress in light of Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death. He shared insight on the 1930 midterm elections, in which Republicans narrowly won. However, with the deaths of 14 representatives-elect, the Democrats were able to flip the House, which, according to Prof. Busch, “…established the groundwork for the New Deal.”