Maxwell School News and Commentary

“At its best, this strike resets the international norm against use of chemical weapons which the Obama Administration let lapse, gives the beleaguered citizens of the Middle East hope that strong powers will not tolerate these outrageous human rights brutalities against poor civilians … at its worst, this strike could cause larger fights with Russia and Iran …,” says Corri Zoli.

Chris Faricy, associate professor of political science, finds in recent surveys that people significantly overestimate the amount of tax middle- and low-income households pay in federal taxes. 

Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, says that the ordering and execution of military action in Syria could make President Trump look more conventional, even if the polls look distinctly tepid for him now.

"What is just as important as any specific measure is the overarching recognition that an ongoing process of signaling resolve while also offering reassurance is the only viable way forward in U.S.-China relations," writes University Professor James Steinberg and his co-author on the Trump administrations opportunity to establish stability among the U.S. and China.

William Smullen, director of National Security Studies, says the best option is for the international community, specifically the U.N. Security Council, to take very strong action against Syria.

"The solution to our jobs problem is not trade protection but social protection and subsidised higher education," writes Devashish Mitra, professor of economics.

Tom Keck looks at the possibility and the effects of the Senate's 'Nuclear option', which would change the rules for Supreme Court nominees, while triggering heavy partisan fallout.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science, describes Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch's confirmation as “a normal accomplishment; and I think he [President Trump] needs a couple of those at this point, given everything else.”