Department of Political Science Archives

nato foreign ministers sit in a conference room

In the new Europe ‘neutrality is no longer an option’

The war in Ukraine has crystallized a remarkable transformation of Europe that has been building since World War II, says Northeastern expert Mai’a Cross: Nations that historically had been in conflict are now realizing they need each other.

by Ian Thomsen May 18, 2022

Newspaper Front Pages After First Round Of French Presidential Elections

Could France elect a leader from the far right?

The final round of the French presidential election on April 24 features a rematch of the 2017 runoff between Emmanuel Macron, the current officeholder, and Marine Le Pen, the far-right challenger of the National Front. Colin Brown, a Northeastern assistant teaching professor of political science, weighs in.

by Ian Thomsen April 12, 2022

Faculty Expert

Julie Garey

Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science

president vladimir putin walking through a doorway

Putin raised Russia’s nuclear forces alert status. What does that mean?

Putin’s decision to activate Russia’s nuclear forces is “deeply concerning,” says Northeastern’s Julie Garey, assistant teaching professor of political science. “Even if it is a bluff, it is a credible one,” she adds.

by Peter Ramjug March 3, 2022

president joe biden speaking at a podium

Economic sanctions may hurt, but they rarely deter

Russia may suffer financially for invading Ukraine, but President Vladimir Putin seems prepared for it, say Northeastern experts. Sanctions, however, won’t do much to halt Russian aggression.

by Peter Ramjug February 24, 2022

The Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline (pictured) lies under the Baltic Sea to carry fuel from Russia to energy-hungry Germany. It has emerged as a key issue in the standoff between Russia and Ukraine. Photo by Peter Kovalev/Getty Images

Who wins and who loses the global energy war if Russia invades Ukraine?

Oil and gas prices are soaring around the world in anticipation of a Russian attack. Northeastern political and energy experts analyze who stands to gain if Moscow follows through on aggression toward Kyiv.

by Peter Ramjug February 17, 2022

A strong majority favor keeping indoor mask requirements even as several states are ending the requirement, according to a new survey by researchers from Northeastern and partner universities. The findings suggest many people will continue to wear masks in bars, restaurants, and other indoor venues. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Is indoor mask-wearing still popular?

Wearing masks indoors is strongly supported nationwide, including in several blue states that plan to ditch the requirement soon, according to a new U.S. survey by researchers at Northeastern and partner universities. See which parts of the country are in favor of and opposed to wearing masks inside.

by Peter Ramjug February 17, 2022

Breakthrough infections over the winter may have raised doubts about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, causing the childhood vaccination rate to stall, according to a newly released survey from Northeastern and partner universities. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Omicron wave didn’t spur parents to get their kids vaccinated

Children’s COVID-19 vaccination rates slowed during the winter wave of omicron infections. A new survey by researchers at Northeastern and partner universities explains why.

by Peter Ramjug February 8, 2022

A survey taken after the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attempted takeover of the U.S. Capitol finds that 23 percent of the U.S. believe that violent protest against the government is justifiable. The feeling was shared almost equally between liberals and conservatives. AP Photo/John Minchillo

Is political violence against the government ever justified?

Nearly a quarter of the United States believes violent protests against the government—such as the Capitol insurrection—are sometimes justifiable, according to a new survey. And they might not vote the way you think they do.

by Peter Ramjug January 31, 2022

Quick-result home COVID-19 tests are more popular with young people, the wealthy, and highly educated, according to a new survey by Northeastern and other partner universities. Photo illustration by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Should I report my at-home COVID-19 test results?

Millions of rapid COVID-19 tests are being mailed out to homes across the country. Who’s using them, who isn’t, and how reliable are they? A survey by researchers from Northeastern and partner universities answers those questions.

by Peter Ramjug January 25, 2022