UBC SPPGA

Congratulations to @drrashidsumaila.bsky.social, whose Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Oceans and Fisheries Economics was renewed by the Government of Canada this morning. @sppga.ubc.ca research.ubc.ca/news/october...

Professor Yifei Li is visiting UBC next week, Please join us! Tuesday Oct 27 11:00am Liu Institute for Global Issues Case Room sppga.ubc.ca/events/event... UBC Centre for Chinese Research is co-hosting him with the UBC Dept of Sociology's Environment and Community Cluster @sppga.ubc.ca

SPPGA is pleased to announce the launch of a new Taiwan Studies Program housed within IAR and supported in part by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs through TECO: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/new-ubc-taiwan-studies-program-launches/

What makes the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program unique? Alums Joel Sawyer and Xian Kostyrko share what drew them to the program. Applications are open until January 26, 2027.  Read their stories here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/mppga-program-policymaking-outside-of-the-classroom/

SPPGA Prof. @heiditworek.bsky.social co-edited a book titled 'Global Platform Governance,' a field-defining open access playbook which addresses the global regulatory challenges created by large digital platforms.  Read it here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/global-platform-governance-9781350580114/

In August 2026, a catastrophic ice-rock avalanche led to flash floods in Nepal and Tibet. Read our Q&A with Profs. @sshneiderman.bsky.social and Pasang Yangjee Sherpa about the impacts of the devastation: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/qa-with-sara-shneiderman-and-pasang-yangjee-sherpa/

Former leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, brings expertise from political leadership to roles of Adjunct Prof with SPPGA and Co-Director of IAR’s Centre for Southeast Asia Research. More: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/thai-political-leader-pita-limjaroenrat-joins-sppga-and-iar/

What sets the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs Program apart? MPPGA students talk about how they translate classroom knowledge to shaping global policies. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEoHlzrxFFw Applications for the Fall 2027 intake of the MPPGA Class of '28 are now open.

Explore how China’s carbon inclusion programs are reshaping climate participation with environmental social scientist Yifei Li on Oct. 27. RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/counting-stardust-carbon-citizens-climate-politics-china/

Former Canadian ambassador, @hughstephens.bsky.social with Professors @julietlu.bsky.social (SPPGA; Forestry) and @kaiostwald.bsky.social (SPPGA; Political Science) explore trade in the new global order. RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/the-great-rewiring-trade-power-and-the-new-global-order/

On Oct 30, CKR hosts Jonathan Cheng’s talk on his first book, Korean Messiah, which takes us deep inside Pyongyang, a city once so dominated by Christianity, it was known as the “Jerusalem of the East.” RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/korean-messiah-kim-il-sung-christian-roots-north-korea/

Applications for the Fall 2027 Intake of the MPPGA Class of 2028 are open! Prospective students, join us for a fantastic opportunity to explore the program and have all your questions answered. RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/master-of-public-policy-global-affairs-october-22-info-session/z

Join author Adam Y. Liu on Nov 16 for a talk on his book, Authoritarian Markets, exploring the politics behind China’s banking boom, economic growth, and emerging risks. RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/authoritarian-markets-politics-chinas-banking-explosion/

Join us for our upcoming CES/JMC workshop! East/West, North/South: Green Capitalism and Green Colonialism in the Race to Net Zero, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Aide Esu and a panel of UBC researchers. Date: Oct. 9, 2026 at 11 AM–3 PM Location: The Place of Many Trees RSVP via link in bio!

Wondering how to understand talk of Canada becoming an “associate member” of the EU? Listen to @heiditworek.bsky.social  on CBC’s BC Today to learn more: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-4-bc-today/clip/16238004-canadaeu-partnership.

From B.C. politics to how we understand shame, UBC Arts faculty members shared their insights with several media outlets this month. Check out the September 2026 roundup of Arts in the Media ⬇️ @asia.ubc.ca @ubcgeography.bsky.social @psych.ubc.ca @moaubc.bsky.social @sppga.ubc.ca @ubcvse.bsky.social

Who speaks for nature? Join us for a discussion on the evolving relationship between business, sustainability, and governance with CARE Fellow Marine de Bazelaire. Date: October 14 Time: 12:30-2 PM RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/who-speaks-for-nature-corporate-governance/

Join Prof. Max Cameron with Prof. Kathryn Gretsinger in discussing how society can rebuild civil discourse in the wake of increasing political polarization. RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/divided-we-fall-how-we-can-resist-polarizing-pressures-and-strengthen-our-identity-as-citizens/

I write with Amy Leigh Johnson in @ca.theconversation.com "Nepal can build back differently by ... prioritizing communities’ autonomy over their futures." Thanks to Usha Titikshu for the lead photo which shows us so much: Buddhist monks conducting death rituals in the Trishuli river valley

Applications are open for the Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship! One application will be sponsored by SPPGA to conduct research enhancing interdisciplinary collaborations. Deadline: October 7 Apply: https://sppga.ubc.ca/about/opportunities/killam-postdoctoral-research-fellowship-nomination/

The Simons Award in Nuclear Disarmament and Global Security is accepting applications!  Selections are made based on the potential of the project, the applicants research knowledgeability, and their record of achievements.  Learn more here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/about/opportunities/simons-award/

Congratulations Ananya Huria and Xian Kostyrko, winners of the inaugural Dr. Paul Evans Research Prize in Canada–Asia Relations Policy https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/announcing-recipients-dr-paul-evans-research-prize/

Are you interested in shaping global public policy? Do you want to tackle the worlds most pressing issues? Join us for an upcoming info session where you can learn more about the MPPGA Program. RSVP: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/master-of-public-policy-global-affairs-october-2-info-session/

Hear from T. M. Krishna on Sept 28 at 5:30 PM as he unpacks what India’s national symbols reveal about power and resistance.  RSVP here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/decoding-nations-symbols-politics-power-resistance/

This summer, SPPGA welcomed Master's students Thibaud Zrein and Carlo Feruglio, from Sciences Po and Sciences Po-Bocconi, as part of the CARE Internship Program.  Read more: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/bridging-borders-and-disciplines-sciences-po-interns-reflect-on-their-care-program-experience/

Join Dr. A. Kalaiyarasan, Assoc. Prof. of Development Studies, on Sept 21 at 5:30 PM as he explores India’s rapid expansion of schooling amid precarious employment and stagnant wages.  RSVP here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/rise-of-cockroaches-widening-gap-education-india-labour-market/

The Olav Slaymaker Scholarship in Environment is open for applications! Open to graduate student(s) studying topics related to environmental issues with a faculty member in the SPPGA.  Deadline: October 12 Apply: https://sppga.ubc.ca/about/opportunities/olav-slaymaker-scholarship-in-environment/

⚡️New Research Brief! After the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, a government program relocated “at risk” communities to safer, integrated settlements. This brief outlines how shortcomings in addressing economic and cultural values led to “circular resettlement.” Read the brief: tinyurl.com/3spfm8x6

Join CCR for a talk with Prof. Daniel A. Bell on Sept 14 at 5:30 PM (PT) as he explores how ancient Chinese perspectives can inform contemporary political and moral debates. RSVP here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/why-ancient-chinese-thought-matters-today/

Applications are open for the Jamaloddin Khanjani Family Scholarship at UBC! This is open to UBC MA/PhD students, with preference given to those in the MPPGA program. Deadline: October 12, 2026 Apply here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/about/opportunities/jamaloddin-khanjani-family-scholarship/

SPPGA is pleased to welcome three new practitioner fellows. Anita Pan, Omneya Ghamry & Joshua Cader bring expertise in areas spanning foreign policy, humanitarian advocacy and agriculture trade analysis: https://sppga.ubc.ca/research-impact/programs-initiatives/practitioner-fellowship-program/

The MPPGA Class of 2028 has arrived! This cohort has come to Vancouver from near and far, with our international students representing 19 different countries. A warm welcome to the newest members of our community 👋

The other threat to our sovereignty: www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...

SPPGA welcomes Associate Professor Qiang Fu to our core faculty, a scholar dedicated to advancing the understanding of China. Learn more about him and his research here: https://sppga.cms.arts.ubc.ca/?p=57604

In response to Trump’s threats, Prof. @maxcameron.bsky.social  (SPPGA/Political Science) speaks with CBC News on how Indigenous experiences can offer important lessons on resilience, self-determination and sovereignty. Watch here: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7323341

Are you curious about democracy, disruption, and the U.S. political order? Applications are open for the PPGA 591C Lind Initiative Seminar! Learn to examine the current political context, while facilitating discussions and engaging with various viewpoints. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edxq7mB

“In the face of division and the growing threat of authoritarianism, I want Canadians to reflect on how we can all become better citizens." Read the Q&A with @maxcameron.bsky.social on his new book 'Divided We Fall' out Sept 8 https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/divided-we-fall/

How are public health burdens connected to protest mobilization, and what role does access to healthcare play? SPPGA Prof. @veenasriram.bsky.social  examines this relationship in her recently co-authored article. Read more: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17441692.2026.2725379#abstract

UBC Arts faculty members shared expertise on many topics this month, from Canada-U.S. trade to the link between creativity and intoxication 🍷🧠 Check out the August 2026 roundup of Arts in the Media ⬇️ @asia.ubc.ca @ubcphilosophy.bsky.social @psych.ubc.ca @sppga.ubc.ca @ubcvse.bsky.social

Yves Tiberghien co-edits a new volume that brings together leading scholars and policy experts from across Asia and the Pacific to examine how the region is navigating an increasingly contested international economic environment. https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/series/paftad/at-the-brink

Despite challenges to finding new export markets, SPPGA Prof. @kristenhopewell.bsky.social points to a "huge demand from other countries for what Canada produces" in this recent article from The Washington Post:

Don't buy into the SMR hype. MPPGA student Molly Langabeer & SPPGA Prof. M. V. Ramana argue nuclear small modular reactors can't realistically meet data centers' fast-growing AI energy demand. https://thebulletin.org/2026/07/data-centers-powered-by-next-gen-nuclear-dont-fall-for-big-techs-pr-hype/

Applications are now open for the IAR Scholars Program! Engage with faculty and other scholars, and showcase your research on issues relevant to Asia and its diaspora. Apply by Sep 13: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/the-institute-of-asian-research-scholars-program-2026-27-call-for-applications/

Are you curious about democracy, disruption, and the U.S. political order? Applications are open for the PPGA 591C Lind Initiative Seminar! Learn to examine the current political context, while facilitating discussions and engaging with various viewpoints. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edxq7mB

How do governments best communicate complex climate policies? That question drove a recent research project by MPPGA student Leandro Salud and Practitioner Fellow Jen Walker. Read more: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/building-a-toolkit-to-communicate-industrial-climate-policy-in-british-columbia/

Come learn how the MPPGA program, and the unique opportunities it offers, can shape your global impact! The team behind the MPPGA program will be attending graduate school fairs across North America. Check the schedule here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/events/event/mppga-at-graduate-program-fairs-2026-27/

The UBC Himalaya Program will be hosting Oscar-nominated Bhutanese Director Pawo Choyning Dorji to discuss his directorial debut "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom" which discusses themes of belonging and education.  RSVP here: https://himalaya.arts.ubc.ca/events/event/lunana-a-yak-in-the-classroom/

What is power? Who gets to wield it? SPPGA Adjunct Professor Andrea Reimer uses her platform to breakdown the abstract and intimidating concept of power through her series: #PowerU. Read more here: https://sppga.ubc.ca/news/poweru-with-andrea-reimer-world-cup-edition/