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Political Science

The legacy of Shinzo Abe
People queue to offer flowers and prayers for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at Zojoji temple prior to his funeral on July 12, 2022, in Tokyo.

People queue to offer flowers and prayers for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at Zojoji temple prior to his funeral on July 12, 2022, in Tokyo. Abe was assassinated on July 8 while campaigning in Nara, western Japan. (Image: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

The legacy of Shinzo Abe

Frederick R. Dickinson, ​​professor of Japanese history and director of the Center for East Asian Studies, offers his take on Abe’s impact on Japan, foreign policy, and lessons we can draw from his killing.

Kristen de Groot

Boris Johnson’s downfall, explained
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads toward the front doors of 10 Downing Street in London

Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks back inside after reading a statement outside 10 Downing Street, formally resigning as Conservative Party leader, in London, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Johnson said Thursday he will remain as British prime minister while a leadership contest is held to choose his successor. (Image: AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Boris Johnson’s downfall, explained

Political scientist Brendan O’Leary, an expert on U.K. politics in the School of Arts & Sciences, offers his insight on what led to this moment, what might be next, and what it all means for the future of the U.K.

Kristen de Groot

Hong Kong handover, 25 years later
Hong Kong and Chinese flags fly in advance of the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from Britain

Chinese and Hong Kong flags are hanged to celebrate the upcoming 25th anniversary of Hong Kong handover to China, in Hong Kong, Friday, June 17, 2022. Hong Kong marks the anniversary on July 1, 2022. (Image: AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Hong Kong handover, 25 years later

Hong Kong marks 25 years under Chinese control on July 1. Jacques deLisle, director of the Center for the Study of Contemporary China, discusses where Hong Kong stands now and what the future might hold.

Kristen de Groot

What the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade means
Administrator working in a reproductive health clinic with a sign on their desk that reads BANS OFF OUR BODIES.

Image: AP Photo/Martha Irvine

What the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade means

Marci Hamilton, a Penn Professor of Practice and founder and CEO of the nonprofit think tank CHILD USA, offers thoughts as this news unfolds.

Michele W. Berger

Putin, personalism, and the war in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen at the end of a long table

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the government via teleconference in Moscow, March 10, 2022. (Image: Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin, personalism, and the war in Ukraine

Christopher Carothers of the Center for the Study of Contemporary China discusses how Putin managed to personalize power for himself and what that means for Russia’s neighbors and the world.

Kristen de Groot