Maxwell School News and Commentary

"The situation we're in at this particular moment—in the Supreme Court and the American political system more broadly—is a moment of extreme partisan polarization which has clearly infected our other political institutions and has made its way into the court," says Tom Keck, professor of political science and Sawyer Chair of Constitutional Law and Politics. 

Brian Taylor, expert on Russian politics, discusses the strengthening relationship between China and Russia,, who are both concerned about US domination of the international system. "The two countries have expanded their economic and political cooperation over the last decade," writes Taylor.

"The inference would be that he’s more worried about this one," says Professor of Political Science Grant Reeher, about the $16 million [Governor] Cuomo has spent, largely on TV ads championing the economy and his liberal achievements.

"The first few rounds of tariffs hit supply chains really hard," says Mary Lovely, professor of economics. Now, the Trump administration "has begun to hit things clearly not processed in the U.S.—consumer goods—and this is going to get people’s attention."

"Trade policy has very little direct impact on the overall trade deficit in the longer run," said Mary Lovely, professor of economics.

Gary Engelhardt, professor of economics, and his co-authors found that early Social Security claiming leads to a significant increase in the number of retirees living in poverty.

Mehrzad Boroujerdi, professor of political science, argues that extensive family ties of political leaders, given Iran’s lack of effective political parties, influence decision-making. 

"The unemployment rate has been low for some months now (relative to the recent past), but there has not been noticeable pressure on wages," says Alfonso Flores-Lagunes, professor of economics.