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Spring edition of the Ford School's magazine, State & Hill, explores American electoral politics, tsunami recovery in Japan, Marina Whitman's forthcoming memoir, and more

April 26, 2012

In this issue of the Ford School's magazine, State & Hill, readers will learn about American electoral politics through the eyes of the Ford School: faculty studying campaign financing and gerrymandering, students interning in Washington, DC, and alums running for office or working on campaigns. Click through the magazine below to read an interview with Marina Whitman about her forthcoming memoir (with a passage from her book), a story about an MPP's work with the tsunami recovery effort in Japan, an examination of the impact of divorce on health insurance for women, and Barry Rabe's reflection on Gerald Ford as "The Global President."

Allan C. Stam to join Ford School faculty, direct International Policy Center

April 10, 2012

The Ford School is pleased to announce that the very distinguished Allan C. Stam has accepted its offer to join the faculty. Al is a professor of political science here at the U-M, and will move 50% of his appointment to the Ford School starting in fall 2012.

Susan Waltz and Carrie Walling have co-edited and published "Human Rights: From Practice to Policy," a research volume

March 26, 2012

The proceedings of a research workshop on human rights hosted by the Ford School has now become a published volume. The volume, "Human Rights: From Practice to Policy," was edited by Susan Waltz, a professor of public policy who written extensively on human rights issues. Carrie Booth Walling was the volume's other editor.

Voice of America quotes John Ciorciari about funding for the Khmer Rouge Tribunal

February 21, 2012

The Voice of America reports that the Khmer Rouge Tribunal has requested $92 million from a group of 15 donor countries to cover operational costs the next two years.

Shobita Parthasarathy's book, Building Genetic Medicine, which informs the debate over gene patents, re-released in paperback

February 13, 2012

Shobita Parthasarathy's book on the development and implications of gene testing and patenting has been re-released in paperback by The MIT Press.

John Ciorciari quoted in AFP News article, "Taiwan-China ties could falter after poll: experts"

January 10, 2012

Assistant Professor of Public Policy John Ciorciari was quoted Wednesday by AFP News on the potential impact of Saturday's Taiwanese presidential elections on relations between Taiwan and China.

Associate Dean Alan Deardorff to lead International Policy Center on interim basis

January 4, 2012

The Ford School's International Policy Center has a new interim leader, as Associate Dean Alan Deardorff has agreed to serve as Interim Director.

Founding IPC director Jan Svejnar will leave the University of Michigan to join the faculty of Columbia University as director of the newly-established Center for Global Economic Governance. Jan founded the International Policy Center here at the Ford School in 2005, with input and support provided along the way by a number of University of Michigan faculty. The Ford School is grateful to Jan for his hard work, vision, and leadership.

Alan Deardorff speaks with National Public Radio about China's increased tariffs on U.S. vehicles

December 16, 2011

Reacting to China's announcement that it will increase tariffs on large American-made cars and SUVs, Alan Deardorff told Michigan Radio that the World Trade Organization could make such disputes less frequent in the future.

"These things working their way through the system I think is much better than working outside the system, which is what used to happen before we had the WTO," Deardoff said.

Melvyn Levitsky appears in Inter-American Dialogue's Latin American Advisor, answering the question: Is Brazil the New Dominant Power in South America?

December 13, 2011

Is Brazil the New Dominant Power in South America?

Question from "Latin American Advisor"

With a booming economy and financing from its giant state development bank, Brazil has been implementing infrastructure and other projects across South America. However, the country is also beginning to face pushbacks from its neighbors, which worry that Brazil's interests may come at a high domestic cost. Bolivian President Evo Morales recently canceled a high-profile road that was financed by Brazil after major protests. Other projects in Guyana, Ecuador, Peru and elsewhere have also stalled, The New York Times reported. How do you see Brazil's influence in South America? Is it slowly replacing the United States as the new dominant power in the region, as some have suggested? Is Brazil promoting its own economic development at the expense of its neighbors?

Christian Science Monitor interviews John D. Ciorciari in article, "Historic Burma trip for Hillary Clinton: Enough focus on human rights?"

November 30, 2011

John D. Ciorciari was quoted in a Christian Science Monitor article about how and why U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will address political, economic, and human rights issues during her 3-day visit to Burma (Myanmar).

"Secretary Clinton's visit can help improve human rights in Burma if U.S. engagement is carefully and deliberately linked to policy reforms," Ciorciari told the Christian Science Monitor. "It's possible, but it's not automatic."

Agence France-Press (AFP) interviewed John Ciorciari in article, "In Myanmar trip, U.S. seeks clout on China doorstep"

November 27, 2011

John Ciorciari was interviewed for an Agence France-Press (AFP) article, published by Yahoo! News, about U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's upcoming visit to Burma, the first of a senior U.S. official since 1955.

According to the article's author, the prospect of a relationship between the U.S. and Burma, a close neighbor to China, is a key factor for Clinton's visit. As Ciorciari explained, Burma's "strategic importance to the United States is closely connected to concerns about rising Chinese influence."

Ford School lecture by Robert B. Zoellick, World Bank president, draws national news coverage.

October 25, 2011

Last Wednesday, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy hosted World Bank President and CEO Robert B. Zoellick as part of its Citigroup Foundation Lecture series.

John Ciorciari quoted in Voice of America article about credibility of Khmer Rouge tribunal

October 23, 2011

John Ciorciari was quoted in a Voice of America (VOA) article, "Concern Mounts Over Credibility of the Court," about the UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal.

Susan E. Waltz monitored Tunisian vote

October 24, 2011

Susan E. Waltz, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, served as an observer in Sunday's historic elections in Tunisia—the nation that sparked the Arab Spring uprising with a surprise wave of street protests.

Ford School faculty earn top University of Michigan awards

October 19, 2011

In August 2011, Bob Axelrod was recognized with one of the University of Michigan's most prestigious honors, the Regents' Award for Distinguished Public Service. The award honors "extraordinary distinction in public service by members of the University faculty." It is designed to recognize public service activities that relate closely to teaching and research and reflect professional and academic expertise.

Alan V. Deardorff quoted in Fortune about Greece, Europe debt crisis

September 28, 2011

Alan V. Deardorff was quoted in a Fortune article titled, "Wanted: A radical idea to fix the Eurozone." The article discusses a bold solution proposed by Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff that would provide aid to Greece and other struggling EU countries in exchange for bigger loan repayments to lenders in the long-term.

Ann Lin comments on post-9/11 immigration reform prospects in Detroit News article

September 9, 2011

Ann Chih Lin was quoted in a Detroit News article on the progress and setbacks immigration reform has experienced since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The articled detailed how immigration advocates believed reform was beginning to move forward before the terrorist attacks and recent economic recession dramatically altered how Americans view immigrants. The federal government has failed to approve several attempts at immigration reform in the past ten years, and has instead directed efforts towards border security and deportations.

Susan M. Collins interviewed on NPR about nominee for new chair of White House Council of Economic Advisers

August 30, 2011

Susan M. Collins was interviewed on NPR's Tell Me More about President Obama's choice of labor economist Alan Krueger to chair the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Collins considers Krueger "an excellent choice" and described him as a highly respected labor market expert and a strong communicator.

Bob Axelrod honored with Regents' Award for Distinguished Public Service

August 10, 2011

Bob Axelrod has been recognized with one of the University of Michigan's most prestigious honors, the Regents' Award for Distinguished Public Service.

The award honors "extraordinary distinction in public service by members of the University faculty." It is designed to recognize public service activities that relate closely to teaching and research and reflect professional and academic expertise.

Alan V. Deardorff festschrift compilation published

August 10, 2011

World Scientific Books published a compilation of materials from Alan V. Deardorff's festschrift as part of its Studies in International Economics series. The book, titled "Comparative Advantage, Growth, and the Gains from Trade and Globalization: a Festschrift in Honor of Alan V. Deardorff," is grounded in Deardorff's work in international trade economics, and includes papers by festschrift panelists to provide further perspective. Professor emeritus of public policy, Robert M. Stern, edited the book.

Alan Deardorff quoted in Huffington Post article, "Major American Brands Silent on Alleged Rights Abuses at Overseas Factories"

July 20, 2011

Alan Deardorff was quoted in a Huffington Post article on issues surrounding the response of American corporations to alleged human rights abuses that were reported in a factory in Jordan a month ago.

Jan Svejnar elected to International Economic Association's Executive Committee

July 19, 2011

Jan Svejnar was elected to a three-year term on the Executive Committee of the International Economic Association (IEA). Elections for this 15-member committee were held at the IEA's 16th Congress held in Beijing, China.

Robert Axelrod receives 2011 Charles E. Merriam Award

July 6, 2011

Robert Axelrod has received the 2011 Charles E. Merriam Award from the American Political Science Association.

Axelrod is the Walgreen Professor for the Study of Human Understanding, a professor of of public policy at the Ford School, and a professor of political science at the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He is the author of "The Evolution of Cooperation," which has been translated into eleven languages, as well as several other books, including "The Complexity of Cooperation," and "Harnessing Complexity," co-authored with Michael D. Cohen. He was a MacArthur Prize fellow from 1987 to 1992 and was the president of the American Political Science Association from 2006 to 2007. His research on cooperation has been cited in over four thousand articles and five hundred books.

Marina Whitman quoted in Xinhua News article, "First female IMF chief receives praise from former hometown of Chicago"

June 29, 2011

Marina Whitman was quoted in a Xinhua English article on the reaction to the appointment of Christine Lagarde to the position of managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Lagarde is the first woman ever to hold that position, and is currently serving as the French Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry.

Ford School hosts fourth annual political networks conference

June 28, 2011

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy hosted the fourth annual International Political Networks Conference and Workshops from June 14 to 18. The conference dealt with the study of political and social networks -- a field that has seen significant growth in the last twelve years -- and the impact of that study on political science as a whole.

Article by John D. Ciorciari on South China Sea disputes appears on CNN

June 26, 2011

An article by John D. Ciorciari, "Chinese Dilemmas in the South China Sea," appeared on CNN's website on June 23rd. The article focused on China's disputes with countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines over the Spratly Islands in the South China sea.

John D. Ciorciari quoted in Voice of America article, "Amnesty, Double Jeopardy on Agenda for Tribunal Hearing"

June 25, 2011

John D. Ciorciari was quoted in a Voice of America article on the issue of double jeopardy in Case 002, the upcoming trial of several ex-Khmer Rouge leaders.

John D. Ciorciari quoted in International Business Times article, "Prominent Indonesian Migrant fears Jakarta's inaction on Saudi beheading"

June 23, 2011

John D. Ciorciari was quoted in an International Business Times article on the situation surrounding the beheading of an Indonesian migrant worker in Saudi Arabia.

John D. Ciorciari quoted in Phnom Penh Post article, "Jurisdiction key in 003 fight"

June 22, 2011

John D. Ciorciari was quoted in a Phnom Penh Post article on the conflict over the limits of jurisdiction in the upcoming trial of two major Khmer Rouge leaders by the Extraordinary Chamber of the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

John Ciorciari quoted in Phnom Penh Post about Khmer Rouge tribunal jurisdictional debate

May 12, 2011

John Ciorciari was quoted in a Phnom Penh Post article about the jurisdictional debate between the co-prosecutors of the Khmer Rouges trials. The debate centers on the UN-backed tribunal's authority to proceed with its third case (Case 003).

Research by Robert Axelrod highlighted in Defense Systems article about network security's weak links

May 1, 2011

Research by Robert Axelrod was highlighted in a Defense Systems article called, "The wetware problem: Humans still the weakest link in network security."

Kathryn M. Dominguez quoted in Sunday Business Post Online article, "Dollar only heading one way: down"

April 30, 2011

Kathryn M. Dominguez was quoted in the Sunday Business Post Online in an article about the decreasing value of the U.S. dollar.

Dean Yang receives grant to study subsidies, savings programs in Mozambique

April 29, 2011

Dean Yang received a grant from the University of Wisconsin and USAID to conduct field experiments in Mozambique.

His project, titled "Savings, Subsidies, and Sustainable Food Security in Mozambique: 2011 Post-Harvest Survey Supplement," will assess the impact of fertilizer subsidies and a matched savings program that may improve the longer-term impact of such subsidies.

State & Hill's Spring 2011 issue explores international economics, development, and growth

April 26, 2011

This issue of the Ford School's State & Hill presents a suite of articles on international economics, development, and growth. Faculty and alumni perspectives are explored in articles ranging from the use of remittances as a tool for combating poverty to development economics in post-Soviet bloc countries. Other articles include a feature on David Thacher's work on public safety disparities, a student's experiences in the aftermath of Cairo's "youth revolution," and a Q&A with an undergrad who did double duty as a sports writer.

Economist Jan Svejnar advises post-Soviet Bloc countries

April 26, 2011

Professor Jan Svejnar, the son of a prominent development economist, was forced to fee his home when the Soviets invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968. Svejnar, who lived through the rise of the Berlin Wall, and its undoing, is now an internationally recognized expert in transition economies, which he believes are a wonderful laboratory for anyone who wants to understand economic development.

Sharpening a powerful anti-poverty tool

April 26, 2011

Official development assistance, the amount contributed worldwide to promote the welfare and development of emerging economies, fell to $120 billion in 2009—down from $128 billion before the economic recession began. In the same year, remittances—gifts working migrants sent home to their loved ones—amounted to nearly three times that amount: $307 billion. Clearly, remittances are a powerful tool for combating extreme global poverty.

Nature.com posts Parthasarathy op-ed, "Gene Patents and Democracy"

April 1, 2011

Shobita Parthasarathy's opinion piece, "Gene Patents and Democracy," was posted to Nature.com's online community for breaking news on science research and policy, "The Great Beyond".

Ford School International Economic Development Program studies, visits Grenada

March 23, 2011

In February, twenty-three graduate students from across the University of Michigan spent a week in Grenada as part of the Ford School's International Economic Development Program (IEDP). This annual program began in 1999 through the unique, collaborative efforts of the International Policy Students Association (IPSA) and Ford School faculty.

John Ciorciari interviewed on CTN about Thailand, Cambodia border dispute

March 16, 2011

The Cambodian Television Network (CTN) interviewed John Ciorciari about the current border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. The dispute centers on the Preah Vihear Hindu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the surrounding land. The temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thai nationalists claim ownership of the land surrounding the temple.

Ambassador Melvyn Levitsky presents INCB report at UN press conference

March 3, 2011

At a United Nations press conference yesterday, Ambassador Melvyn Levitsky presented the International Narcotics Control Board's 2010 annual report. The International Narcotics Control Board, of which Levitsky is an elected member, is the independent and quasi-judicial control organization monitoring the implementation of the United Nations drug control conventions.

A central theme of this year's report was the role of corruption in drug trafficking and what governments can do to combat the corruption. "By employing corruption and violence [drug traffickers] are able to avoid law enforcement, interdiction, eradication of drug crop and such things as extradition to jurisdictions that want to prosecute them," Levitsky reported. "Corruption plagues not only our area of drug control, it also weakens governments and institutions."

Philip B. K. Potter interviewed on WEMU's "The Lynn Rivers Show"

February 8, 2011

Philip B. K. Potter was interviewed about popular uprisings in the Middle East on the Feb. 7 edition of "The Lynn Rivers Show," an hour-long weekly news program hosted by former U.S. Rep Lynn Rivers airing on local NPR station, WEMU.

Shobita Parthasarathy pens Risk Science Blog op-ed on nanotechnology governance

February 2, 2011

In advance of her "Nanotechnology Unplugged" panel discussion on February 8, Shobita Parthasarathy penned an op-ed for the University of Michigan Risk Science Blog on nanotechnology governance.

John Ciorciari articles appears in Fletcher Forum of World Affairs

January 20, 2011

An article by John Ciorciari was published in the Fletcher Forum of World Affairs, a prestigious student-run public policy journal at Tufts University. Ciorciari's article, "India's Approach to Great-Power Status," discusses the rise of India's economy and its place in the "nuclear club." The article, which appears in the Winter 2011 issue, also explores the future of India's relationship with the United States.

Dean Yang presents at Global Development Conference in Colombia

January 13, 2011

Dean Yang presented his research on microfinance at a plenary session at the 12th Annual Global Development Conference held in Bogotá, Colombia. The conference, titled "Financing Development in a Post-Crisis World: The Need for a Fresh Look," is run by the Global Development Network (GDN). The GDN is an international organization of researchers and institutes dedicated to "promoting the generation, sharing, and application to policy of multidisciplinary knowledge for the purpose of development."

Robert Axelrod interview by Radiolab about good deeds and conflict

December 14, 2010

Robert Axelrod was interviewed on a Radiolab episode called "One Good Deed Deserves Another." In the episode, Axelrod shares his research—dating back decades—on a variety of conflict strategies including being good and "tit for tat." Axelrod and other guests then discuss how these conflict strategies can be seen in real-life scenarios such as a Word War I battle on the Western Front and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Genetic gold rush hinders competition, innovation

December 6, 2010

Even before we had mapped the human genome, American entrepreneurs had begun to stake claims to it. Over the last two decades, the U.S. Patent Office has issued more than 5,000 patents on parts of the human genome, leaving an alarming 20 percent of our genes under the ownership of corporations, individuals, and universities. While some argue that this practice gives patent holders an incentive to pour money into research and develop genetic risk tests and disease interventions, many others, including Ford School assistant professor Shobita Parthasarathy, argue that patent ownership stifles innovation, decreases consumer options, and makes health care prohibitively expensive.

Blame it on the rain: early rainfall impacts health, wealth, and education

December 6, 2010

Their country straddling the equator, Indonesians know two basic seasons: dry and wet. However, the length of the rainy season can vary widely across this archipelago comprised of thousands of islands. Village farmers are used to this, and have adapted their agricultural practices over generations to accommodate the local climate and topography. But, when rainfall is unusual compared to normal levels in that village—for example when a drought strikes—crop yields can suffer dramatically. Interestingly, rainfall affects more than a single season's crops, explains economist and Ford School lecturer Sharon Maccini. For Indonesian women born in the 1950s through the 1970s, she's found that early life rainfall impacts health, wealth, and education far into the future.

Shobita Parthasarathy interviewed by German Public Radio about legality of human gene patents

November 30, 2010

Shobita Parthasarathy was interviewed by German Public Radio about recent debates on the legality of patenting human genes. Since a narrowly decided Supreme Court ruling in the 1980s, the U.S. Patent Office has allowed patents for a variety of life forms, including human gene sequences. This practice, however, has recently come into question. In March, a New York judge invalidated Myriad Genetics' patents on the BRCA genes, thought to cause breast and ovarian cancer, and the case is under appeal. And in October, in a very surprising move, the Obama administration declared that it also considered genes unpatentable, because they are "products of nature." Parthasarathy, an expert in genetics and biotechnology policy, supports the recent court decision and the Obama administration's decision. Those on the other side of the debate worry that the loss of patents will decrease investment in innovation and, ultimately, will hurt research and hea

Research by Robert Axelrod cited in New York Times article, "This Is Your Brain on Metaphors"

November 13, 2010

Robert Axelrod's research on conflict resolution—especially between Israel and Palestine—was cited in a New York Times article about the human brain's sometimes conflicting literal and metaphorical interpretation of concepts or events. "Mutual symbolic concessions," as described by Axelrod, have great power, especially in peace negotiations. Axelrod explained that non-monetary symbols, such as an apology, could ultimately make all the difference in a conflict resolution scenario.

Ann Lin quoted in Washington Post article, "Time to start counting the crowds"

November 8, 2010

Ann Lin was quoted in a Washington Post article about estimating the crowd size of rallies. The success of rallies, like last weekend's "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear," is often based on the inexact science of crowd counts. User crowd count polls, widely known to be more entertaining and less scientific, are often called "silly." Ann Lin told the Washington Post, "It's akin to sending out a message on the Internet saying, 'I have a jar of jellybeans on my desk. You don't know the size of the jar or the size of the jellybeans. Guess how many are in the jar.'"