CMC In The News

In an op-ed, Prof. Mark Juergensmeyer explores the question of why Hamas persists in its quest to attack Israel. The op-ed highlights the tragic consequences of this ongoing conflict and the need for a lasting peace resolution.

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in an article about the internal conflicts of the modern GOP. He explained, “…you have a party consisting of constituencies that see themselves as under siege—white Christians who see a country that is less white Christian, working-class people who see a country where all advantages go to the college-educated. It’s the coalition of the ascendant versus the coalition of the resentful.”

In a co-written op-ed, Prof. Manfred Keil highlights the current state of the logistics industry, stating that although the region has seen growth in a number of sectors, the industry has recently experienced employment losses of over 20,000 jobs (7.1%) since December 2021.

Prof. Pitney was quoted in an Associated Press piece on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s temporary appointment of Laphonza Butler, a former union leader and Democratic insider for Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s vacant seat. He shared, in reference to the Governor’s choice, “…a comfort level is important. Any governor might be a little hesitant about somebody with too many degrees of separation.”

Prof. Minxin Pei was quoted in an article on China’s president, Xi Jinping and the question of whether or not he is currently weak or powerful. Prof. Pei shared, “…objectively speaking, Xi is not doing well. But in terms of his control of the levers of power, he remains unassailable. He is not acting out of strength, but out of insecurity. You can have a leader who faces no real threat but nevertheless behaves as if he is in danger.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was mentioned in a piece by The Fresno Bee Editorial Board regarding the California Republican party’s support of former President Donald Trump. He noted that the Republican party that used to win statewide contests in California is long gone.

Prof. Andrew Busch was quoted in a piece on the topic of consequential deaths in Congress in light of Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death. He shared insight on the 1930 midterm elections, in which Republicans narrowly won. However, with the deaths of 14 representatives-elect, the Democrats were able to flip the House, which, according to Prof. Busch, “…established the groundwork for the New Deal.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece about Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s approach to avoid a government shutdown. He stated, “The calculation would be that Democrats dislike him but they would dislike his successor even more. That would be a bold, risky move that would be very much out of character for Kevin McCarthy. But that’s the only path forward that I see where he actually comes out looking good. He might survive. But survival is a relative term. He’ll be spoiled goods.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece about President Donald Trump courting California GOP voters. He shared, “…a lot of party professionals understand that Trump and Trumpists cannot win statewide elections, but the party base is different.”

Prof. Jack Pitney joined the KCAL 9 News team to discuss the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s accomplishments, character, final days and possible successor. 

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece on the rise of Sen. Alex Padilla to the position of senior senator of California following Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s death. Prof. Pitney was asked about Sen. Feinstein’s successor stating, “…a lot will depend on how experienced that person is.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece on the emergence of Gov. Gavin Newsom as a major defender of President Biden’s reelection. Prof. Pitney shared in reference to the alliance, “It works to their mutual benefit. Biden takes a potential party critic and turns him into an ally, and Newsom gets abundant national exposure. So it’s a win-win.”

Prof. Jonathan Petropoulos was quoted in a piece around claims that Carnegie Museum of Art’s $1M drawing by Egon Schiele was plundered by Nazis. He stated, “The Carnegie Institute could have asked Otto Kallir [the art dealer who sold the painting to the Carnegie] where the Artwork came from, collected appropriate documents and interviewed relevant witnesses, but, through its own willful blindness, chose not to do so.”

Prof. Jack Pitney was quoted in a piece on how California transformed from Reagan’s red state to Newsom’s blue state. Prof. Pitney cited that the Democratic political surge in the state the past half century is due to “a combination of things—economics, demographics, Prop 187. The end of the Cold War meant the defense industry downsized. The defense industry was always a bulwark in California of the Republican Party.”

Prof. Andrew Sinclair was quoted in an article about the U.S.’s ‘primary problem,’ in which advocates call for new election systems. Advocates say that the current system favors polarized candidates. Prof. Sinclair said that the effect of nonpartisan primaries on voter engagement and satisfaction is somewhat mixed so far. He explained, “…the argument for moderation is that possibly the more moderate Democrat would have an advantage in that election, or perhaps the more competent or the more pragmatic [candidate].” However, Prof. Sinclair says concretely identifying that this system “actually has produced a moderating effect is hard.”