The Conversation - Self-governance for online communities

GOP’s House paralysis is a crisis in a time of crises

Stefanie Lindquist, Arizona State University

The absence of a speaker of the House − a single individual but the linchpin in Congress − could produce a dangerous crisis in America’s constitutional democracy.

The Israel-Hamas war deepens the struggle between US and Iran for influence in the Middle East

John Ciorciari, University of Michigan

Iran’s long-term strategy includes eradicating Israel and driving a wedge between Israel and its regional neighbors. So far, the war seems to be accomplishing that goal.

Even if Israel can completely eliminate Hamas, does it have a long-term plan for Gaza?

Ian Parmeter, Australian National University

Here are six possible options for what a post-war Gaza might look like – and why none will seemingly work.

Backlash to the oil CEO leading the UN climate summit overlooks his ambitious agenda for COP28 – and concerns of the Global South

İbrahim Özdemir, Clark University

An analysis of past UN conference presidencies suggests the 2023 summit’s agenda would do more to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

The Rio Grande isn’t just a border – it’s a river in crisis

Vianey Rueda, University of Michigan; Drew Gronewold, University of Michigan

When the Rio Grande figures in US news reports, it’s usually in relation to stories about immigration, drug trafficking or trade. But the river is also an important water source – and it’s shrinking.

Hot-button topics may get public attention at the Vatican synod, but a more fundamental issue for the Catholic Church is at the heart of debate

Richard Wood, University of Southern California

Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality is attempting to move the church toward a more dialogue-based model of authority, a scholar of Catholicism explains.

How ‘La Catrina’ became the iconic symbol of Day of the Dead

Mathew Sandoval, Arizona State University

An obscure Mexican engraver named José Guadalupe Posada created the satirical skull in the early 1900s and sold it for a penny. But after he died, it took on a life of its own.

Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren’t the most expensive materials used in science

Chris Impey, University of Arizona

Some space rocks you can get for free – if you know how to identify them. Rarer materials cost more, and the asteroid sample NASA just brought back has a high price tag.

Key Trump co-defendants accept plea deals – a legal expert explains what that means

Hezbollah alone will decide whether Lebanon − already on the brink of collapse − gets dragged into Israel-Hamas war

Biological sex is far from binary − this college course examines the science of sex diversity in people, fungi and across the animal kingdom