Countries are forming competing ‘blocs’ in space

As Ukraine war deepens great-power divisions, a revitalized non-aligned movement could emerge

John Ciorciari, University of Michigan

Not all nations have joined in a united front against Russia’s invasion. The conflict and talk of a new Cold War could reignite the nonaligned movement.

The US never considered Ukraine a vital interest, until Putin’s ambitions changed that

Alexander Motyl, Rutgers University - Newark

Ukraine appeared not to matter much to the US and other Western countries. It wasn’t a vital interest. Russia’s war has redefined Ukraine’s status with the West.

People of color have been missing in the disability rights movement – looking through history may help explain why

Jennifer Erkulwater, University of Richmond

A political scientist speaks about the questions that have driven her research on disability rights and history.

How Muslim Americans meet their charitable obligations: 3 findings from new research

Shariq Siddiqui, IUPUI; Micah A. Hughes, IUPUI; Rafeel Wasif, Portland State University

The kind of giving known as Zakat can include everything from donating to nonprofits to smiling at strangers.

Opposition to abortion doesn’t stop some Americans from supporting friends and family who seek one

Tricia C. Bruce, University of Notre Dame

A sociologist found in her research that many Americans who are opposed to abortion may nonetheless be willing to support a friend or family member seeking one.

Protecting biodiversity – and making it accessible – has paid off for Costa Rica

Alejandra Echeverri Ochoa, Stanford University; Jeffrey R. Smith, Princeton University

Tourism revenues account for almost 10% of Costa Rica’s gross domestic product. New research shows that charismatic wildlife is necessary but not sufficient to attract ecotourists.

How culture informs people’s emotional reaction to music

Daniel Merino, The Conversation

From the archive: researchers visited the remote Kalash valleys to investigate how the concept of ‘happy’ and ‘sad’ music differs across cultures. Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Climate change triggering global collapse in insect numbers: stressed farmland shows 63% decline – new research

Putin and Le Pen: The history of an alliance between Russia and France’s far right

How Russia’s fixation on the Second World War helps explain its Ukraine invasion