Humanities & Society

In the years leading up to the Revolution, Protestant preachers, sometimes referred to as the “black-robed regiment,” used biblical texts and spiritual ideas to reframe the treasonous act of rebellion into righteous moral duty, according to Mark Valeri, vice director of the Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis.

In a 1989 video digitized by WashU Libraries, Jackson reflects on his relationship with Martin Luther King Jr., his role in Chicago politics and how he found himself to be a presidential candidate. Jackson died Feb. 17 at age 84.

Over the last few decades, Christianity in America has become synonymous with conservative causes. But it wasn’t always that way. As faith leaders join protesters in the Twin Cities, they’re showing the next generation of American young people that there are multiple ways to be a Christian, according to Ryan Burge, an expert in religion and politics at Washington University in St. Louis.

The markets essentially shrugged when the U.S. removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a special operation. But that could change if the U.S. follows through on other geopolitical threats, says political scientist Timm Betz at Washington University in St. Louis.

Faculty experts in political science, history and law at Washington University in St. Louis discuss the recent capture of the Venezuelan president and offer context about President Donald Trump’s latest challenges to international order.

The unfolding crisis in Venezuela, as well as President Trump’s subsequent threats to countries including Greenland, Colombia, Mexico and Iran, threaten international relations and embolden adversaries. David Carter, an expert in international relations and territorial conflict at Washington University in St. Louis, explains why.

Historically, public opinion has constrained presidents’ use of unilateral power. But political scientist Dino P. Christenson, at Washington University in St. Louis, explains why public opposition to President Trump’s actions in Venezuela is unlikely to sway him.

The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management has recognized Shiran Victoria Shen, an assistant professor of political science in Arts & Sciences, for her environment policy research.

When it comes to curbing gun violence in America, the field of public health should consider focusing less on the guns themselves and more on the human emotions that make people reach for guns in the first place, says a researcher from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Dan Butler, a political scientist in Arts & Sciences, brings civic lessons to life through Lego bricks. He created a series of stop-motion videos that turn pop culture into lessons on the U.S. government for high school students.