College of Social Sciences and Humanities

Beyond land: Why Russia and Ukraine are also fighting over language Beneath the latest series of negotiations, another front in the war has come to a head: the fight over language, culture and identity.

As peace talks edge forward, the #Russia-Ukraine war is being fought on another front: language & identity. #NUCSSH faculty experts explain how language has become a weapon of soft power, tracing back to Soviet-era efforts and Putin's framing of the invasion as protecting "ethnic Russians."

Trump pulls US out of another major UN climate treaty The administration says that participation in climate agreement, 65 other international organizations, not in US interests

🚨 Trump pulls US out of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change—making America the ONLY country in the world not part of the main international climate treaty. Read what @nu-policyschool.bsky.social director #MariaIvanova has to say about the president's unilateral move.

Trump administration says it needs to fight SNAP fraud, but the extent of the problem is unclear Accusations of widespread fraud are at the heart of the Trump administration's policies on SNAP. Officials looking at the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from a law enforcement view see it a...

Trump plans to crack down on SNAP “fraud” if states don’t provide info on recipients. Prof. Christopher Bosso says that “leakage” is inevitable for large government programs. Republican governors have complied, but most Dems argue that providing data would violate recipients’ privacy.

Dual exhibits showcase the myriad work and passion of Boston artist, Allan Rohan Crite Crite is a long-underappreciated laureate of Black artistry.

@nu-policyschool.bsky.social Prof. Ted Landsmark co-curated a new exhibit at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, highlighting the work of artist Allan Rohan Crite. Prof. Landsmark said that the work displays “the underlying spirit that existed within Boston’s African-American community.”

In Apple TV’s ‘Pluribus,’ the biggest ethical dilemmas ‘are our fault’ 'Pluribus' is packed with ethical dilemmas. A philosopher dives into some of the show's deeper questions to find what makes it tick.

Apple TV’s new show “Pluribus” asks an ethical question: is it better to join the collective or maintain individuality? Philosophy Prof. @basl.bsky.social views it as a metaphor for AI, “For me, what hits hardest is appreciating all the little value tradeoffs and the big value tradeoffs.”

Reintroducing Jessica Mitford, the Activist With a ‘Concrete Upper Lip’

“‘Troublemaker’ refuses to reduce this most beautifully messy and complicated of Mitfords to bon mots,” writes Alexandra Jacobs in a review of Prof. Carla Kaplan’s new book on Jessica Mitford, 20th century leftist and poster girl for collaboration. Read more at the @nytimes.com

These students want to bring wildlife to campus life Students in one Northeastern University professor’s class are rewilding campus, reimagining its connection to nature.

Prof. Kathleen Kelly is pushing students to rewild campus in her class “What is Nature?” Throughout the semester, students dreamed up ideas for koi pond and krentzman quad makeovers. “This class forces you to think about what [campus] could be instead of what it is,” said one student.

Dean's Prof. of Criminology Brandon Welsh’s new book, “Between Medicine and Criminology: Richard Cabot and the Making of the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study,” won the 2025 Book of the Year Award from the American Society of Criminology’s Division of Historical Criminology! Congratulations Brandon!

Can retraining programs ease the fear of AI job loss? Public policy expert provides new insights New findings from a study show that Americans and Canadians want the government to address AI-related job loss through workplace retraining.

Americans and Canadians overwhelmingly agree that employees need more training in order to harness the power of AI and prevent it from stealing their jobs, regardless of political leaning, according to a multiyear study performed by Prof @beamagistro.bsky.social

How Mamdani is taking a page out of Trump's playbook as he tackles NYC's price woes New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump have more in common than just winning elections using non-traditional media markets.

Mamdani and Trump’s strategies may be more similar than you think, according to @professorcostas.bsky.social. Both politicians used social media to advance their agendas, with Trump featured on multiple podcasts and Mamdani creating short form content. Read more from the National News Desk.

Who was Jessica Mitford? New book seeks to unlock <br>her life The Mitford Sisters are having a moment, but Northeastern professor is finally shining a light on the tour de force that was Jessica Mitford.

#NUCSSH Prof Carla Kaplan has a new book on Jessica Mitford coming out soon! Mitford lived a whirlwind life, from running away from home as a teen to fighting fascism in Spain to writing an exposé on the funeral industry, you won't want to miss out on her fascinating story. @nuglobalnews.bsky.social

Enter CSSH’s Faculty Book Giveaway for the chance to win a free copy of Professor @cjbossoboston.bsky.social’s book “Why SNAP Works: A Political History–and Defense–of the Food Stamp Program”! Giveaway closes 11/14. Find more details on our Instagram: www.instagram.com/p/DQm3s-Sj5qI/

1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP benefits, but the government shutdown has them unsure of how they’ll buy their groceries. #NUCSSH Professor Christopher Bosso says the program isn’t just for the elderly or disabled, but also for people who have jobs, but are not making enough money.

How Donald Trump could serve a third term in 2028: Four possible options The 22nd Amendment says that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

Could Trump serve a third term? Though the president repeatedly flirts with the idea of continuing his role through 2028, @professorcostas.bsky.social says that he “wouldn't put much stock in what he has said on the matter to date,” and that his supporters are unlikely to follow him a third time.

Lots of people in Worcester don’t vote. Some groups are trying to change that. Residents say they don’t expect their votes to prompt real change. Others say they don’t have enough information to cast a ballot.

Voter turnout for municipal elections in #Worchester has reached a low of 17%. @professorcostas.bsky.social emphasizes the challenges to voting, saying “often people are working two jobs…that prevent them from going to the polls on Election Day.” Read more from @wgbh.org

Northeastern students capture Spanish culture with storytelling Sixteen students spent a month in Spain learning video storytelling, exploring Spanish culture, and bringing back compelling stories

16 @northeasternu.bsky.social students captured moments from their #DialogueOfCivilizations in Spain for the online magazine Exploring España! The cohort shares their surfing adventure, the food they’ve tried (lamb brain), and more exciting moments from the educational trip.

New York's Red-beret Republican Eyes Power-broker Role In Mayoral Race Curtis Sliwa, the Republican running to be New York mayor, has no chance of winning in the avowedly Democrat megacity. But he is refusing to step aside despite fierce pressure to do so and make it a t...

#CurtisSliwa, the Republican running in NY’s mayoral election, refuses to step down despite the inevitability of his failure in the race. @professorcostas.bsky.social says Sliwa aims for "a shake-up” that positions him as the power broker, potentially landing himself a future City Hall job.

Seth Moulton's chances of beating Ed Markey in Massachusetts Senate primary Moulton announced he is challenging the longtime legislator for the Democratic Senate nomination on Wednesday.

Rep. Seth Moulton plans on challenging Sen. Ed Markey in the 2026 Senate Primary in Mass. @professorcostas.bsky.social says that Markey’s age may push voters to think of new leadership, like the younger Moulton, adding that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Markey steps aside.

Americans united on protecting science research in higher ed, worry about liberal bias and antisemitism, national survey reveals The Higher Education Public Opinion survey is the latest effort to examine attitudes and behaviors in the United States.

According to a recent survey, a majority of Americans view higher education as important to the nation and oppose federal funding cuts. #NUCSSH Prof. of Political Science @davidlazer.bsky.social marks this as “good news,” though the respondents held concerns over campus climate and liberal bias.

More people believe in conspiracy theories than you might think, new research reveals The results of a survey after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump show how conspiracy theories spread and lead to believers.

Professor @davidlazer.bsky.social conducted a study on the spread of conspiracy theories after the 2024 attempted assasination on President Trump. In a story for @nuglobalnews.bsky.social, Prof. Lazer says the study reveals mistrust in institutions on both sides of the political spectrum.

Gold hits new heights. An expert explains what is pushing up the price The price of gold has risen about 50% this year and Goldman Sachs raised its December 2026 price forecast for gold per ounce.

#NUCSSH Econ Professor Robert Triest explains why gold is reaching record investment prices. “Gold is a classic safe-haven asset,” he says, adding that economic uncertainty can lead to the gold run-up. With shifting tariff rates, gold–which isn’t tied to currency–is more attractive to buyers.

Trump Agencies Lean Into Shortcuts for Public Comment Process Efforts to streamline rulemaking seem more haphazard than a widely adopted, systematic plan. But they still break with recognized best practices and sometimes appear to violate federal law, scholars s...

Trump’s administration is bypassing the notice-and-comment process, used for creating and repealing regulations. #NUCSSH Professor of Law and Public Policy Sharmila Murthy says they’re trying to “fundamentally reshape what notice-and-comment rulemaking is,” undercutting democratic accountability.

Supreme Court’s 2025-26 term begins today. Here are five big cases to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. The Supreme Court began a new term Monday — one poised to shape the direction of U.S. policy and presidential power, legal experts say.

The #SupremeCourt began a new term on Monday, and @nusl.bsky.social & @nu-policyschool.bsky.social Profs. Daniel Urman & @weparmet.bsky.social are highlighting cases the court will deliberate in this term, including decisions on Trump’s tariffs, trans athletes, and Louisiana’s congressional map.

What Happens to School Lunches in the MAHA Era? R.F.K., Jr., promised healthier food for kids, but the Trump Administration is cutting programs that achieve this goal.

@cjbossoboston.bsky.social asks if #MAHA values can be realized with conservatives looking to avoid spending money on government programs, citing diminished U.S.D.A. programs and setback to school lunches under Trump and RFK Jr.

The move from middle to high school can impact teens' drinking habits, research shows Northeastern researchers studied how switching schools between middle and high school impacted teens’ substance use.

Adolescents who change schools between eighth and ninth grade are more likely to drink alcohol, according to new research from #NUCSSH Prof. of Sociology, Criminology and Criminal Justice Cassie McMillan. According to Prof. McMillan, the data reflects the cultural norms for different substances.

Mass shootings in Michigan, North Carolina paint complicated portrait of military veterans, experts say The two incidents aren’t necessarily emblematic of a trend among military veterans, says James Alan Fox, a criminologist.

Suspects in mass shootings in MI and NC are both war veterans. @nusccj.bsky.social Prof. James Fox notes that 23% of all mass shootings are committed by individuals with military experience, and that these incidents display the “often misunderstood” link between military service and violence.

Can Trump legally fire federal employees if the government shuts down this week? As the threat of a government shutdown looms, so also does the prospect of “mass firings” at the federal level.

Can Trump fire federal employees in the case of a government shutdown? @nu-policyschool.bsky.social prof. Christopher Bosso weighs in. “In other government shutdowns due to budgetary face-offs… non-essential federal employees are furloughed but not fired,” he says.

An affair ended Ned Fulmer’s career. Can a podcast bring it back? Former YouTube star Ned Fulmer is back after a career-ending scandal in 2022. Is his new podcast enough to stage a return to the spotlight?

Philosophy Prof. @ricksva.bsky.social says “audience members are convinced of the authenticity of people when they open up online.” Will the parasocial nature of social media help Ned Fulmer of #TryGuy fame, as he reenters the limelight with a new podcast after his 2022 cheating scandal?

Viral TikToks of Virginia kidnappings, serial killer spark panic Police have debunked the claims, but the rumors have run rampant, even capturing Chris Brown's attention.

Recent TikToks have spread claims of mass child abductions throughout VA due to a supposed serial killer. These videos, based on conspiracy theories, have been debunked by local authorities. #NUCSSH Criminology Prof. James Alan Fox adds that “people are drawn in by the thrill of amateur sleuthing.”

ChatGPT is getting parental controls after a teen died by suicide. This is why experts say they aren't enough After a teen died by suicide, ChatGPT is introducing parental controls. Northeastern AI experts say it avoids the underlying issue.

In the wake of ChatGPT related suicides, Open #AI plans on rolling out parental controls. AI expert and Philosophy & Religion faculty Cansu Canca argues that these changes shift the responsibility to the user, failing to address the root causes of these issues. news.northeastern.edu/2025/09/17/c...