Liam Swiss
@liamswiss.bsky.social
Sociologist @AcadiaSociology.bsky.social. Global development; globalization; gender; security; foreign aid. Past-President of the Canadian Sociological Association 2025-2026. www.liamswiss.com
Nice summary of the Government of NS' recent overreach in the post-secondary sector here from the Dalhousie Coalition for Collegial Governance. Dal-focused, but the Schedule H discussion applies to every university in the province.
cocogov.org/blog/post-007/
cocogov.org/blog/post-007/
A close look at Schedule H: Provincially mandated annual program reviews
Provincially mandated annual program reviews
cocogov.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Nice summary of the Government of NS' recent overreach in the post-secondary sector here from the Dalhousie Coalition for Collegial Governance. Dal-focused, but the Schedule H discussion applies to every university in the province.
cocogov.org/blog/post-007/
cocogov.org/blog/post-007/
Looking forward to participating in this Computational Social Sciences symposium at @dalhousieu.bsky.social this weekend: www.cssbridgingdisciplines.ca
Home | Bridging Disciplines
www.cssbridgingdisciplines.ca
January 20, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Looking forward to participating in this Computational Social Sciences symposium at @dalhousieu.bsky.social this weekend: www.cssbridgingdisciplines.ca
Reposted by Liam Swiss
What were the main causes behind the collapse of the United States back in the mid- to late 2020s?
Here's my overview:
www.internationalaffairsfornormalpeople.eu/why-the-us-c...
Here's my overview:
www.internationalaffairsfornormalpeople.eu/why-the-us-c...
Why the US Collapsed
I wrote this a few years from now…
Historians, political analysts, and much of the general public around the world have long discussed why the United States of America collapsed in the mid- to late 2...
www.internationalaffairsfornormalpeople.eu
January 13, 2026 at 9:09 PM
What were the main causes behind the collapse of the United States back in the mid- to late 2020s?
Here's my overview:
www.internationalaffairsfornormalpeople.eu/why-the-us-c...
Here's my overview:
www.internationalaffairsfornormalpeople.eu/why-the-us-c...
Reposted by Liam Swiss
The US has published a list today of dozens of environmental, scientific, and development organizations and treaties from which it is withdrawing. This list includes the IPCC; IRENA; the UNFCCC; UN Water; IPBES; among many others. Absolutely nuts. www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United
www.whitehouse.gov
January 8, 2026 at 3:54 AM
The US has published a list today of dozens of environmental, scientific, and development organizations and treaties from which it is withdrawing. This list includes the IPCC; IRENA; the UNFCCC; UN Water; IPBES; among many others. Absolutely nuts. www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
More on the current NS government-mandated review of universities in the province
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/morning-file...
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/morning-file...
A firm with a reputation for recommending deep cuts and layoffs has been hired as a consultant to review Nova Scotia's universities - Halifax Examiner
I don't like that university programs are having to justify themselves merely in terms of the jobs that students get after graduation.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
December 22, 2025 at 1:30 PM
More on the current NS government-mandated review of universities in the province
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/morning-file...
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/morning-file...
Insightful commentary from Kate Ashley @kmans.bsky.social on the NS Government's recent overreach with our Universities
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/commentary/w...
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/commentary/w...
Why we still need ivory towers - Halifax Examiner
When universities are pushed to align themselves too closely with political priorities or labour market needs, their ability to nurture democratic capacities is weakened.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
December 19, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Insightful commentary from Kate Ashley @kmans.bsky.social on the NS Government's recent overreach with our Universities
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/commentary/w...
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/commentary/w...
Congratulations to the newly-minted Dr. Judyannet Muchiri @judyannet.bsky.social on her successful PhD Defence @memorialu.bsky.social Sociology today! Bravo Dr. Muchiri!
December 19, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Congratulations to the newly-minted Dr. Judyannet Muchiri @judyannet.bsky.social on her successful PhD Defence @memorialu.bsky.social Sociology today! Bravo Dr. Muchiri!
Reposted by Liam Swiss
Yeah, as I've been saying, we overcompensated because the media ran with the stupid 'GDP per capita' and 'immigrants hurt housing' framing. This is long-run damage to the economy by short-term thinking, feeding xenophobia, and helping to further destroy Canada's world class universities.
Canada’s population sees largest decline on record
Canada’s population sees largest decline on record
Statistics Canada attributes the drop to a fewer non-permanent residents. It's the largest decline since records began in 1946.
www.thestar.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Yeah, as I've been saying, we overcompensated because the media ran with the stupid 'GDP per capita' and 'immigrants hurt housing' framing. This is long-run damage to the economy by short-term thinking, feeding xenophobia, and helping to further destroy Canada's world class universities.
Reposted by Liam Swiss
In response to the growing backlash against international LGBTQI+ rights and other aid donors' waning support, Norway is increasing its funding in this area. A good example for other countries, such as Canada, to follow. www.norad.no/en/news/news...
Norway Strengthens International Efforts to Promote LGBTQ+ Rights | Norad.no
Norway is increasing its support to organisations working to advance LGBTQ+ rights, including efforts to combat violence and discrimination. Norad is entering new agreements with the Norwegian organis...
www.norad.no
December 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
In response to the growing backlash against international LGBTQI+ rights and other aid donors' waning support, Norway is increasing its funding in this area. A good example for other countries, such as Canada, to follow. www.norad.no/en/news/news...
I am co-chairing the Sociology of Development Research Cluster sessions at the 2026 CSA Conference:
- DEV1 Development & its Discontents;
- DEV2 Conflict/Development;
- DEV3 SocDev Omnibus.
Read the CFP and submit your abstract here:
event.fourwaves.com/2026-csa-scs...
@csa-scs.bsky.social
- DEV1 Development & its Discontents;
- DEV2 Conflict/Development;
- DEV3 SocDev Omnibus.
Read the CFP and submit your abstract here:
event.fourwaves.com/2026-csa-scs...
@csa-scs.bsky.social
2026 CSA-SCS Annual Conference
Fourwaves - 2026 CSA-SCS Annual Conference
event.fourwaves.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:07 PM
I am co-chairing the Sociology of Development Research Cluster sessions at the 2026 CSA Conference:
- DEV1 Development & its Discontents;
- DEV2 Conflict/Development;
- DEV3 SocDev Omnibus.
Read the CFP and submit your abstract here:
event.fourwaves.com/2026-csa-scs...
@csa-scs.bsky.social
- DEV1 Development & its Discontents;
- DEV2 Conflict/Development;
- DEV3 SocDev Omnibus.
Read the CFP and submit your abstract here:
event.fourwaves.com/2026-csa-scs...
@csa-scs.bsky.social
Reposted by Liam Swiss
This fetid landmark, this historical stain on humanity is primarily due to the stunningly reckless obliteration of America's foreign assistance agency earlier this year.
Led by the richest man on earth. In secret, on a weekend. With zero analysis or discussion of its catastrophic impacts.
Led by the richest man on earth. In secret, on a weekend. With zero analysis or discussion of its catastrophic impacts.
For First Time in Decades, Child Deaths Will Rise This Year
Almost a quarter of a million more children around the world are projected to die in 2025 than in 2024.
www.wsj.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:18 PM
This fetid landmark, this historical stain on humanity is primarily due to the stunningly reckless obliteration of America's foreign assistance agency earlier this year.
Led by the richest man on earth. In secret, on a weekend. With zero analysis or discussion of its catastrophic impacts.
Led by the richest man on earth. In secret, on a weekend. With zero analysis or discussion of its catastrophic impacts.
Reposted by Liam Swiss
We are very excited to work in partnership with Dalhousie University’s Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology to host our Conference.
Approximately 250 sessions have been planned, so submit your abstract by January 26 to present your work!
www.csa-scs.ca/2026-annual-...
Approximately 250 sessions have been planned, so submit your abstract by January 26 to present your work!
www.csa-scs.ca/2026-annual-...
December 3, 2025 at 3:44 PM
We are very excited to work in partnership with Dalhousie University’s Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology to host our Conference.
Approximately 250 sessions have been planned, so submit your abstract by January 26 to present your work!
www.csa-scs.ca/2026-annual-...
Approximately 250 sessions have been planned, so submit your abstract by January 26 to present your work!
www.csa-scs.ca/2026-annual-...
Reposted by Liam Swiss
Check out this Maple League event on Dec 10 for a discussion about creating space for BIPOC voices in higher education and beyond.
Join Danai Bélanger and Foroogh Mohammadi to reflect on workplace culture, identity, leadership pathways, and community care.
Register here: bit.ly/BT-Creating-...
Join Danai Bélanger and Foroogh Mohammadi to reflect on workplace culture, identity, leadership pathways, and community care.
Register here: bit.ly/BT-Creating-...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Better Together - Creating Space. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Creating Space: BIPOC Voices in Academia
BIPOC employees across higher education institutions in Canada play a vital role in creating inclusive, equitable, and culturally grounded campuses, yet many ...
bit.ly
November 28, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Check out this Maple League event on Dec 10 for a discussion about creating space for BIPOC voices in higher education and beyond.
Join Danai Bélanger and Foroogh Mohammadi to reflect on workplace culture, identity, leadership pathways, and community care.
Register here: bit.ly/BT-Creating-...
Join Danai Bélanger and Foroogh Mohammadi to reflect on workplace culture, identity, leadership pathways, and community care.
Register here: bit.ly/BT-Creating-...
Reposted by Liam Swiss
There have been 580 femicides in Canada since 2020.
@cfoja.bsky.social has created a podcast with an episode for each woman and girl.
Their lives matter. Their deaths were preventable.
@cfoja.bsky.social has created a podcast with an episode for each woman and girl.
Their lives matter. Their deaths were preventable.
Too True Crime
The Too True Crime podcast documents over 580 women killed by femicide in Canada since 2020. Explore an episode for every life lost to gender-related violence.
www.tootruecrime.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
There have been 580 femicides in Canada since 2020.
@cfoja.bsky.social has created a podcast with an episode for each woman and girl.
Their lives matter. Their deaths were preventable.
@cfoja.bsky.social has created a podcast with an episode for each woman and girl.
Their lives matter. Their deaths were preventable.
Reposted by Liam Swiss
📢New issue of #PAG21 is out!📢
In their notes from the field, "Troubled Encounters", @balnik.bsky.social & Younna Christiansen outline the challenges of implementing a feminist foreign policy in the context of peacebuilding.
gendersky polisky
buff.ly/XFbx7St
In their notes from the field, "Troubled Encounters", @balnik.bsky.social & Younna Christiansen outline the challenges of implementing a feminist foreign policy in the context of peacebuilding.
gendersky polisky
buff.ly/XFbx7St
November 26, 2025 at 4:15 PM
📢New issue of #PAG21 is out!📢
In their notes from the field, "Troubled Encounters", @balnik.bsky.social & Younna Christiansen outline the challenges of implementing a feminist foreign policy in the context of peacebuilding.
gendersky polisky
buff.ly/XFbx7St
In their notes from the field, "Troubled Encounters", @balnik.bsky.social & Younna Christiansen outline the challenges of implementing a feminist foreign policy in the context of peacebuilding.
gendersky polisky
buff.ly/XFbx7St
Excellent analysis here from @stephenbrown.bsky.social for The McLeod Group.
Canada's feminist foreign policy was always more of a slogan than an actual policy. But it is still a bad sign that it was just officially jettisoned. Read my analysis here: www.mcleodgroup.ca/2025/11/the-...
The demise of Canada’s feminist foreign policy - The McLeod Group
McLeod Group blog by Stephen Brown, November 25, 2025 Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered the death blow to Canada’s feminist foreign policy while attending the G20 summit in South Africa a couple of...
www.mcleodgroup.ca
November 25, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Excellent analysis here from @stephenbrown.bsky.social for The McLeod Group.
Does government funding limit charities' political advocacy in Canada? Despite anecdotal concerns that it does, we demonstrate via an analysis of CRA data over time that organizations receiving government funding are MORE likely to be politically active.
Learn more:
anserj.ca/index.php/cj...
Learn more:
anserj.ca/index.php/cj...
Biting the Hand that Feeds You? Exploring Whether (and How) Government Funding Constrains Charities’ Engagement in Public Policy
| Canadian Journal of Nonprofit and Social Economy Research
...
anserj.ca
November 25, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Does government funding limit charities' political advocacy in Canada? Despite anecdotal concerns that it does, we demonstrate via an analysis of CRA data over time that organizations receiving government funding are MORE likely to be politically active.
Learn more:
anserj.ca/index.php/cj...
Learn more:
anserj.ca/index.php/cj...
When Trudeau declined to put the feminist foreign policy forward in an actual policy statement, this walkback was inevitable. Disappointing nonetheless. Also unclear what this means for the future of Canadian aid still operating under the FIAP.
November 23, 2025 at 7:38 PM
When Trudeau declined to put the feminist foreign policy forward in an actual policy statement, this walkback was inevitable. Disappointing nonetheless. Also unclear what this means for the future of Canadian aid still operating under the FIAP.
Reposted by Liam Swiss
Great piece on the intersection of environmental and AI polycrises at COP by @dbtindall.bsky.social
theconversation.com/artificial-i...
theconversation.com/artificial-i...
Artificial intelligence is front and centre at COP30
COP30 is the first conference where AI has been formally integrated as a central theme in the conference agenda.
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Great piece on the intersection of environmental and AI polycrises at COP by @dbtindall.bsky.social
theconversation.com/artificial-i...
theconversation.com/artificial-i...
Reposted by Liam Swiss
Research from Acadia Sociology's Dr. Lesley Frank (@franklyless.bsky.social) cited in CBC article on infant feeding in Canada and the spiralling costs of baby formula:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'Something is terribly wrong': Baby formula among most stolen food items as costs spiral, researcher says | CBC News
The price of baby formula in Canada has risen roughly 84 per cent since 2017, according to Statistics Canada, driving some parents to turn to strangers on social media for help. One researcher says fo...
www.cbc.ca
November 14, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Research from Acadia Sociology's Dr. Lesley Frank (@franklyless.bsky.social) cited in CBC article on infant feeding in Canada and the spiralling costs of baby formula:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Excellent commentary from @stephenbrown.bsky.social on the McLeod Group Blog about Canada's ill-timed cuts to its global aid responsibilities:
"The World Needs Less Canada?"
www.mcleodgroup.ca/2025/11/the-...
"The World Needs Less Canada?"
www.mcleodgroup.ca/2025/11/the-...
The world needs less Canada? - The McLeod Group
McLeod Group blog by Stephen Brown, November 10, 2025 Does the world need less Canada? One might think so, reading last week’s federal budget. The cuts to foreign aid and how they are justified sugges...
www.mcleodgroup.ca
November 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Excellent commentary from @stephenbrown.bsky.social on the McLeod Group Blog about Canada's ill-timed cuts to its global aid responsibilities:
"The World Needs Less Canada?"
www.mcleodgroup.ca/2025/11/the-...
"The World Needs Less Canada?"
www.mcleodgroup.ca/2025/11/the-...
Violence against aid workers has grown significantly over time. Our new article examines the connection between the securitization of aid and this violence. Read more here:
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
November 10, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Violence against aid workers has grown significantly over time. Our new article examines the connection between the securitization of aid and this violence. Read more here:
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
Reposted by Liam Swiss
The Sociology and Social and Political Thought Speaker Series are pleased to host: Dr. Deena Abul-Fottouh, Dalhousie University
"Networks, Narratives, and Algorithms: Understanding Social Life Through Digital Sociology"
November 21, 2025; 2:30PM; Room BAC 424
All are welcome!
"Networks, Narratives, and Algorithms: Understanding Social Life Through Digital Sociology"
November 21, 2025; 2:30PM; Room BAC 424
All are welcome!
November 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Sociology and Social and Political Thought Speaker Series are pleased to host: Dr. Deena Abul-Fottouh, Dalhousie University
"Networks, Narratives, and Algorithms: Understanding Social Life Through Digital Sociology"
November 21, 2025; 2:30PM; Room BAC 424
All are welcome!
"Networks, Narratives, and Algorithms: Understanding Social Life Through Digital Sociology"
November 21, 2025; 2:30PM; Room BAC 424
All are welcome!
My latest article, with Dr. Heather Dicks, is now out in Stability:
"Aid Securitization and Violence Against Aid Workers"
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
"Aid Securitization and Violence Against Aid Workers"
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
Aid Securitization and Violence Against Aid Workers | Stability: International Journal of Security and Development
stabilityjournal.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:09 PM
My latest article, with Dr. Heather Dicks, is now out in Stability:
"Aid Securitization and Violence Against Aid Workers"
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
"Aid Securitization and Violence Against Aid Workers"
stabilityjournal.org/articles/10....
Canada is retreating from its international assistance commitments in Budget 2025. Details are vague except for cutting $2.7 Billion in aid spending between 2026 and 2030.
A missed opportunity for Canada to redouble efforts in face of American abandonment of aid.
budget.canada.ca/2025/report-...
A missed opportunity for Canada to redouble efforts in face of American abandonment of aid.
budget.canada.ca/2025/report-...
Chapter 5: Creating a more efficient and effective government | Budget 2025
Chapter 5: Creating a more efficient and effective government — Part of Budget 2025.
budget.canada.ca
November 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Canada is retreating from its international assistance commitments in Budget 2025. Details are vague except for cutting $2.7 Billion in aid spending between 2026 and 2030.
A missed opportunity for Canada to redouble efforts in face of American abandonment of aid.
budget.canada.ca/2025/report-...
A missed opportunity for Canada to redouble efforts in face of American abandonment of aid.
budget.canada.ca/2025/report-...