CMC In The News

Professor Jack Pitney was quoted in an article on President Donald Trump’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to combat the rising tension following the raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Friday, June 6. He speculates that California is being used as an example of President Trump’s indifference towards the use of military force against civilian populations. 

Professor Jack Pitney provided his insights on the social implications if former Vice President Kamala Harris decided to enter the California governor’s race. 

Professor Jack Pitney was quoted in an article following the success of the U.S. Congressional Representative Kevin Kiley against Governor Gavin Newsom in overturning a California Environmental Protection Agency regulation that aimed to phase out gas-powered vehicles. 

Professor Jack Pitney was quoted in an article addressing the low levels of productivity and the limited success Congress has had in passing bills. Pitney sees this as a trend coming into full fruition. He said, “Instead of passing a lot of little bills, many times in recent Congressional sessions, they’ve passed a smaller number of big bills, omnibus bills.”

Professor Lars Schmitz was recognized as a featured expert for WIRED magazine’s How Eyes Evolved: A Fascinating Tour Through the Animal Kingdom. In the 36-minute video, he guides audiences through the evolution of eyes in the animal kingdom and answers questions regarding the functionality, purpose, and evolutionary advantages examined across species. 

Professor Jon Shields was featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s podcast series “College Matters.”

Professor Jack Pitney was quoted in an article about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s exaggerated description of the condition of a person affected by autism. The article explained that the severe condition portrayed by Kennedy is only applicable to a quarter of those affected. Professor Pitney commented on how historically autism has been misdiagnosed. 

Professor Jack Pitney was quoted in an article about Peter Navarro, President Donald Trump’s Chief Trade Advisor. The article reviewed Navarro’s role in advising Trump to engage protectionist actions, as well as his past work on economic policy, Covid, and the attempt to overturn the 2020 election. 

Professor Jack Pitney commented on the likelihood of former Vice President Kamala Harris receiving the Democratic nomination if she were to run for California governor. He predicted that there are “very few” politicians who would want to take her on. This article also appeared in the Concho Valley Homepage and News Channel 8. 

Professor Hilary Appel joined “The Morning” where she discussed what can be expected from peace talks in Saudi Arabia as the U.S. believes Ukraine is looking forward to ending its conflict with Russia. She commented that even as European powers have established new spending plans to support Ukraine, their intelligence capabilities and artillery are subpar to those which U.S. powers have withdrawn. Professor Appel also noted the anxieties Ukraine holds in engaging a ceasefire with Russia, as Ukraine will want to continue upholding defense measures, should Russia choose to not uphold its agreement. 

Professor Hilary Appel and CMC student Madeline Dornfeld ’25 published a policy memo about Ukraine’s recently improved prospects of joining the European Union. 

Professor Minxin Pei was featured in a podcast interview with Chris Gilson on U.S.-China relations under the new Trump administration. Professor Pei spoke about China’s advanced surveillance system as it is supplemented by China’s technological advances, preventative repression, and ways China might respond to U.S. escalation on trade.

Professor Jack Pitney commented in a story on navigating the dynamic relationship between President Donald Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom in light of the California wildfires. Pitney stated that Newsom is in a difficult spot, as he is under pressure to attack Trump as a political figure, while he must also appeal to Trump for federal aid to relieve California.

Professor Minxin Pei published an article on the significant decisions Chinese President Xi Jinping must make, which will direct China’s trajectory the decade to come. He wrote about Sino-American tensions, rising tariffs on Chinese imports by Trump, the forecasted tightening of U.S. controls on advanced technology, and the state of China’s fragile economy. He argued that Xi must reshape China’s growth model, shifting to a reliance on exports in household consumption. He also illustrated the major geopolitical decision Xi faces in moderating maritime claims to weaken U.S.-led partnerships that stand a threat to China. Lastly, he will have to favorably discover a way to end the war in Ukraine, while keeping President Trump happy.

Professor Minxin Pei published an article on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s move to partner with dictator Bashar al-Assad last year, which soon collapsed. Professor Pei considers the low level of success Xi has met with in aligning China with other autocratic regimes such as Syria, Iran, and Venezuela, which share in opposition to a U.S.-led world order. He wrote that China’s fondness for autocracy blinds it to the “common flaws” of dictatorships, and should avoid “wishful thinking” when choosing its autocratic partners.