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Listen: Donald Trump Loathes the Courts. He’s Following the Autocrat Playbook to Sideline Them
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here. In democratic systems, the courts are a vital check on a leader’s power. They have the ability to overturn laws and, in Donald Trump’s case, the executive orders he has relied on to achieve his goals. Since taking office, Trump has targeted the judiciary with a vengeance. He has attacked what he has called “radical left judges” and is accused of ignoring or evading court orders. The Supreme Court has already handed the Trump administration some key wins in his second term. But several cases now before the court will be pivotal in determining how much power Trump is able to accrue – and what he’ll be able to do with it. As Paul Collins, a Supreme Court expert from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, explains in episode 4 of The Making of an Autocrat: It’s all about presidential power. And that’s really significant because it’s going to enable the president to basically inject a level of politics into the federal bureaucracy that we frankly haven’t really seen before in the US. Listen to the interview with Collins at The Making of an Autocrat podcast, available at Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Maduro is gone; expert details potential impact on the Caribbean
Globally, the ousting of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela has been met with a mix of reactions and cautious optimism. The University of Delaware’s Kalim Shah can discuss how regime change will play across the Caribbean and the spillover effect that will ripple throughout the region – and the world – in the years and decades to come. Shah, professor of energy and environmental policy and an expert on the island nations of the Caribbean, says that although public statements have been muted and restrained, there is a shared understanding. “For small island states that have absorbed the effects of Venezuelan collapse for more than two decades, this moment represents the possible end of a long and destabilizing chapter,” Shah said. Caribbean governments are not celebrating regime change, Shah said. Rather, they are responding to the prospect of reduced systemic risk. “A Venezuela that no longer exports large-scale displacement, opaque energy leverage and permissive criminal governance is objectively preferable for the region.” Shah can discuss several aspects of Venezuela’s political history, how the nation has arrived where it is, where it might be headed and the impact this will have on the Caribbean as a whole. Those include: • Venezuela’s political and economic deterioration during the Chávez–Maduro era and how that has translated directly into pressures felt across the Caribbean in the form of migration, fiscal exposure, security risks and regional uncertainty. • How the nation’s institutional collapse coincided with deepening organized crime activity across the Caribbean basin. Data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime consistently places the region within major cocaine trafficking corridors linking South America with North American and European markets. For Caribbean governments, this meant higher interdiction costs, increased exposure to transnational criminal networks and growing pressure on already limited security institutions. • This moment invites a reassessment of China’s expanding footprint in the Caribbean, Shah says. He can discuss the ways in which Beijing has deepened its presence throughout the region. Shah says that as this transition unfolds, five policy developments will determine whether the cautious optimism proves warranted: • The impact on Venezuelan outward migration to the Caribbean. • Whether Caribbean public systems receive durable support rather than short-term humanitarian fixes. • Organized crime and drug trafficking pressures in the Caribbean basin. • External security engagement in the Caribbean. • Whether the region avoids a return to dependency-driven energy and infrastructure politics. “For the Caribbean, hope today is not naïve. It is conditional. The Chávez–Maduro years imposed real costs on the region. Their end creates an opening…but only if policy follows through,” Shah said. To contact Shah directly for interviews, visit his expert page and click on the "contact" button. Interested reporters can also send an email to mediarelations@udel.edu.
Covering Venezuela? We Can Help.
The situation in Venezuela is fluid, and new details about the operation, its planning and execution, the future of the country and how the world is reacting is all happening in real time. Journalists covering Latin America, global politics, migration, energy, or human rights are encouraged to connect with experts who can provide context on Venezuela’s evolving political landscape, economic indicators, humanitarian conditions, and regional implications. Expert insight is critical for moving beyond headlines and understanding what the next phase of Venezuela’s crisis could mean—for its people and for the region. Looking for an expert to help? Connect with our experts: www.expertfile.com
A Roadmap or a Rift? Examining Trump’s 28-Point Ukraine Peace Proposal
As negotiations around the war in Ukraine continue to dominate global headlines, a newly surfaced 28-point peace proposal associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered intense debate across NATO capitals, Kyiv, and Moscow. The document — described in reporting by Reuters, Axios, Sky News, Al Jazeera and other outlets — outlines a framework aimed at ending the conflict but includes provisions that many analysts say could significantly reshape Europe’s security landscape. A Plan Built Around Ceasefire, Guarantees, and Reconstruction At its core, the plan calls for a formal ceasefire, a non-aggression pact between Russia, Ukraine, and European states, and a set of “security guarantees” meant to deter future conflict. Reporting indicates that Ukraine would receive assurances that any renewed Russian offensive would trigger a coordinated international response. The plan also proposes the creation of a major reconstruction program — potentially financed in part with frozen Russian assets — to rebuild infrastructure and modernize Ukraine’s economy. The proposal references pathways for deeper Ukrainian integration with Europe, including support for progressing toward EU membership and providing enhanced access to European markets. A large “Ukraine Development Fund” is also mentioned in multiple summaries of the plan. Provisions Driving the Most Global Pushback The most controversial elements relate to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and long-term security posture. Outlets such as Sky News and Al Jazeera report that the draft would recognize Russian control over Crimea and large parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson — areas currently occupied by Russian forces. Ukraine would also be required to formally abandon NATO membership and cap its military at 600,000 personnel. Additional provisions include restrictions on the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine, phased lifting of sanctions on Russia, full amnesty for war-related actions, and the reintegration of Russia into global economic and political structures. These components have drawn sharp responses, particularly from European leaders who argue the plan could reward aggression and undermine international legal norms. Dr. Glen Duerr is a citizen of three countries. He was born in the United Kingdom, moved to Canada as a teenager, and then to the United States to obtain his Ph.D. His teaching and research interests include nationalism and secession, comparative politics, international relations theory, sports and politics, and Christianity and politics. View his profile. What Remains Unclear or Still Under Discussion Reporting from Reuters and AP notes that many sections of the plan remain undefined or are still in flux. The exact mechanism behind the proposed security guarantees is not detailed. Oversight of reconstruction funds, timelines for reintegration of Russia, and the legal handling of frozen assets also require further clarification. Some reporting suggests parts of the plan draw from a prior informal Russian “non-paper,” raising questions about the provenance and intent of specific provisions. Why the Proposal Matters With the war approaching four years of fighting, any formal proposal for ending hostilities carries significant geopolitical weight. Supporters of the plan frame it as a pragmatic attempt to halt loss of life and begin rebuilding. Critics argue it risks legitimizing territorial conquest and weakening the broader post-Cold-War security order. As governments evaluate the implications, journalists covering defense, diplomacy, and international law will find this evolving proposal central to understanding where U.S., European, Russian, and Ukrainian negotiators may — or may not — be willing to go next.
Trump’s Threat is His Destruction of the Republican Party
In All the King’s Men, Robert Penn Warren describes Willie Stark’s final victory. “And there wasn’t any Democratic party. There was just Willie, with his hair in his eyes and his shirt sticking to his stomach with sweat. And he had a meat ax in his hand and was screaming for blood.” Warren’s description is darkly poetic and metaphorical. Stark, the populist governor of a fictional state, did not murder his rivals, but he did destroy them, along with the political party he rode to power. Like Stark, Donald Trump has carved up the Republican Party of old, and in its place, there is just Trump. This is not the first time a politician has remade a political party, but the death of the G.O.P. threatens to unbalance our political system. We are defined by close elections, tight legislative majorities, and polarized preferences. Neither side in the cultural conflict can achieve core objectives, so the temptation to put more hope and power into the Executive, to skew the system, is mounting. We can argue about the degree to which past Republicans were truly restrained, especially in government spending, but at least the G.O.P. used to advocate for two seatbelts to keep the body politic safe from accidents: character to govern the self and constitutionalism to limit what government can do to others. As the G.O.P. grew to rival Democratic power, in the 1980s and 1990s, the New Deal coalition fractured, along with the assumption that simply more power, expertly applied, could solve our problems. Democrat Bill Clinton conceded “the era of big government is over.” Justice Elena Kagan recognized, “we’re all textualists now.” The tug of war between an evolving progressivism and a robust conservatism may not have made for an ideal way to solve problems, but it did encourage humility, born of the recognition that radical actions, even if successful, would be punished. Dr. Mark Caleb Smith serves as Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. He teaches courses in American Politics, Constitutional Law, and Research Methodology/Data Analysis. His primary research interest is in the field of religion and American politics. View his profile Those days are over. Donald Trump’s Republicans are no longer a restraint of any kind. The seatbelts of the past have been snipped by the same leaders who claimed to buckle them in place. The Epstein Files are the exception of congressional pushback that proves the rule of the party’s degradation. But what of the appointment of unqualified and incompetent leaders in the F.B.I., H.H.S., Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense? Illegal and extra-judicial killings in the Caribbean? An unexplained and unauthorized military buildup in the same region? Shakedowns of universities and media outlets? Crypto corruption? Tariffs? Strong-arming law firms and firing career civil servants for seeking justice in our courts? The Republican response has mostly been crickets. There is no longer a major party that pretends to restrain the president through the law out of principle. The real disagreement between Trump Republicans and Biden Democrats is not about should the president abuse his power, but how. Unless something dramatic happens, the politics of the meat ax will come for us all. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding the state of politics in America. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview.
Holiday Anxiety Is Real — Here’s How People Can Actually Stay Sane This Season
The holidays promise joy, warmth, and “quality time,” but for many people they also deliver a cocktail of stress, expectations, forced cheer, family politics, and receipts longer than a CVS bill. Between travel chaos, financial pressure, social burnout, and attempting to assemble toys designed by engineers who clearly hate humans, holiday anxiety is soaring. The good news: experts who study mental health, behaviour, and stress management say there are ways to keep your nerves intact — and maybe even enjoy yourself along the way. Why the Holidays Stress People Out (Science Says It’s Not Just You) Adults report higher levels of stress in November and December than almost any other time of year. Common triggers include: Financial expectations: gifts, gatherings, travel, meals, and the sudden belief that every present needs to be “meaningful.” Time pressure: too much to do, too few days on the calendar. Social overload: introverts, extroverts, and “I’m-just-here-for-the-food-verts” all feel it. Family dynamics: every family has at least one person who always “starts something.” Nostalgia vs. reality: the pressure to create a “perfect holiday,” despite the fact that perfect holidays only exist in movies and greeting cards. Experts note that people often skip their routines (sleep, exercise, healthy meals) and then wonder why their stress spikes. The season demands more of people while simultaneously removing their coping mechanisms. Practical Ways to Reduce Holiday Anxiety — Backed by Psychology (and Common Sense) 1. Lower the Bar: “Good Enough” Is a Holiday Gift to Yourself Researchers consistently find that perfectionism fuels anxiety. A store-bought pie, a slightly messy house, or wrapping gifts in whatever paper you can find at 11 p.m. will not derail the season. 2. Set Boundaries (Even With the Loud Relatives) Experts often emphasize that saying “no” is one of the most effective stress-management tools. Fewer events, fewer obligations, fewer emotional landmines. 3. Budget Before You Shop Financial therapists note that anxiety drops when people pre-set limits and stick to them. You don’t need a MasterCard bill that arrives in January carrying the emotional weight of a Greek tragedy. 4. Protect Your Recharge Time A short walk, fresh air, or 10 minutes of solitude is not selfish — it’s psychological maintenance. Mental-health researchers recommend intentionally scheduling downtime before the calendar fills itself. 5. Keep Expectations Realistic Not every moment will be magical. Not every conversation will be smooth. Not every plan will unfold as imagined. Experts say acceptance, not forced positivity, lowers stress significantly. 6. Focus on Meaning, Not Perfection Studies show that people feel calmer when they shift their focus toward connection, gratitude, and small moments rather than elaborate performances of holiday cheer. Holiday Angles for Journalists The psychology behind holiday anxiety — what triggers it and why it’s so universal How family systems and old patterns surface at holiday gatherings The economics of holiday stress — debt, spending pressure, and emotional spending How introverts (and extroverts) navigate holiday overload differently Why holiday nostalgia makes people emotionally sensitive Healthy boundary-setting during family events How immigrant, multicultural, and blended families are reshaping holiday expectations Let's get you connected to an expert. The holiday season is increasingly fast-paced, commercialized, and socially demanding. Many people feel pressure to present a perfect life at a time when burnout, financial strain, and mental-health challenges are higher than ever. Helping audiences understand holiday stress — and giving them practical, research-grounded strategies — can make a measurable difference in their emotional well-being. For journalists covering mental health, family dynamics, holiday culture, or stress-management trends, ExpertFile’s roster of psychologists, counsellors, behavioural scientists, and wellness experts can offer insights, interviews, and real-world advice to support your reporting. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com
#ExpertSpotlight: Why Do We Eat Turkey at Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is all about tradition — family gatherings, fall colours, and the annual moment where someone at the table says, “I swear the turkey was bigger last year.” But why this bird? Why not ham, roast beef, or something simpler that doesn't require hours of basting, brining, and YouTube tutorials from chefs with suspiciously perfect kitchens? It turns out, the turkey’s rise to holiday fame is a tale packed with practicality, politics, early marketing, and a few misconceptions that have stuck around longer than the leftovers. Turkey: The Accidental Icon While popular myth suggests the Pilgrims dined on turkey in 1621, historical accounts are vague. They definitely ate wild fowl — which could’ve been turkey, duck, or goose. But practical realities sealed the deal later on: Turkeys were plentiful: In the 1800s, wild turkeys roamed North America in massive numbers. They were big, available, and cheaper to raise than cows or pigs. Big bird = big table: A turkey could feed a crowd without sacrificing dairy-producing animals. Practicality wins again. Seasonal timing: Turkeys matured in the fall, just in time for an annual feast. Nature set the menu before Pinterest ever could. Sarah Josepha Hale: The 19th-Century Queen of Thanksgiving One of the biggest reasons turkey ended up on the national table? A woman named Sarah Josepha Hale — journalist, author, and relentless advocate for making Thanksgiving a national holiday. Hale spent decades campaigning, writing hundreds of letters, and filling her magazine with Thanksgiving recipes (including turkey). When Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving in 1863, Hale’s influence helped cement turkey as the centrepiece. In other words: The “Mother of Thanksgiving” was also the Mother of Modern Turkey Marketing. The Power of Tradition (and Leftovers) By the 20th century, turkey was the default. Norman Rockwell painted it. Grocery stores promoted it. Manufacturers created special roasting pans for it. And millions of families quietly wondered whether it was worth the effort. Yet the turkey holds its place because: It symbolizes abundance It satisfies enough people to avoid mutiny Its leftovers power the real Thanksgiving tradition: sandwiches Great Story Angles for Journalists The forgotten role of Sarah Josepha Hale — the woman who shaped a national holiday How turkeys became big business — and how Thanksgiving drives Canada/U.S. poultry economics Turkey myths vs. facts — no, tryptophan alone doesn’t knock you out How immigrant communities reinterpret Thanksgiving menus What the “perfect” turkey says about North American food culture Why It Matters Today Thanksgiving remains a cultural anchor — a moment where millions gather over a shared meal whose main dish has become iconic, symbolic, and occasionally overcooked. Understanding how turkey became the star of the table opens conversations about food history, national identity, environmental sustainability, cultural adaptation, and of course… the annual debate over stuffing inside or outside the bird. For journalists exploring food history, cultural traditions, or holiday trends, culinary experts on ExpertFile can provide deeper context, historical insight, and delicious perspectives to bring your stories to life. Find your expert here: www.expertfile.com
The keys to holiday happiness: Gratitude, giving and genuine connection
The holiday ads insist that it’s the time for cheer, buying gifts and reconnecting with friends and family. Various factors – social media, remote work, politics – have made that more difficult than ever. There is hope: Research by the University of Delaware's Amit Kumar shows the path to genuine happiness this season. Kumar, assistant professor of marketing in UD's Lerner College of Business & Economics, offered the following three strategies. Gratitude: • Gratitude and giving thanks has benefits for both the giver and the receiver. It makes both parties feel good, and provides a real-life human connection at a time when those are hard to come by. "Investing in doing is a better route to social connection than spending on having." - Amit Kumar A shift in gift buying strategy: • Experiences can make for better gifts than trinkets, coats, jewelry or other items. There's a better chance of social connection if you're doing something rather than giving something. Type less, talk more: • It's important to keep in touch, but reconnecting during the holidays through a phone call or face-to-face interaction (virtually or in person) has a better chance of strengthening our bonds. More information on Kumar, who is also an assistant professor of psychological & brain sciences, can be found on his website. To contact Kumar directly and arrange an interview, visit his profile and click on the contact button. Interested reporters can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.
From classrooms to communities: Rethinking civic engagement in K–12 education
When national headlines focus on school board battles and political polarization, James Bridgeforth, assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Delaware, is focused on what’s possible instead: building a more inclusive, participatory model of democracy through public education. His research in UD's College of Education and Human Development explores how community voice, equity and local leadership intersect to shape education policy – and how school boards can serve as vital engines for rebuilding public trust in government. "Despite the often sensationalized stories of chaotic school board meetings and the influence of more national "culture war" issues, I still believe that it's possible for people from different backgrounds, experiences, and points of view to come together to figure out how to best serve the needs of all of our children." – Bridgeforth Bridgeforth’s work centers on education governance, policy and leadership, with particular attention to how racism and anti-Blackness manifest in schools and policymaking spaces. His scholarship highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making, arguing that effective education policy must be representative of the diverse communities it serves. He recently published the report "Navigating Democracy in Divided Times" with co-authors on this topic. As part of his work with the Getting Down to Facts III project at Stanford University, Bridgeforth collaborates with researchers studying how to improve California’s TK–12 system and inform the next governor’s education policy agenda. His work documents the complex realities faced by local school board members – often minimally paid community leaders navigating contentious public discourse, social media pressure and limited resources. He notes that this research can be applied to school boards around the country. The next frontier: Youth civic engagement Over the next several years, Bridgeforth aims to deepen understanding of how schools can nurture young people’s civic skills and leadership capacity through participation in governance. One proposed project – "Strengthening Opportunities for Youth Civic Engagement and Student Voice in Educational Governance" – uses participatory action research to explore how student board member policies and engagement practices foster civic agency and democratic mindsets. This collaborative work brings together youth-led community organizations and education researchers to study how these experiences shape long-term civic behavior – from voting to public service. Why it matters Bridgeforth’s research arrives at a pivotal time for American democracy. As trust in public institutions erodes, local school boards remain one of the spaces where citizens can directly shape policy. His work points to a hopeful truth: democracy’s renewal may begin in classrooms, communities and the local school board meetings shaping them. For journalists covering education, race or civic engagement, Bridgeforth offers data-driven insight, lived experience and policy expertise – helping make sense of one of the most pressing questions of our time: How can we build systems that truly serve all students and communities? This work collectively demonstrates a number of promising opportunities to foster more inclusive, community-connected forms of governance, particularly in a time of eroding trust in government institutions." – Bridgeforth ABOUT JAMES BRIDGEFORTH Assistant Professor, College of Education and Human Development James Bridgeforth is an educator, researcher and policy advocate whose work focuses on community voice in education policy and the politics of educational leadership. His scholarship has appeared in top journals including Journal of School Leadership, Education Policy Analysis Archives, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis and Educational Administration Quarterly, and he has contributed to Education Week and The Washington Post. A recipient of the National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship, Bridgeforth holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education Policy from the University of Southern California, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia, and a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from Georgia College & State University. Expert available for: Interviews on K–12 school governance, education policy and democracy Commentary on community voice and equity in education decision-making Analysis of youth civic engagement and participatory leadership To contact Bridgeforth, email mediarelations@udel.edu.
Everyone from farmers to Fortune 500 companies are now feeling the impact of Trump administration tariffs aimed primarily at reducing the trade deficit and reviving domestic manufacturing. University of Delaware experts offer insight into the economic, political and social impacts of these tariffs and what the future of U.S. trade policy may hold. Experts available: Alice Ba, associate professor, International Relations and Comparative Politics – Topic: Economic implications of tariffs on domestic industries and global supply chains. Dan Green, associate professor, International Relations and Political Theory – Topic: Political dynamics of U.S. trade policy and congressional responses. Dan Kinderman, professor, Comparative Politics and International Relations – Topic: Impacts on international business relationships and corporate strategy. Robert Denemark, professor, International Relations – Global geopolitical implications and international relations perspectives. Stuart Kaufman, professor, Political Science and International Relations – Historical context and comparative analysis of past U.S. trade policies. Journalists who would like to speak with these experts can click on their profiles or email mediarelations@udel.edu.
