Political science

President Obama is scheduled to address the nation tonight to explain why he thinks Congress should authorize the use of American force in response to the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons. The future of US influence around the globe is at stake.

Global Witness says that the number of assassinations of environmental activists has risen around the world. Journalist Fred Pearce says that drawing attention to these cases could help prevent more deaths.

The 2000 election exposed the fragile state of the American voting system, but it’s unclear how much has changed since the Bush v. Gore controversy 12 years ago. Law professor Rick Hasen says that without federal reform, Election Day meltdowns will continue to occur.

No matter who wins in Tuesday’s elections, American foreign policy will likely change. Some say it already has.

A new program from MIT aims to help create jobs in earthquake ravaged Haiti.