Eric Smith

Professor of Political Science, UC Santa Barbara

Guest

Professor of Political Science Professor at the University of California Santa Barbara, specializing in environmental politics

Eric Smith on KCRW

The price of oil crossed the $100-a-barrel threshold at the first of this year. Last week, it hit a record $147, then dropped below $130. But it's creeping up again today.

To Drill or Not to Drill

The price of oil crossed the $100-a-barrel threshold at the first of this year. Last week, it hit a record $147, then dropped below $130. But it's creeping up again today.

from To the Point

Offshore oil drilling is almost an abstract issue in California, except in Long Beach and Santa Barbara, where giant rigs dominate the scenery.   Now the high price of gasoline has…

Is California Ready to Rethink Offshore Oil Drilling?

Offshore oil drilling is almost an abstract issue in California, except in Long Beach and Santa Barbara, where giant rigs dominate the scenery.   Now the high price of gasoline has…

from Which Way, L.A.?

More from KCRW

On a Friday morning in rural Kansas, the publisher of a tiny local newspaper hears a knock at the door. It’s the police—with a search warrant.

from Question Everything

What does “America First” mean when it comes to U.S. plans for Iran? The business community puts pressure on immigration policy.

from Left, Right & Center

Cracks within the GOP turn the “Big, Beautiful Bill” into a mess. President Trump visits the Middle East. Plus, Democrats’ past and future collide.

from Left, Right & Center

While protesters grabbed headlines in LA, many immigrants stayed home. Fear and outrage gripped the city, costing businesses customers and workers their wages.

from KCRW Features

As immigration raids continue across Southern California, there’s growing concern that federal agents may be targeting U.S. citizens based on their skin color.

from KCRW Features

A federal judge ordered the return of a wrongfully deported man — will the White House comply? What’s the likelihood of Harvard University losing $2 billion over antisemitism laws?

from Left, Right & Center

Former OC Supervisor Andrew Do pleaded guilty last year to bribery. Some supervisors say his plea deal with the federal government is too lenient.

from KCRW Features

A series of ICE raids across Southern California could take away Republicans’ momentum among Latino voters.

from KCRW Features

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s whirlwind bromance comes to an end. Plus, why are Israel and the UN at odds over a new humanitarian aid group in Gaza?

from Left, Right & Center