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Political Science - Western University

@westernupolisci.bsky.social
70 followers 71 following 32 posts

Contributing to #Western's reputation for excellence in teaching and research across political theory, international relations, Canadian and comparative politics, local government, public administration and a leader in innovative research methods training.

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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Political Science PhD candidate Noah Vanderhoeven provided expert insight to CBC London Morning on a website taking bets on municipal election races in Ontario. iqmediacorp.com/ExternalIfra...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Political Science professor Joseph Lyons provided expert insight to TimminsToday on the lack of candidates for the municipal election in Fauquier, Ont. The story was shared by eight publications. Read more: www.timminstoday.com/2026-municip...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Political Science professor and Local Government Program director Zack Taylor provided expert insight to The Hamilton Spectator on the 2026 Burlington mayoral race. Read the story: www.thespec.com/news/municip...
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
As the U.S. midterms approach in November, Political Science professor Matt Lebo is sharing his expertise on Canada-U.S. relations with CBC radio stations across the country, including The Morning Show on CBC St. John’s. Listen to the interview: iqmediacorp.com/ExternalIfra... #WesternU #PoliSci
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
CBC News featured Western’s Body Politics Lab in a story exploring how politics can affect stress levels, with insights from director Amanda Friesen and Political Science PhD students Samantha Jones and Noah Eliot Vanderhoeven. www.cbc.ca/news/health/...
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Political Science professors Andrew Sancton and Joe Lyons provided expert insight to The Hamilton Spectator on why several Hamilton school board trustee seats will be filled without a race. Read more: www.thespec.com/news/municip...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Political Science professor Martin Horak spoke to the Stratford Beacon Herald about the growing trend of uncontested municipal elections, as Enniskillen Township’s council is acclaimed for the third consecutive election. www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/news/local-n...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
🤫 Okay... we’re opening the files. Welcome to Social Science Confessions. Forgot an assignment? Started reading “tomorrow”? 👀 If you felt seen 😂, send us your confession by DM. No names. No judgment. #WesternU #WesternSocialScience
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
What does it take to build a successful business from the ground up? 🚀 Western political science grad and Spin Master co-founder Ronnen Harary, BA’94, shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey and his new book with Business Insider. www.businessinsider.com/spin-master-...
businessinsider.com
The founder of Spin Master explains why your 20s are the best time to start a company
Ronnen Harary said people are less likely to view founders in their 20s as competition.
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Political science professor Martin Horak shared his expertise with CBC Toronto and CBC Info on whether Ontario can reverse the trend of declining candidate numbers in elections. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
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Political Science - Western University @westernupolisci.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
PS4502G is a hands-on research experience, analyzing public opinion data & culminating in a group report that will directly contribute to a long-term project aiming to better understand the factors that hinder progress towards reconciliation. If you want a course with real-world impact, this is it.
PS4502G: Public Opinion & Reconciliation in Canada. Hands-on research. Real data. Real impact. (Maple Leaf background)
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
In an op-ed published in The Globe and Mail, political science professor emeritus Andrew Sanction argues Canada's housing crisis could be eased by an overhaul of development charges. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/com...
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: Can fixing development charges fix Canada’s housing crisis?
Municipalities should reduce development charges by expanding borrowing and spreading infrastructure costs out over time
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Political science professor Zack Taylor provided expert insight to the London Free Press on why so many candidates are still running for school board trustee across the region, even after Ontario government reforms have reduced trustees' powers. lfpress.com/news/local-n...
lfpress.com
Analysis: Despite reduced powers, school trustee races draw candidates
Experts say some candidates still see value in representing their communities despite Queen’s Park’s overhaul.
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Happy Civic Holiday long weekend, Faculty of Social Science! 🎉 Offices at Western University will be closed Mon, Aug 3 and reopen Tues, Aug 4. Wishing you a safe, restful, and enjoyable long weekend! ✨ #WesternU #CivicHoliday
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Political science professor Matt Lebo provided expert insight in a Canadian Press article shared by outlets across the country, including the Toronto Star and CTV News, about how President Trump is influencing Republicans’ views on Canada-U.S. relations. www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/tru...
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A new report by political science professor emeritus Andrew Sancton about development charges was covered by CTV London. www.ctvnews.ca/london/artic...
ctvnews.ca
New report argues development charges unfair to new home buyers
If you’re buying a brand new home, you may be paying more than your share when it comes to development charges. That’s according to at least one expert in how municipalities operate.
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Political science PhD candidate Noah Eliot Vanderhoeven joined CBC Radio's The Sunday Magazine to discuss how the 2026 World Cup will be remembered. www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday...
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Congratulations to 11 Faculty of Social Science researchers awarded prestigious SSHRC Insight Grants! Their innovative projects will advance knowledge, inform policy, and strengthen communities in Canada and beyond. 👏 #WesternU #SSHRC #SocialScience #Research
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Political Science - Western University @westernupolisci.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
American democracy is changing fast & and this fall you can study it as it happens. PS 2192A follows the 2026 Congressional elections in real time w/ expert insight from Prof @matthewlebo.bsky.social through asynchronous lectures & live weekly conversations. Politics, alive & unfolding.
A striking scene from a recent period of political unrest in the United States: a makeshift gallows erected near the Capitol, surrounded by demonstrators.A striking scene from a recent period of political unrest in the United States: a makeshift gallows erected near the Capitol, surrounded by demonstrators.
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Political Science - Western University @westernupolisci.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. İpek Ece Şener as the newest member of our department! Dr. Sener comes to us with a PhD from Washington University in St. Louis, and more recently from Harvard University’s Department of Government where she was a College Fellow. #polisci #newfaculty #IR #westernu
Welcome Dr. İpek Ece Şener (headshot img)Her research has been published in top outlets such as the Journal of Conflict Resolution, the Journal of Peace Research, and World Politics.  
Dr. Sener conducts research in the area of International Relations, broadly, and has specific expertise on topics such as radicalization, activist-militant relations, state repression and civil conflict. She has three streams of active research: the interaction between activist actions, support for militancy and state actions; the strategy behind militant propaganda; and how international actors and institutions influence civil wars. She is also involved with the Data-driven Analysis of Peace Project.
We are very excited about the contributions Dr. Sener will make to our department. In 2026-7, Dr. Sener will be teaching Politics of the Middle East (PS3329f), Global Security (4408g) and PS9516b (Survey Design).
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Political Science - Western University @westernupolisci.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The Department of Political Science is proud to announce that Dr. Do Young Gong has joined our ranks! We look forward to welcoming Dr. Gong to #westernu in July 2027! #polisci #newfaculty #IR #harvard
Welcome Dr. Do Young Gong (headshot image)Dr. Gong earned her PhD in Political Science (2026) and a Master’s in Applied Statistics (2025) at the University of Illinois. Dr. Gong will be delaying her arrival in London by a year to take on a postdoctoral appointment at Harvard University.

Dr. Gong is an expert on political violence, political methodology and conflict management and resolution. Her dissertation research looked at the interdependence between coups and civil wars. Her research has been published in top outlets, including World Development, International Studies Quarterly and the International Review of Public Administration.
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Political science professor Matt Lebo joined several CBC Radio morning shows across the country including The Morning Edition on CBC Kitchener-Waterloo to discuss U.S. history as the country marks 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. iqmediacorp.com/ExternalIfra...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
A London Free Press story about why London’s downtown will be a key election issue included expert insight from political science professor Martin Horak. lfpress.com/news/local-n...
lfpress.com
Analysis: Why London's downtown will be hot topic on campaign trail
The state of London's downtown has been a perennial election issue, and 2026 will be no different
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Political Science student Soumya Ananth is building community through leadership, mentorship, and service. Read how she's making an impact at Western: www.ssc.uwo.ca/meetourstars... #WesternU #SocialScience
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Ranked sixth in Canada, Western sits 142nd among 1,500 institutions worldwide in QS World University Rankings. It moved up nine spots from last year, gaining ground across academic reputation, employer reputation, international research network and sustainability. news.westernu.ca/2026/06/west...
news.westernu.ca
Western advances in global rankings, placing in top 10 per cent - Western News
Western places in top 10 per cent among 1,500 universities worldwide and is sixth in Canada according to the 2027 QS World University Rankings.
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories PhD Candidate Noah Vanderhoeven is exploring the intersection of sports and politics while developing advanced research and public scholarship skills at Western University. www.ssc.uwo.ca/meetourstars...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
🏅 Congratulations to the 2026 Faculty of Social Science Gold Medal, Chancellor's Prize and Governor General's Silver Medal recipients! Recognized at our Annual Awards Reception on June 11, these graduates exemplify academic excellence and achievement. 💜 #WesternU #SocialScience
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Zack Taylor @bigcitypolitics.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
I've recently issued my 1,000th decision letter as editor-in-chief of Territory, Politics, Governance journal @rsa-tpg.bsky.social. A few reflections:
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
🎓✨ Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Years of hard work, determination and growth have led to this moment. Thank you to our faculty, staff, professors and volunteers who made Convocation 2026 possible. 💜 #WesternU #ClassOf2026
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
✨ CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! 🎓 Years of hard work, determination, and growth have led to this milestone. Today, we celebrate your achievements and all that lies ahead. 💜 Class of 2026, we are proud of you! #WesternU #ClassOf2026 #Convocation2026 #PurpleAndProud
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Blair Welsh @blairwelsh.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
🚨 New paper in @isq-jrnl.bsky.social with Prabin Khadka. We study the reintegration of women and children during conflict. Our survey experiment in Somalia shows the public are more accepting of women and children, particularly those wedded to al-Shabaab fighters. academic.oup.com/isq/article/...
academic.oup.com
The Reintegration of Women and Children Defecting from Armed Groups during Conflict: Evidence from Somalia
Abstract. The public acceptance of former enemy collaborators by local communities is crucial for preventing violent extremism. Few studies experimentally
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Students of Professor Marta Dyczok created a short video following the conference she hosted at Western in February 2026, marking four years since the escalation of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. The video reflects on key discussions from this important event. tinyurl.com/44s7rztu#Wes...
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Reposted by Political Science - Western University
Western University @westernu.ca · 08/06/2026
It’s convocation week, #WesternClassof2026! 🎓💜 We can't wait to celebrate with you at Canada Life Place. As you cross the stage, you’ll join more than 382,000 Western alumni making an impact around the world. See everything you need to know about your special day: convocation.uwo.ca/celebrations...
convocation.uwo.ca
Celebrations - Convocation - Western University
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Political science professor and chair Laura Stephenson provided expert insight in a Canadian Press article about an NDP bill that would require floor crossers to face voters first. www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/ndp...
thecanadianpressnews.ca
NDP leader introduces bill that would require floor crossers to face voters first
OTTAWA - NDP parliamentary leader Don Davies has introduced a private member's bill that would compel floor crossers to face their voters before switching parties.
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Political science professor and chair Laura Stephenson provided expert insight in a Reuters story about MP Steven Guilbeault’s decision to leave the Liberal caucus which was picked up by a number of outlets around the world. www.reuters.com/world/carney...
reuters.com
Former Canadian minister to quit seat over environmental concerns, shrinking Carney's government
Former Canadian cabinet minister Steven ​Guilbeault said on Wednesday he plans to step down from his seat in parliament, citing ‌his desire to fight for environmental protections after objecting to de...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Political science professor Erika Simpson is quoted in a China Daily story on rising tension leading to a pause of the joint Canada-U.S. defense board. global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/23/...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Political science professor emeritus Andrew Sancton provided expert insight in a CTV News Ottawa story about a controversial advertisement paid for through Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s office budget. www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/artic...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
CTV London quotes political science professor Martin Horak in response to city council’s proposal for wider driveways and front yard parking. Read more: www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/committee-disregards-concerns-about-changing-londons-parking-policies-to-address-shortages-at-some-new-developments/
ctvnews.ca
Committee disregards concerns about changing London’s parking policies to address shortages at some new developments
Several councillors claim recent policy changes at London City Hall to help address the housing crisis have also led to a shortage of parking around some new high-density buildings and single-family h...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Political science chair and professor, Laura Stephenson provides expert insight to BBC about Nunavut MP Lori Idlout’s crossing the floor to the Liberals. Learn more: www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Carney inches closer to majority, as fourth MP defects to Liberals
Lori Idlout, formerly of the NDP, has become the latest lawmaker in the current parliament to cross the floor.
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
With insights from political science PhD candidate Noah Vanderhoeven, The Western Gazette explores why countries are banned from international sports. Learn more: westerngazette.ca/sports/why-t...
westerngazette.ca
Why them? The logic behind banning countries from sport
Banning countries from international sports can be a powerful tool, but it’s hardly a precise science.
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
The Western Gazette reports fourth-year psychology and criminology student Sabreen Kaur Sukhija and fourth-year political science student Stephen Titizian are elected USC VP University Affairs and VP External Affairs, respectively. westerngazette.ca/news/usc-ele...
westerngazette.ca
USC elects VP university affairs, VP external affairs for 2026–27
The University Students’ Council elected Sabreen Kaur Sukhija as the next vice-president university affairs, and Stephen Titizian as the next vice-president external affairs on Feb. 27.
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
The Globe & Mail quotes political science professor Zack Taylor remembering the life of the late Giorgio Mammoliti who won seven consecutive municipal elections in Toronto. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
City councillor Giorgio Mammoliti played to the TV cameras in Ford-era Toronto
During his long career on city council, he was known for his combativeness and outrageous stunts, engaging in ‘the politics of provocation and of performance’
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Following Premier Ford’s back-to-back policy announcements, CBC Toronto’s Here and Now interviews political science PhD candidate Sam Routley to learn what is behind the flurry. Listen here: iqmediacorp.com/ExternalIfra...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Political science professor Dave Armstrong provides expert comment in a Toronto Star article about whether the federal Liberal party will keep a majority if an election were to be called today. Read more here: www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Mark Carney would likely keep his majority if an election was held now, polls suggest
Prime Minister Mark Carney would likely keep — and possibly enlarge — his new-found Liberal majority if a general election was held today, according to the latest projection from The
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
China Daily - Hong Kong includes comments from political science professor Erika Simpson about Canada limiting its ties to U.S. defence. Read more: www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/6...
chinadailyhk.com
Canada 'limits' US defense ties
Canada's push to scale back its reliance on the United States for defense procurement signals waning trust in Washington, even as Ottawa remains structurally tied to its closest ally, experts say.
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Political science professor Matt Lebo joins 13 CBC Radio programs, including CBC London Morning, to discuss the King’s visit to Washington. Listen here: iqmediacorp.com/ExternalIfra...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
CBC News includes comment from political science professor Matt Lebo in a story on President Trump’s plans to replace the White House east wing with a state ballroom. Read more: www.cbc.ca/news/world/t...
cbc.ca
Trump's controversial ballroom is getting a new push. How did we get here? | CBC News
The Trump administration is ramping up its push for the president's proposed ballroom after last weekend's shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner, with top Republicans now arguing the even...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Political science PhD candidate Noah Eliott Vanderhoeven was interviewed on several CBC radio programs across the country including CBC Halifax about Iranian soccer officials being denied entry into Canada. Listen here: iqmediacorp.com/ExternalIfra...
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Social Science @ WesternU @westernusocsci.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
CBC Toronto includes expert insight from political science professor Zack Taylor about political advocacy groups in Toronto running attack ads ahead of the upcoming municipal election. Read more: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Meet the 2 political advocacy groups trying to sway your vote in the municipal election | CBC News
Progress Toronto and A Better City Toronto are running ads on Meta platforms decrying potential mayoral candidates, with some experts saying their prominence could impact the 2026 municipal election r...
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