Briefs

For decades, affirmative action has been the subject of debate. With a recent Supreme Court decision, both universities and employers are left to grapple with the legality, fairness, and effectiveness of affirmative action. This Brief will delve into the history of race-based considerations, and explore the uncertain path forward.

On the whole, the population of the United States is getting older. But what does that entail? How might an aging population impact cultural perspectives on old age or prompt social changes? What can a workforce of older adults bring to the economy? What are the financial costs associated with this population trend in terms of retirement and health care? Individuals, private businesses, and policymakers will all play an important role as the impacts of an aging population become clear.

The stated goal of antitrust laws is to ensure that businesses operate fairly and to protect consumers by ensuring that a competitive marketplace gives them access to more choices, low prices, high-quality goods, and innovative products. In 2021, Congress proposed several new pieces of antitrust legislation, and dozens of antitrust lawsuits are pending. This wave of antitrust actions will likely reshape the business and regulatory landscape, impacting both businesses and consumers.

The purpose of The Policy Circle Engagement Guides is to provide context and resources related to local engagement opportunities, so that any organization, group, or individual can participate in what’s happening in the community in which they operate and live. This opens opportunities to be a part of the fabric of the community, and build a network of local community members, all of which will ultimately improve business outcomes. This guide focuses on local businesses and entrepreneurs, their role in the community, and the ecosystem of relationships between local government, community, business and employees.

This Brief dives into the basics of campaign finance at the federal level, specifically key terminology and debates surrounding it, the types of political organizations that raise and spend money in the political process, the laws and court cases that have shaped it, and helpful information to know before you donate.

China and the United States are long-time trade partners that are ideologically opposed, creating a complicated and convoluted relationship that political leaders are struggling to untangle. How is China attempting to influence politics in the United States? Is TikTok a concern? How does the U.S. stack up to China? This Brief breaks down the influence of China on the United States and in your life, as well as the larger implications of the U.S.-China relationship.

Crime weighs heavily on the minds of many Americans, with 61% of registered voters ranking crime in 2022 as "very important" when weighing political decisions. With recent reports of increased violence, what are the factors leading to this spike, and what are the challenges in national data collection efforts? What is the role of the criminal justice system? This Policy Circle Brief will explore this complex topic - how do we measure crime and define safety? How do crime waves impact communities, families, and businesses? What is the role of government, and, importantly, what can we do as citizens to build safer communities?

The way processing systems function means personal data online is part of regular life, as are the dangers that come with it. What exactly are the dangers of unprotected data? What are the roles of citizens, businesses, and the government when it comes to technology and data? How can these stakeholders work together to promote safe cybersecurity practices and frameworks that protect data without infringing on individual rights and freedoms?

Technology has become an essential component of our lives. The following brief explores the digital landscape within the United States and across the world, as well as what governments and individuals can do to advance the social and economic benefits of technology. What is the best way to build digital infrastructure? What about the world’s population that still lacks Internet access? Will new technologies impact how businesses and governments function? What are the technological implications for education, healthcare, or privacy rights?

Economic growth is the increase in what a country produces, particularly the amount of goods and services, over time. Worldwide growth exploded in the last two and a half centuries. This dramatic growth has brought unprecedented opportunities, health, and happiness to people across the globe. How did this happen, and how can we continue this surge in opportunity? This Brief covers how economic growth impacts society, key economic indicators that track growth, what roles the government and the private sector play, the current state of our economy, and a discussion of economic policy ideas that could enhance our nation and the world.

Innovation in education involves leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences and create more personalized and accessible education opportunities. To keep pace in our ever-changing world, educational practices must continue to evolve. This Brief covers the latest innovative practices in education and demonstrates the types of policies and practices that can encourage more of it.