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.

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?

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.

In a democracy, the government derives authority from the electorate's consent. Holding elections and exercising the right to vote are essential to democracy. Many laws and rules govern the people and resources involved in campaigns and voting to ensure elections are competitive and inclusive. This brief will focus on election basics and ways to protect free, fair, and secure elections.

The goal of energy that is reliable, resilient, affordable, and not detrimental to the environment is straightforward, but has not been so easy to reach. Can we achieve all four simultaneously when it comes to energy policy and the environment? What is the current situation and how did we get here? And what energy policy best balances meeting our energy needs while being responsible stewards of the world’s resources?

In the United States, 54% of American adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level, and nearly one in five adults reads below a third-grade level. Lower literacy rates directly correlate to higher unemployment rates, reduced income, and overall impacts U.S. competitiveness on the global stage. Understanding both K-12 literacy rates as well as adult literacy rates at a local level is critical to improve overall literacy policy and drive access to literacy programming.

Community, civic life, and faith all work together to form society. Social capital and groups have been declining since the late 20th century, forcing a special focus on these bonds and their importance. This Brief will cover the history, decline, and conversation about the role of faith in civic activity.

U.S. foreign policy towards activities in the Asia Pacific region has vital national security, diplomatic, and economic implications for the U.S. Read on to learn more about our allies and security challenges, and the strategic goals and implications of U.S. foreign policy in Asia, in particular with respect to China and North Korea.