Policy Briefs

YIP's policy briefs provide clear, nonpartisan summaries of key national issues and policies. Designed for accessibility, they distill complex topics into concise, understandable analyses, bridging the gap between intricate policy debates and a broad audience. These briefs embody our commitment to informed, unbiased discourse, crucial for fostering a well-informed public and encouraging active engagement in policy discussions.

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Briefs harmonize diverse political perspectives in policy teams of 4-6 for insightful policy solutions.

Recent Policy Briefs

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Arctic Oil and Gas Development

Environmental Policy

Zaina Nasir, Rishya Vemireddy, Jaslene Szeto, Maiya Olsen

Oil and gas development in Alaska’s Arctic region presents complex environmental and social challenges. This policy brief examines the history of Arctic energy development, recent changes to federal oil and gas regulations, and the consequences for ecosystems and communities inhabiting Alaska. It explores policy options for balancing energy development while protecting environmental and subsistence rights.

Forensic Evidence

Foreign Policy

Aditi Karthikeyan, Afomiya Dejene, Alan Le, Mehek Saini, Rohan Manchada

This brief analyzes the privacy implications of how different jurisdictions handle DNA and forensic evidence. It proposes policy options to ensure proper and private handling of all forensic evidence.

The SAVE America Act & the Future of American Voting

Social Policy

Lilian Tsai, Natro Mia, Sophia Donald, Meghna Joshi, Zahwa Calcatti

This brief will analyze a critical development in U.S. election administration: the SAVE America Act. It will discuss and evaluate the roots of this legislation and how it may affect the American electoral process.

Focused Deterrence in the Criminal Justice System

Criminal Justice

Aditi Karthikeyan, Naomi McKenna, Afomiya Dejene, Alan Le, Mehek Saini, Sophie Chan, Rohan Manchada

This brief analyzes the effectiveness and potential consequences of focused deterrence strategies currently used in the United States. It proposes policy reforms to improve the use of focused deterrence strategies in reducing crime.

Artificial Intelligence In Early Disease Detection

Technology Policy

Ava Szajnuk, Bhavana Rupakula, Malek Kamal, Queen-Asset Blissett, Lola Agboola, Siddhi Jain, Gautham Parvathanenil, Lachlan Feichthaler

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to identify patterns in medical images, patient records, and other health data that may enable earlier disease detection. Although these systems may improve diagnostic speed and expand access to screening, inaccurate or biased algorithms can also produce missed diagnoses, unequal outcomes, and inappropriate medical decisions. This brief examines the policy challenges surrounding AI-enabled early disease detection and proposes a framework through human oversight.

Fuel Efficiency Standards

Environmental Policy

Zaina Nasir, Rishya Vemireddy, Jaslene Szeto, Orlyola Tantchou, Maiya Olsen

This brief examines recent changes to U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and their implications for vehicle affordability, household fuel costs, and transportation emissions. It evaluates the tradeoffs between reducing regulatory burdens on consumers and manufacturers and maintaining long-term fuel-efficiency and emissions goals, and outlines policy options.