Co-Vice President, Policy Analysis

Benjamin Halimi

Ben is a student at Columbia University with a passion for economics, policy, and finance. As Co-Vice President of Policy Analysis, he aims to ensure effective research, accountability, and impactful brief development at YIP.

Ben is a student at Columbia University with a passion for economics, policy, and finance. He began his journey at YIP as an Energy Policy Analyst, where he developed a strong foundation in research and brief writing. He later served as the Team Lead for the Economic Policy team, managing analysts and guiding the development of economic policy briefs. Now, as Co-Vice President of Policy Analysis, Ben helps oversee multiple policy teams, ensuring accountability, and maintaining the overall quality and impact of the department’s work.

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All articles by the author

Power Grid and AI: What Exactly Does the Future Hold?

Energy Policy

Benjamin Halimi

Interviewing key industry leaders, it was highlighted that since the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has witnessed a significant transformation in the power markets, driven mainly by the rapid expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence. This new paradigm is reversing the previous downward trend in electricity demand, forecasting exponential growth. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are addressing these changes by investing in innovative solutions, namely nuclear energy, to power their data centers. However, new policies and uncertainties remain a concern, growing the need for sustainable energy to balance the increasing energy demand and ultimately prevent significant price volatility.

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Policy Briefs by the author

US Debt on America’s Youth

Economic Policy

August 11, 2025

The U.S. national debt has always been a critical policy issue with long term consequences on the country's economic stability. Historically, broad political consensus exists that current debt levels are unsustainable. This brief explores the political discourse and past policy attempts of inaction, particularly for young Americans.

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From Protection to Disruption: Trump’s 2025 Tariffs and the Future of U.S. Trade Policy

Economic Policy

July 9, 2025

Trade policy among nations has historically been a pivotal tool for shaping economic relationships. Mechanisms such as tariffs are utilized to protect domestic industries, generate revenue, and counteract unfair trade practices. However, the unintended consequences of trade policy, like rising consumer prices and manufacturing uncertainty, can lead to controversy among government officials and the general public. This brief examines President Donald Trump’s 2025 trade policy, exploring its impacts on key stakeholders and potential policy options to address ongoing controversy.

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Challenges with Energy Grid Infrastructure Development

Energy Policy

March 7, 2025

This brief will analyze the current landscape of energy grid infrastructure in the United States and how various institutions’ investments are impacting its development.

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