Former Lead, Economic Policy

Nikhil Daniel

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Solutions to Stopping United States Political Polarization

Capstone Project

This brief explains how the United States’ political primary structure creates radical politicians through party primaries, which allow a marginal faction of extreme voters to choose a candidate for the general election. This leads to intense polarization as each party selects a candidate most suited to their interests, killing American centrism.

All articles by the author

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Policy Briefs by the author

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

In

Economic Policy

On

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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US Labor Market Shortage

In

Economic Policy

On

July 12, 2024

Since the employment crisis at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with over 30 million Americans unemployed, the US job market has steadily recovered. However, labor force participation rates have dropped significantly since pre-pandemic rates. This brief will explore the implications of the US’ current labor shortage and the impacts on various American industries.

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Economic Implications of Evergrande Collapse

In

Economic Policy

On

The Evergrande company, a massive Chinese property developer once listed as the world's most valuable real estate company, defaulted and has now been ordered to liquidate, posing both short- and long-term impacts on the Chinese economy. The real estate sector, which has been one of the most important drivers of Chinese growth for years, has started to collapse, with the Evergrande serving as only the first domino. Both the economy and the citizens of China will now suffer due to the damaged real estate industry.

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Housing Market Recovery

In

Economic Policy

On

March 24, 2024

Following a continued slowdown in the housing market characterized by low inventory and dwindling activity, there is renewed optimism for 2024. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) predicts that the housing market will experience a revival in 2024, with housing construction and demand presenting signs of improvement. This brief will explore the broader implications of the US housing market recovery predictions for 2024.

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Breaking Down Biden’s Foreign Aid Proposal

In

Economic Policy

On

January 24, 2024

Foreign aid packages are designed as a tool by donor countries to promote economic, political, and social development in recipient countries by providing funds to combat issues such as poverty, natural disasters, and public health crises. This supports shared interests between the donor country and its recipients. In the midst of current conflicts occurring in Israel and Ukraine, President Joe Biden has proposed a $106 billion aid package that would provide support for the two countries. This brief will examine the intricacies surrounding the suggested package and its implications.

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United Auto Worker Strikes

In

Economic Policy

On

December 23, 2023

Strikes have historically been an effective way for employees to express their grievances about poor working conditions, and low wages. Strikes have occurred in various industries, ranging from entertainment to education. The automobile sector, in particular, has often been a setting for worker strikes. With Shawn Fain, the current United Auto Workers president, at the helm of the resistance against automaker companies, targeted strikes have been launched against factories owned by Ford, Stellanis, and General Motors. This brief aims to evaluate the complexities of the current UAW strike and dive into its history and analyze the policies surrounding the far-reaching economic implications that this strike will have on the workforce in the future.

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Revival of the US Entertainment Industry

In

Economic Policy

On

September 20, 2023

This brief delves into the impact of entertainment on the modern economy. It analyzes the influence of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and “Barbenheimer” on economic productivity and its vital role in the US financial system. It also predicts the future of the entertainment industry and consumer spending trends.

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Harvesting the Future: Analyzing the Role of the Farm Bill in Shaping the Agricultural Industry

In

Economic Policy

On

July 28, 2023

Farming as an industry is largely impacted and dictated in some way by policy, specifically the farm bill. This brief will analyze the role the farm bill plays in the industry and how its revisions can impact the future of farming.

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