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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Race-Based Admissions: A Multifaceted Examination

Social Policy

Aneesh Mazumder

Race-based admissions at universities exemplify the intricate and evolving nature of affirmative action policies, with these universities encountering legal battles to shape the guidelines considering race within admissions. These debates and experiences have far-reaching implications for the future of affirmative action policies by shaping the landscape of diversity and inclusion in higher education. This exerts a considerable influence on the admissions practices and opportunities for underrepresented groups, with the ongoing evolution of affirmative action policies underscoring the pursuit of creating equitable and inclusive educational environments.

Chinese Investments in Latin America

Foreign Policy

Sarika Rahman

Since the turn of the 21st century, China has strategically developed geopolitical interests within the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, with key investments in natural resources to many of the largest South American state-owned enterprises. China’s expansion of its investment portfolio within the region highlights China’s growing demand for raw materials, as well as efforts to consolidate political prowess within the region. This brief explains how China developed strong diplomatic and profitable relations within the LAC from the start of the 21st century to the status quo. It highlights prominent stances on the upsurge of Sino-Latin foreign relations, specifically emphasizing external global competitive forces. Furthermore, it explains pressing environmental and economic concerns regarding Chinese involvement within the LAC regions. Finally, it argues that the U.S. policy approach should challenge Chinese hegemony through competitive investments and focusing on relevant U.S.-Latin initiatives, rather than aggressive interruption or punitive disruption of existing Sino-Latin relations.

Korean Nuclear Proliferation

Foreign Policy

Sarika Rahman

This brief explains how North Korea originally developed its nuclear program, as well as highlights the involvement of nations such as Russia and China. It also details how military aggression has stressed relations on the peninsula, with consideration to major actors such as Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. Lastly, it explains the possible repercussions of escalated tensions, noting the possibility of nuclear proliferation, as well as proposing the approach that the U.S. should take to attempt to de-escalate and, at the time, commit to its allies in the region.

The Run on Silicon Valley Bank

Economic Policy

Humzah Ahmad

This brief will review the run on the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the looming implications. This bank was a cornerstone of one of the largest areas of economic prosperity in the U.S., it is not new as we have seen banks run throughout history. However, it has forced us to analyze the event in terms of policy that led to it occurring or could have prevented it from happening in order to improve the future economy.

U.S. Data Security against Chinese Counterintelligence

Foreign Policy

Sarika Rahman

U.S. relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) were established in 1979 after the U.S. confirmed its recognition and established diplomatic ties. However, since then, relations between the two countries have been contentious, with the U.S. and China experiencing strict political and economic competition with each other. In an effort to gain the upper hand, both states have launched counterintelligence programs that focus on collecting data from tragically important nations. Both China and the U.S. have their own intelligence services focused on collecting information abroad; however, this brief will focus on Chinese counterintelligence efforts towards the U.S. Specifically, it aims to detail the actors involved in the creation of China’s intelligence programs, as well track the actions they have engaged in to collect crucial U.S. data. Furthermore, it highlights current events and respective positions, which it uses to predict possible issues that could arise with tensions between the two countries. Lastly, it considered how the U.S. should approach handling Chinese counterintelligence efforts.

Finland and Sweden NATO Accession

Foreign Policy

Sarika Rahman

This brief details the rationale behind Finnish and Swedish accession to NATO, highlighting historical tensions between the Nordic nations and Russia, as well as obstacles Finland and Sweden face in the ratification of their accession. Finally, with regard to U.S. interests, it outlines the measures to ensure speedy ratification and clarification and clear communication of intent during the accession process.