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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U.S. Role in China-Taiwan Conflict

Foreign Policy

Sarika Rahman

Rising Chinese militaristic threats against Taiwan with demands of reunification have prompted questions of U.S. involvement within the region. Concerned with the ramification of conflict with China, yet unwilling to acknowledge Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan, the United States must navigate a means to balance its interests and peace within the region. This brief explains the history between China and Taiwan and how U.S. involvement has influenced the relationship between these countries. Finally, it analyzes how the United States has approached the looming possibility of war between the two nations and what routes the U.S. should take to mitigate the risk of further conflict.

The FDA’s Accelerated Approval of Aducanumab

Public Health Policy

Stephanie Wang

In this brief, we discuss the FDA’s approval of Aducanumab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This decision has sparked controversy within the clinical community due to the accelerated nature of the approval as well as the surrogate endpoint used.

Line 5: Sovereignty Under Pressure

Social Policy

Joe Rhee

Line 5 is a part of a network of pipelines built around the Great Lakes, carrying fossil fuel across Wisconsin and Michigan into Canada. However, it has been highly contentious due to its questionable condition, lack of transparency, and effects on Indigenous lands, as well as potential leaks. Policymakers have analyzed and supported alternative pipeline routes, especially those not passing over open bodies of water like the Great Lakes to prevent disastrous spills.

Withdrawal Opens Avenue for the Growth of Chinese-Afghan Relations

Foreign Policy

Marielle DeVos

After the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, the possibility of China stepping into the vacuum to support the Taliban regime became both a possibility and a concern for the United States and its allies. Beijing’s close relationship with Pakistan and their willingness to work with both Moscow and Tehran means the U.S. is, and should be, wary of the extension of this relationship to Kabul, as any relationship between U.S. adversaries is of concern to Washington. This brief explains the history between the Taliban and Beijing, the motivations of each, and the likely outcomes of any negotiations. Finally, it analyzes how these negotiations are impacted by Pakistan and China’s other “alliances”, and how such negotiations would impact U.S. policy both with China and in the region at large.

The Misinformation Pandemic

Public Health Policy

Stephanie Wang

The world has not only grabbed with the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a misinformation epidemic that has done considerable damage to the public health infrastructure. In this brief, we examine the causes, effects, and implications of the COVID-19 misinformation epidemic.

Homecoming Mishaps: Immigration Reconciliation Parliamentary Politics

Social Policy

Joe Rhee

Many activists are calling for action on immigration reform, especially amidst Biden’s mixed signals and seeming return to the Trump-era “stay in Mexico” policy. More specifically, however, policymakers are advocating for the creation of new programs under DACA and the expansion of TPS. The recently proposed 1.7 trillion dollar reconciliation bill has driven lots of infighting over several parts, one of which includes the proposals related to immigration reform. Some Democrats and activists think this is the best chance for immigration reform in decades, since it is already part of the bill. However, there still remains substantial opposition to the infrastructure legislation for several other reasons, which may make its passage difficult. The Parliamentarian of the Senate, Elizabeth MacDonough, ruled against the legislation in the Senate about a month ago. Since then, some Democrats have proposed using the reconciliation method to make the reform more palatable. Still others have suggested using parole as a method. Regardless of method, debates over immigration reform are at the forefront of politics.