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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Maduro's Arrest Escalates U.S./Venezuela Tensions

Rapid Response

Chenya Kwon

This brief analyzes the January 2026 arrest of Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela.

AI and the Future of Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy

Kate Chu

This brief examines the growing, widespread use of AI and its ongoing effects on domains ranging from everyday life to government and policy. Additionally, the brief summarizes current uses of AI in foreign policy and potential ways to maximize safety and responsibility in future applications.

Brown University Shooting Event Sparks Fear

Rapid Response

Chenya Kwon

This brief will summarize the December 2025 shooting event on Brown University’s campus and its impact on national conversations on gun control, student safety, and mental health.

Effects on Science & Technology Amidst Government Shutdown

Technology Policy

November has seen the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, beginning on October 1, 2025 and lasting for 43 days. This shutdown posed major disruptions for the science and technology sector. The abrupt halt in federal funding for essential basic and applied research stagnated U.S. global competitiveness as agencies will require months to regain lost progress. Additionally, it adds to the pressure already faced by federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from mass layoffs earlier in the year. Policymakers in the Bureau of Labor Statistics who depend on timely information to inform their decisions will also experience greater difficulty due to furlough. Furthermore, pathways for young people to enter STEM careers such as the NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) have been impaired because of the shutdown. Because of this, many scientific societies and agencies such as The Science Coalition are pushing for more predictable funding and assurance for long-term projects that could be compromised by funding disruptions.

Major EPA Changes Under the Trump Administration

Environmental Policy

Piranavee Pirathiviraj

This brief will cover major changes to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration, including regulatory rollbacks associated with the “Big Beautiful Bill.” These policies notably prioritize increased fossil fuel production, deregulation, and reduced support for renewable energy. These changes are crucial to understanding environmental quality, public health, and the economy.

Fixing Social Security: What’s at Stake?

Social Policy

Lilian Tsai

This brief will analyze the debate over how the United States should fund Social Security and retirement, a growing conflict causing great discourse around the nation. It will consider the history and previously attempted policies of this phenomenon.