Polis Blog
Snapshots: Succinct insights on recent developments available every Monday.
The economic impact of COVID-19 on younger generations
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented economic downturn in the EU. Yet, young people were much more affected by it than older generations. This is due to being new to the labour market and some holding temporary and precarious work contracts in some of the worst affected sectors, such as tourism. While young people are far less likely to suffer severe COVID-19 symptoms than older generations, analysis on the scarring effect, namely the effects of being young and unemployed, shows that there are almost irreversible consequences. If not tackled urgently and effectively by policymakers, this will lead to a fragmentation among generations within states, as the common shock generated by the pandemic has strong asymmetric outcomes.
US Student Debt Crisis
Given the staggering student-debt numbers and the way in which student debt is hampering American millennials, President Joe Biden has expressed interest in student-loan forgiveness. What would this entail and what would it mean for the US at large?
Saudi Arabia’s Push for Foreign Direct Investment
In order to make its economy more sustainable and less oil dependent, Saudi Arabia has prioritised the need to increase Foreign Direct Investment. The Kingdom has implemented a host of new policies, making the country more attractive for investors.
Presents: Short and informative video analyses featuring our researchers available every Wednesday.
The Tigray Conflict’s humanitarian and economic implications
Conflict in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. This will negatively impact the country and the region economically and politically, adding to the pressure brought about by COVID-19 and locust invasions.
The Global Policy Implications of Ecuador’s Presidential Elections
In the context of continuously rising COVID-19 infection rates and struggling economic performance, Ecuador held its first round of presidential elections on 7 February. Despite allegations of electoral fraud, the National Electoral Council confirmed the original results, qualifying socialist Araúz and conservative Lasso for the subsequent run-off election. Besides responding to immediate economic pressures, the ultimately-chosen candidate will likely be expected to take a definitive approach to Ecuador’s environmental and migratory policies, positioning the country as a prominent player among future international negotiations.
The US National Debt Dilemma
Covid-19 has exacerbated US federal spending, but this follows years of mounting debt that is only set to increase over the next decade. This creates a dilemma – raise taxes or cut spending now, or leave the issue for a future president.
Insights: In-depth analysis of global developments available every Sunday.
China’s military activism in the East and South China Seas: a stress test for the West
Recent episodes of Chinese military assertiveness in the East and South China Seas are causing concern to its neighbours and their allies. But why is Beijing so interested in controlling these basins? And how far is it willing to go?
Vaccination programmes in the Middle East
The Middle East has witnessed varying degrees of success in vaccination programmes. Whilst Israel and the UAE stand out, other players are comparatively lacking. Which demographic characteristics are allowing certain countries to succeed and what are the implications?
Misinformation As A Security Threat
America’s strength and safety is rooted in its commitment to democratic principles, access to free and unbiased information chief among them. Misinformation attacks this principle of democracy, destabilising not only America’s democratic bedrock, but its security prospects.