Brookings Institution

On August 19, 2026, the U.S. national debt exceeded $40 trillion for the first time, more than doubling in a decade from $19.4 trillion. Driven by pandemic stimulus, tax cuts, rising health and social security costs, and interest payments nearing $1.2 trillion annually, the debt now represents nearly 125% of GDP. The milestone has raised concerns about fiscal sustainability, higher borrowing costs, and potential future crises, with the Treasury announcing increased long-term bond buybacks to manage yields.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 20, 03:23 PM UTC

This article presents an edited transcript of Anna Colin Lebedev's 21st annual Raymond Aron Lecture at the Brookings Institution. It explores the intertwined yet divergent paths of Russian and Ukrainian societies since the Soviet collapse, using the personal story of Slava, a former Soviet officer from Donbas who became a Ukrainian nationalist songwriter. The analysis highlights shared Soviet legacies in institutions and culture, but emphasizes fundamental differences: Russia as the imperial center versus Ukraine as a periphery with a more complex history. The lecture argues that the ongoing war has accelerated identity shifts and societal transformation, with individuals like Slava redefining their national allegiances. The piece contrasts the evolution of military, housing, and educational systems in both countries while underscoring the denial of Ukrainian sovereignty by the Russian state under Putin.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:43 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution report examines how local leaders in Chicago, Oakland, and Washington D.C. are scaling community-centered public safety solutions amid federal funding cuts and policy uncertainty. The research, conducted in partnership with LISC, emphasizes place-based, ecosystem approaches that integrate prevention, intervention, and response, along with cross-sector partners in economic and workforce development. It argues that evidence-based local policies can reduce crime, rebuild trust, and increase economic opportunity in impacted neighborhoods. The report draws on qualitative interviews and the Community-Centered Economic Inclusion (CCEI) model, highlighting that most Americans agree on the importance of safety, jobs, and health, making such policies a win-win. The findings aim to provide actionable strategies for localities facing public safety challenges.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:35 PM UTC

The article analyzes growing skepticism toward artificial intelligence among Generation Z (born 1997-2012), despite their high usage of the technology. It cites survey data showing that a majority of young adults believe AI will harm creativity, human relationships, and cognitive abilities. Specific concerns include cognitive offloading (e.g., 46% of Gen Z workers say AI makes them 'dumber'), job displacement fears, and erosion of social bonds (72% of teens have tried AI companions). The piece argues that tech companies' public relations efforts to soften AI's image misdiagnose the problem; instead, near-term policy choices—such as labor protections, education reform, and ethical guidelines—will determine whether Gen Z views AI as a benefit or a threat. The article draws on research from Pew, MIT Media Lab, Microsoft, Carnegie Mellon, and Common Sense Media to support its claims.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:42 PM UTC

In this episode of the Brookings TechTank podcast, co-host Darrell West discusses the need for U.S. investment in space infrastructure with Bridgit Mendler, CEO of Northwood Space, and Mariel Borowitz, director of the Georgia Tech Center for Space Policy. The conversation highlights the rapid growth of the space economy, including advances in tourism, mining, communications, and defense. Mendler emphasizes the critical role of ground stations and data links between Earth and space to enable satellite operations and data retrieval. Borowitz provides policy context. The episode argues that just as the U.S. upgrades physical infrastructure like roads and bridges, it must invest in modern launch facilities and ground stations to support commercial space firms and maintain competitiveness.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:48 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution article argues that states should shift their literacy intervention focus from 3rd grade to 1st grade, creating a 'safety net' for struggling readers. It cites research showing that poor readers in 1st grade rarely catch up without intervention, and that high-dosage tutoring (HDT) in 1st grade yields significant and lasting returns. The authors point to a Massachusetts study where 85% of tutored 1st graders who mastered foundational skills remained at grade level through 2nd grade. They recommend states build a system with evidence-based core instruction, universal screeners three times per year, and a FERPA-compliant early warning data system to trigger tutoring. The article critiques most states for organizing literacy around 3rd-grade retention policies instead of early intervention, and calls for a sustained, systematic approach to early-grade HDT.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:59 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution article argues that states should shift their literacy intervention focus from 3rd grade to 1st grade, creating a 'safety net' for struggling readers. It cites research showing that poor readers in 1st grade rarely catch up without intervention, and that high-dosage tutoring (HDT) in 1st grade yields significant and lasting gains. The authors point to a Massachusetts study where 85% of tutored 1st graders who mastered foundational skills remained at grade level through 2nd grade. They recommend states build a system with evidence-based core instruction, universal screeners three times per year, and a FERPA-compliant early warning data system to trigger tutoring. The article critiques most states for organizing literacy around 3rd-grade retention policies instead of early intervention.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:59 PM UTC

The article argues that the rapid adoption of generative AI in classrooms, with nearly two-thirds of teachers using AI, has outpaced the evidence base for its effectiveness. Traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are ill-suited for evaluating AI tools because these tools are unstable, rapidly evolving, and used in varied ways. The author advocates for implementation research and development (implementation R&D) as a more agile approach, focusing on iterative testing, real-time data capture, and design-focused experiments before large-scale impact evaluations. Examples include IES-funded generative AI centers and partnerships like Leanlab Education and Boston University's EVAL initiative. The article provides guidelines for building evidence for AI tools, emphasizing the need for actionable evidence now rather than perfect evidence later.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The article argues that the rapid adoption of generative AI in classrooms (nearly two-thirds of teachers now use AI) has outpaced the research methods used to evaluate its effectiveness. Traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are ill-suited for AI because AI tools are unstable, rapidly evolving, and used in varied ways. The author advocates for implementation research and development (R&D) as a more agile approach, focusing on iterative testing, real-time data capture, and design-focused experiments (e.g., A/B testing) before large-scale impact evaluations. Examples include IES-funded generative AI centers and partnerships like Leanlab Education. The piece calls for funders and researchers to prioritize actionable evidence over perfect but delayed evidence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Cook, while technically narrow, has significant implications for Federal Reserve independence. The Court ruled that members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors cannot be removed by the President for policy disagreements or at will, but only 'for cause' as specified in the Federal Reserve Act. This halted President Trump's attempt to remove Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud. The Court interpreted the 'for cause' requirement to include procedural protections, making removal difficult without substantial new evidence. The 5-4 decision saw Chief Justice Roberts writing the majority opinion, joined by Justice Kavanaugh and the three liberal justices. Dissenting justices argued the Court should have limited its ruling to the injunction. The article also discusses background on the case, the nature of required removal procedures, and remaining questions about the scope of Fed independence beyond monetary policy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:48 AM UTC

The Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Cook, while technically narrow, has significant implications for Federal Reserve independence. The Court ruled that President Trump could not remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook without following proper 'for cause' procedures under the Federal Reserve Act. The case began in August 2025 when Trump demanded Cook's resignation after a housing agency called for a fraud investigation into her mortgage applications. Cook sued, and lower courts blocked her removal. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision written by Chief Justice Roberts, upheld the injunction, interpreting the 'for cause' removal standard as requiring procedural due process. The ruling distinguishes the Fed from other independent agencies where the President now has broader removal power. Key questions remain about the required removal process, the scope of protection for non-monetary Fed functions, and the constitutional durability of the ruling.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:48 AM UTC

In a Brookings podcast episode, historian Robert Kagan and hosts Ryan Hass and Jon Czin discuss the erosion of America's leading global role under the second Trump administration and what this means for China's ambitions. Kagan argues that China cannot run the world unless it can control its own region. The conversation examines the internal U.S. debate over global leadership, the potential fallout from the Iran war (including contested Strait of Hormuz and stronger Iran), and how Asian nations dependent on Persian Gulf oil may react if the U.S. is unwilling or unable to guarantee international waterways. The episode explores whether China is prepared or interested in playing a larger role as American leadership becomes less certain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:01 AM UTC

In a Brookings podcast episode, historian Robert Kagan and co-hosts Ryan Hass and Jon Czin discuss the erosion of America's global leadership under the second Trump administration and its implications for China's role. Kagan argues that China cannot run the world unless it controls its own region. The conversation examines the internal U.S. debate over foreign policy commitments, the impact of the Iran war on global security and energy routes, and how Asian nations may respond to a less reliable U.S. guarantee of international waterways. The episode explores whether China is prepared or interested in assuming a larger global role as American leadership becomes less certain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:01 AM UTC

This Brookings Institution article argues that the current productivity boom from generative AI is powered by expertise built before AI tools existed, creating an 'inheritance' that is being spent without being replenished. The author warns that juniors do less developmental work, firms hire fewer of them, and research culture shifts toward recombination over slow judgment. The piece compares the challenge to the calculator problem in education, but notes AI is harder because it produces plausible-sounding mistakes, frames problems silently, and offers a much larger convenience differential. The author calls for stricter, more conservative approaches to AI in education and research policy to manage the tension between short-term productivity and long-term expertise building, making the conflict visible before decisions are made by default.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:06 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution article argues that the current productivity boom from generative AI relies on expertise built before AI tools existed, creating an 'inheritance' that is being spent without adequate replenishment. The author warns that juniors are doing less developmental work, firms hire fewer of them, and research culture is shifting toward recombination rather than deep expertise. The piece compares the challenge to the calculator's introduction in education, noting three ways AI is harder: AI can be confidently wrong, it frames problems rather than just executing operations, and the convenience differential is much larger. The author calls for schools, universities, professional bodies, and funders to develop vocabulary and instruments to manage the tension between short-term productivity and long-term capability building, before decisions are made by default.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:06 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution analysis examines the challenge of governing Earth system tipping points—irreversible, self-reinforcing changes in systems like coral reefs, the Amazon rainforest, and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). It argues that current financial, political, and multilateral institutions are calibrated for incremental, stable, nationally demarcated issues and struggle to digest the risks of nonlinear change. The article highlights that communities in the Arctic, Finland, and Brazil already face growing unpredictability. It discusses governance innovations under Brazil's COP30 Presidency, including the Belém Declaration's recognition of tipping elements, regional cooperation against environmental crimes, and proposals for a U.N. Climate Change Council. The piece also outlines the concept of Tipping Element Monitoring and Response Facilities (TEMRFs) as a globally networked architecture grounded in regional leadership to sense, route signals, and coordinate responses to Earth system tipping points.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:48 PM UTC

This Brookings Institution analysis examines the governance challenges posed by Earth system tipping points, such as coral reef collapse, Amazon rainforest transformation, and AMOC slowdown. It argues that current financial, political, and multilateral institutions are calibrated for incremental, stable, and nationally demarcated issues, making them ill-equipped to address nonlinear, irreversible climate risks. The article highlights governance innovations under Brazil's COP30 presidency, including the Belém Declaration's first political recognition of tipping elements, enhanced regional cooperation through the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, and proposals for a new U.N. Climate Change Council. It also introduces the concept of Tipping Element Monitoring and Response Facilities (TEMRFs) as a globally networked architecture grounded in regional leadership. The piece emphasizes the need for institutions that can sense nonlinear change, route signals to appropriate actors, and coordinate diverse experimentation to prevent and prepare for dramatic Earth system changes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:48 PM UTC

This analysis argues that domestic socioeconomic issues, rather than cross-strait geopolitics, will dominate Taiwan's upcoming elections. The DPP cannot rely on US support under President Trump, who prioritizes relations with Xi Jinping over defending Taiwan. The KMT will struggle to benefit from Beijing's promises due to continued PLA military activities and disinformation campaigns. The TPP's 26% voter bloc, largely young and economically alienated, is up for grabs after Ko Wen-je's legal troubles. Key domestic stresses include legislative paralysis (failure to pass the 2026 budget) and a dual-speed economy where tech sector wealth contrasts with stagnating wages for others. The article concludes that voters will punish parties failing to address these bread-and-butter issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:03 PM UTC

This analysis argues that domestic social and economic issues, rather than geopolitical rivalry between Washington and Beijing, will define Taiwan's political trajectory ahead of the 2028 presidential election. It contends that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cannot win on cross-strait issues because President Trump undermines U.S.-Taiwan relations and prioritizes his relationship with Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, Beijing is unlikely to boost the Kuomintang (KMT) due to continued military pressure and disinformation campaigns. The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) lost its charismatic leader Ko Wen-je to legal challenges, leaving his 26% voter bloc—young, economically alienated voters—up for grabs. Key domestic stresses include legislative gridlock (failure to pass the 2026 budget) and a dual-speed economy where tech workers thrive but others face stagnating wages and unaffordable housing. The piece concludes that no party can credibly claim external solutions, and voters will punish those responsible for domestic failures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:03 PM UTC

This Business Insider analysis describes a 'career protection era' where workers must invest significantly more time and effort beyond their core jobs to build and sustain careers. Key strategies include proactively preparing for layoffs (e.g., Kent Ha started job hunting before being laid off by Intel), building personal brands on LinkedIn to stand out among thousands of applicants, learning AI skills outside work hours (e.g., Maahir Sharma spends 20 hours/week on AI side projects), and expanding professional networks through relocation or paid communities. The article notes a 35% increase in non-degree credentials on resumes, driven by AI advances and job security fears. Workers report that strong performance and experience alone are no longer sufficient, requiring constant self-marketing and skill adaptation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:53 PM UTC

Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, has become UK Prime Minister after a smooth ascent, promising a consensual, place-based politics centered on devolution to neglected industrial communities. The article analyzes how economic decline in regions like Sheffield, Scunthorpe, and Port Talbot fuels support for populist right parties like Reform UK, drawing parallels to Trump in the US, AfD in Germany, and Le Pen in France. It highlights Greater Manchester's economic transformation as a model, crediting local leadership and tangible improvements like bus system reforms. The piece argues that economic recovery can cool political polarization, citing examples from Grand Rapids, Pittsburgh, and Duisburg. Burnham's premiership hinges on delivering for these communities to counter nationalist and anti-immigration sentiment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:25 PM UTC

Andy Burnham, newly elected Labour Party leader and UK Prime Minister, has built his political identity around Britain's neglected industrial communities such as Sheffield, Scunthorpe, Port Talbot, and the mill towns across the Pennines. His premiership faces the challenge of delivering economic revival to these regions, which have been fertile ground for the nationalist, anti-immigration Reform UK Party. Burnham promises a consensual, place-based politics with large-scale devolution of power from Westminster. The article draws parallels with similar dynamics in the US, Germany, and France, where economic decline fuels far-right populism. It highlights the Heartlands Transformation Network's findings that economic recovery can cool political polarization, citing examples like Grand Rapids, Pittsburgh, and Duisburg. Greater Manchester's transformation under Burnham's mayoralty is presented as a model, emphasizing trust-building through tangible improvements like bus system reforms.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:25 PM UTC

Andy Burnham has become UK Prime Minister after a smooth ascent, promising to revive Britain's neglected industrial communities through devolution and place-based politics. The article analyzes how economic decline in regions like Sheffield, Scunthorpe, and Port Talbot fuels support for populist right parties like Reform UK, drawing parallels to Trump in the US, AfD in Germany, and Le Pen in France. It highlights Greater Manchester's successful transformation under Burnham's mayoralty as a model, emphasizing that local leadership and tangible improvements to public services can restore hope and reduce political polarization. The piece is based on research from the Heartlands Transformation Network and Brookings Institution.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:25 PM UTC

This analysis from Roll Call examines how Congress is increasingly reliant on budget reconciliation—a filibuster-proof process—to pass major legislation, as traditional legislative paths close. With narrow majorities, fewer deal-makers, and power struggles with President Trump, Republicans are pursuing a third reconciliation package for a $95 billion Iran war funding, farm aid, and voter ID measures. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called it a 'very uneven path.' The article notes that both parties have used reconciliation to bypass normal appropriations, which expert Molly Reynolds says is 'buckling under political conflicts.' Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins opposes using reconciliation, advocating for normal appropriations. The House is preparing a short-term funding extension into December as fiscal 2027 deadlines loom.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:00 AM UTC

This analysis from Roll Call examines how the U.S. Congress is increasingly reliant on budget reconciliation—a filibuster-proof process—to pass major legislation, as traditional legislative paths close. With narrow Republican majorities, fewer deal-makers, and ongoing power struggles with President Donald Trump, lawmakers are turning to reconciliation for a third time in 2026, this time for a $95 billion package funding the Iran war, farm aid, and voter ID measures. The article highlights the breakdown of the normal appropriations process, with Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and ranking member Patty Murray unable to agree on spending limits for fiscal 2027. Experts like Brookings' Molly Reynolds note that the erosion of Congress's power of the purse and political conflicts between the legislative and executive branches have left lawmakers 'stuck.' Both parties have used reconciliation in recent years, but its overuse signals a deeper dysfunction in congressional governance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:00 AM UTC

This article examines billionaire investor Peter Thiel's warning that a 'Georgist real estate catastrophe' is harming young Americans. Thiel argues that restrictive zoning laws and inelastic housing supply create windfalls for older homeowners while locking out younger generations. The article presents supporting data: home prices relative to median household income hit an all-time high in April 2025, the income needed to buy a single-family home has doubled since 2019 to $104,700, and the typical first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old—a record high. Harvard and CBRE research confirm that in 35 U.S. markets, home prices are at their highest levels relative to incomes. The piece also notes that middle-class affordability is deteriorating broadly, with at least 20% of middle-class earners unable to afford basic necessities in every metro area studied by Brookings. The article presents Thiel's views alongside data but does not definitively conclude whether he is right, instead presenting the evidence for readers to evaluate.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:25 AM UTC

The Brookings Institution has published a data interactive tool designed to help users track changes in U.S. trade flows, tariffs, and traded goods prices amid shifting trade policies. The article notes that after decades of stability, U.S. trade policy began shifting in 2018, with a sharp increase in tariffs since January 2025, prompting countermeasures from trading partners. The tracker features three dashboards: Dashboard 1 monitors monthly and quarterly goods and services trade by country, industry, and end-use; Dashboard 2 tracks estimated tariffs collected and weighted-average tariff rates; Dashboard 3 shows year-over-year price inflation for imports and exports using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The guide explains how to navigate the tool, including selecting dashboards, tabs, and time periods, and overlaying key policy actions. The tool aims to provide ongoing, accessible data for understanding how countries and businesses react to the evolving tariff landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:00 PM UTC

The Brookings Institution has published a data interactive tool designed to help users monitor changes in U.S. trade flows, tariffs, and traded goods prices amid shifting trade policies. The article notes that after decades of stability, U.S. trade policy began shifting in 2018, with a sharp increase in tariffs since January 2025, prompting countermeasures from trading partners. The tracker features three dashboards: Dashboard 1 tracks monthly and quarterly goods and services trade by country, industry, and end-use; Dashboard 2 monitors estimated tariffs collected and weighted-average tariff rates; Dashboard 3 tracks year-over-year import and export price inflation using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The guide explains how to navigate the tool, including selecting dashboards, tabs, and time periods, and overlaying key policy actions. The tool aims to provide ongoing, accessible data for understanding how countries and businesses react to the evolving tariff landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:00 PM UTC

This article from the Brookings Institution introduces a data interactive tool designed to help users monitor changes in U.S. trade flows, tariffs, and traded goods prices amid shifting trade policy. It notes that after decades of stability, U.S. trade policy began shifting in 2018, with a sharp increase in tariffs since January 2025, prompting countermeasures from trading partners. The tool features three dashboards: Trade Flows (monthly goods trade by country, industry, and end-use; quarterly goods/services trade), Tariffs (estimated duties and weighted-average tariff rates by industry and country), and Prices (monthly import/export price inflation indices from the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The article provides step-by-step navigation instructions and example applications, allowing users to overlay key U.S. trade policy actions to contextualize data changes. It aims to help policymakers, businesses, and researchers understand how countries and businesses react to evolving tariff policies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:00 PM UTC

The article analyzes the shift in global development since 2025, focusing on mobilizing private capital in fragile states. It notes a 23% contraction in aid from advanced economies and the World Bank's new emphasis on job creation. In fragile states, only 11% of private development finance was directed in 2023-2024, hindered by zero-sum politics, weak governance, and broken social contracts. The author argues that multilateral development banks (MDBs) should pursue a dual strategy: strengthening governance and institutions, and leveraging their underused strategic intelligence to navigate social and political forces. Examples from Tunisia and sub-Saharan Africa show how ignoring governance can entrench predatory power. The piece concludes that strong fiscal institutions attract higher-quality foreign investment, while weak governance undermines both development and private capital returns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:44 PM UTC