General Briefs
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U.S.-Canada July Tariffs and Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930
United States-Canada economic relations have historically been strong. With the largest trading relationship in the world, the two countries have come close to exchanging nearly $1 trillion in exports each year. However, this changed when U.S. President Donald Trump invoked Section 338 of the Tariff…
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The Baby Bust: Why Gen Z Isn’t Having Kids And What This Means for America’s Future
Driven by economic anxiety, a genuine retreat from dating and sex, and a social media-soaked culture, Americans have found themselves with a demographic problem. Birth rates have been declining and it is essential to understand where America is headed.
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How Russia Funds Their War
Russia as yet to run out of money to fight in the Russo-Ukrainian war. While Russian oil and gas revenue fell nearly 50% year-over-year in January and February 2026, as a result of financial restrictions by Western governments, the oil keeps moving.
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The Cockroach Party and the Power of Gen-Z Protests
Gen-Z protests have been the prime demographic for harnessing the powers associated with decentralized organization, symbolism, and social media to spark reform. Encompassing those born from 1997-2012. From India to Madagascar, Gen-Z has redefined protests around the world.
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The U.S. Occupation of Venezuela, Seven Months In
On January 3rd, the U.S. military captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and declared de facto rule over the country. After seven months of the American occupation, it is important to see if there has been any progress in political and economic liberalization.
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The AI Economy and the Moratorium Debate
After shifts to the U.S. economy due to the growing popularity and demand of AI, there have been increasing concerns of an AI bubble. In the status quo, considering what a moratorium on hyperscale data centers would do to the AI economy is necessary.
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The Potential War that Could Affect Billions
Taiwan has been at the center of a decades-long debate over whether the island nation stands sovereign or as property of Mainland China, otherwise known as the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has insisted that Taiwan belongs to them with…
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The Key SCOTUS Decisions of the 2025-2026 Term
On June 29th and 30th, the final two days of the October 2025 term, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered several landmark decisions addressing Trump v. Slaughter, Trump v. Cook, Watson v. Republican National Committee*, Chatrie v. United States, Trump v. Barbara, National Republican Senatorial Committee…
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Affirmatives and Disadvantages on the 26-27 CX Topic
In the 2026-2027 policy debate topic, “Resolved: The United States federal government should establish national health insurance in the United States,” debaters are able to delve into the affordability crisis in America. The topic is small, yet vibrant, and there is certainly key arguments to…
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The Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative was launched by China in 2013 and is regarded as the largest infrastructure initiative in modern history. Intended to promote policy coordination, by 2040, the initiative is expected to boost global GDP by 7 trillion annually.
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Beyond the Premium Shock: The Fallout of ACA Subsidy Losses
The Affordable Care Act, known as “Obamacare,” was a U.S. healthcare reform law passed in March of 2010, which sought to expand healthcare insurance. Expiring at the end of 2025, millions of Americans are seeing soaring premiums.
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NATO’s New Balance
This year, NATO leaders gathered in Ankara to discuss their long-term defense and security spending target to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. As defense priorities have shifted, Europe is also reconsidering who should command military operations.
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AI’s Thirst and the American City
Over 70% of new AI data center projects since 2022 were built or proposed in communities that faced severe water stress. With the rise of AI technology, companies are chasing cheap land, tax breaks, and proximity to power grids.
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Watson v. Republican National Committee: A Landmark Upholding of Voter Laws
In the Watson v. Republican National Committee that resulted in a 5-4 decision, the Republican Party’s attempt to nullify the five-day grace period for accepting ballots in Mississippi was rejected. This close decision reflects the controversy that voter laws face.
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From Hormuz to Islamabad: The Anatomy of the US–Iran Peace Deal
The United States and Iran have agreed to a 14-point peace plan. It provides a framework for stabilization amid tensions with the two countries and Israel. With death tolls standing at over 7000, negotiations have hesitantly resumed.
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The 2026 Midterm Elections: Headwinds, Wedge Issues, Key Races, and the Future
The 2026 midterm election is coming up and the United States has found itself politically polarized. With redistricting, gubernatorial races, and public perceptions of the president, the election has become extremely nuanced.
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Strong Jobs Report Signals a Resilient US Economy
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicated that the United States economy may be strengthening as 172,000 jobs had been added in May 2026, which signals the third straight month of growth.
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From Afterthought to Frontrunner: Xavier Becerra’s Political Ascent
As of June 4th, Xavier Becerra—a Democrat once dismissed as an afterthought—will advance to the general election in the California gubernatorial race.
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Building Bridges for American Infrastructure
The BUILD America 250 Act would provide $580 billion in investment for American infrastructure over the next five years, being the largest-ever investment into American bridges since the Interstate Highway System’s creation in 1956.
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How Henry Nowak’s Murder Tore Britain Apart
Just last Monday, six months after eighteen-year-old Henry Nowak’s passing, Vickrum Digwa was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum requirement of 21 years served. This sentencing has brought renewed attention to Nowak’s murder in Britain.
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Japan’s Pacifist Protests Clash With Takaichi’s Military Agenda
A pacifist sentiment has been intensifying across Japan, with thousands of protestors holding posters with the words “No War” on them. Demonstrations have extended far beyond Tokyo, reaching Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and other major cities as public participation continues to rise.