Executive Summary Introduction “Dark shipping”—the practice of evading international maritime laws—has become an increasingly important tool for sanctioned countries seeking to weaken the effectiveness of economic sanctions and gives rise to the “shadow fleet.” By operating outside Western maritime regulations, these vessels allow sanctioned countries to preserve billions of dollars in export revenue by rerouting … Continue reading
Tag Archives: news
The ACA Premium Tax Credit Expiration: A Return to Baseline Policy
Executive Summary: Introduction: Recent KFF data has shown out-of-pocket premiums surging following the expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. While many analysts claim that premiums have resulted in widespread disenrollment from ACA plans, the Trump administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continue to offer a different narrative. … Continue reading
UNCLOS and Arctic Seabed Competition: Does U.S. Non-Ratification Strengthen or Weaken Its Position Relative to Russia?
Executive Summary: Introduction: The Arctic seabed is emerging as a strategic frontier for resource competition as climate change expands access to previously inaccessible offshore reserves. As this shift accelerates, Arctic governance is increasingly structured by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs continental shelf claims and seabed resource jurisdiction. … Continue reading
The Medicaid Work Requirement Debate Isn’t Just About Work
Executive Summary Introduction Reforms to Medicaid made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed on July 4, 2025, have reignited longstanding debates over whether public health insurance for low-income adults should be conditioned on work or work-related activity. The policy’s implementation through a requisite 2026 CMS rule requiring 80 hours per month of … Continue reading
Why Are Most Nicotine Pouches on Sale Illegal?
Executive Summary Introduction At U.S. gas stations, the nicotine pouch shelf runs dozens of brands deep, at every strength. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared about two dozen of them, all at the lower-strength end. Almost everything else on that shelf is, under federal law, illegal to sell. The word suggests that the government examined these … Continue reading
Why Young Americans Must Turn from Government Intervention and Reform Entitlements
Executive Summary Introduction The national debt is fundamentally a generational issue. Running large budget deficits to finance tax cuts or spending increases today places an undue burden on younger and future generations. By borrowing more today, policymakers are effectively promising higher taxes and lower spending on future taxpayers and government beneficiaries. At the very least, younger and future generations will see interest … Continue reading
Price Controls and Critical Minerals: Understanding the U.S.’s Rare Earth Economic Policies
Executive Summary: Introduction On October 9th, China imposed export controls on rare earth minerals and related technologies. Since then, rare earth minerals have been dominating news headlines, with many experts espousing the importance of reducing the U.S.’s dependence on China for these minerals. The Trump administration’s policies have heavily focused on rare earth minerals too; … Continue reading
We Know Little About Post-2012 Oil Shocks
Note this post was written on June 17, 2025 and does not reflect subsequent events. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION High oil prices are top of mind these days for good reason. Brent oil prices have spiked more than 12% from $64 per barrel at the beginning of June to $72—mostly on fears of a Strait of … Continue reading
Firing The Government: Inside the Largest Federal Workforce Reduction in U.S. History
Executive Summary Introduction Since the beginning of 2025, sweeping layoffs across the federal government have resulted in the dismissal of over 30,000 employees. The primary sector of federal workers facing cuts are those in their probationary period. Civil servants remain on probation for one year after they are hired, promoted, or demoted. While on probation, … Continue reading
Rethinking Occupational Licensing: Breaking Barriers
Executive Summary Introduction Occupational licensing reform has gained traction at both state and federal levels in recent years, geared towards eradicating unnecessary barriers that restrict employment opportunities. Laws regarding licensure cover nearly one-third of the U.S. workforce, creating barriers to entry rather than a safeguard for the public interest. Although licensing raises the wages … Continue reading
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