Cornell Policy Review

10/03/2024

Fast fashion, a business model centered on the mass production of affordable clothing, continues to expand rapidly, generating $1.2 trillion annually. The concept was first popularized by Zara when it opened its U.S. store in 1989, aiming to bring designs from the drawing board to the market in just 15 days. Today, companies like Shein have accelerated this process to just one week. This explosive growth is driven by strategies such as offshoring, cheaper materials, and short production cycles, enabling brands to produce trendy clothes at low prices. However, these practices raise serious concerns about worker safety and environmental sustainability. Noelle Puvak and Haley Dymek urge policymakers to hold fashion companies accountable for their supply chains and the pollution they generate.

Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/the-rise-and-environmental-fall-of-the-fast-fashion-industry/

09/26/2024

Developing an in-house childcare facility at the Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in Pakistan highlights the importance of supporting women in the energy sector. As South Asia shifts towards renewable energy, the demand for a diverse workforce is increasing, yet women remain underrepresented due to cultural expectations surrounding marriage and childcare. Yukari Otsuka Shibuya's study utilizes an online survey and case study approach to explore how South Asian power utilities, including WAPDA, support working mothers. It highlights key policies to retain female employees, categorized into regulations, incentives, and training. The survey found that in-house childcare facilities, alongside national labor laws that ensure job security, are among the most effective strategies for retaining women. WAPDA's proactive measures, such as in-house childcare and housing for young female recruits, have significantly boosted female employment while maintaining low resignation rates over the past decade

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/returning-mothers-and-retention-of-female-employees-in-the-south-asian-energy-sector/

09/17/2024

Despite global efforts toward gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. As of 2024, only 27% of national parliamentarians are women, with gender parity in top political positions unlikely for another 130 years. Emiriana Stanishja and Shipra Mishra examine the factors shaping women's representation in G20 parliaments, including legislative quotas, economic conditions, and labor force participation, aiming to create strategies for more inclusive governance.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/representation-of-women-in-national-legislatures-a-study-of-g20-countries/

09/10/2024

On February 4th, President Bukele of El Salvador was reelected unconstitutionally, with an approval rating of over 87%, marking a key moment in Latin American and Caribbean (LACS) history. The region now faces a tough decision: protect democracy or move toward authoritarian rule. While authoritarian governments may improve security, they often do so by undermining democracy and harming the rights of the most vulnerable. Sebastian Rodriguez looks into this issue and identifies the countries most at risk of following the "Bukele effect," based on views on democracy and violence levels.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/bukeles-reelection-in-el-salvador-juggling-security-and-democracy-and-the-new-mirror-of-latin-american-authoritarianism/

09/05/2024

The rise of right-wing populism (RWP) in Central and South America has significantly altered political landscapes, challenging established norms and democratic values. Economic anxieties, social frustrations, and dissatisfaction with traditional politics have propelled leaders like Jair Bolsonaro, Nayib Bukele, and Javier Milei to power through their anti-establishment rhetoric and charismatic appeal. Jenna Boccher and Alejandro Ramos examine the factors driving the rise of RWP, such as economic instability and political disillusionment, and discuss the implications for governance and democracy, including democratic erosion, increased social polarization, and human rights abuses. They discuss recommendations to counter these trends, including promoting good governance, combating misinformation, and addressing public grievances to restore trust in democratic systems. Overall, the paper aims to emphasize the importance of nuanced understanding and strategic responses to mitigate the risks posed by RWP and protect democratic principles in the region.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/the-rise-of-right-wing-populism-in-central-and-south-america-implications-for-governance-and-democracy/

09/03/2024

We are excited to announce that The Cornell Policy Review is accepting applications for several positions within our team. These positions offer opportunities to contribute to a student-run policy journal and gain invaluable experience in the world of policy. If you are passionate about policy analysis, writing, and media and are eager to contribute to the discourse on policy issues, we encourage you to apply. For more information regarding open positions, please refer to the form or feel free to reach out! We are excited to be working with new members who are joining our team!

Apply through https://forms.gle/brHe6qjirnZYLyfq9

08/29/2024

Celia Doherty proposes that Mali's military junta shift from using mercenaries and targeting civilians to engaging in direct dialogue with jihadist groups. This approach, which challenges conventional Western peacebuilding strategies, is essential for boosting state legitimacy, preventing coups, and fostering sustainable peace. Community leaders in Mali have already demonstrated success through grassroots negotiations, achieving stability that state-led efforts have failed to provide. By rethinking peacebuilding to include negotiations with jihadists, Mali could prioritize human security and long-term stability, moving beyond traditional methods. The current path of escalating violence is unsustainable, and embracing dialogue offers a more realistic solution for lasting peace.

Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/dialogue-is-a-start-malis-military-junta-and-citizens-clash-over-jihadist-inclusion/

08/26/2024

The 2023 deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan highlights crucial issues surrounding citizenship, governance, and democracy. Arsham M. Bari, MPA ’25, analyzes Pakistan’s decision to repatriate Afghan refugees, examining its impact on both countries and its broader implications for international norms and human rights. By tracing the historical context of Pakistan hosting nearly 4 million Afghan refugees over the past four decades, the paper evaluates the evolving legal and policy frameworks since the Soviet-Afghan War, the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, and the Taliban's resurgence. It explores how Pakistan’s governance structures, national security concerns, and economic pressures shaped the deportation decision while also considering the challenges faced by deported refugees in Afghanistan. Bari further explores policy recommendations for humane and consistent governance of refugee populations, advocating for protecting democratic values and international human rights standards.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/the-deportation-of-afghan-refugees-from-pakistan-implications-for-citizenship-and-democracy/

08/19/2024

Poland and India present two paths in the global struggle against far-right politics. Poland's opposition successfully rebuilt itself and ousted the ruling far-right party in the 2023 elections by mobilizing youth and promising to reverse democratic erosion. Meanwhile, India’s opposition coalition has struggled to gain traction against Prime Minister Modi's authoritarian policies, leading to another victory for Modi in the 2024 elections. With Poland on a path to recovery and India facing ongoing democratic challenges, Kalia Hall explores what each country's experience reveals about the fight for democracy and how successful their recovery efforts are in reversing backsliding.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/

08/10/2024

Machine learning and AI are increasingly influencing both the public and private sectors, enhancing efficiency while also raising concerns about their impact on civil rights and judicial systems. Understanding the development of these technologies and anticipating ethical challenges is essential to effectively managing their risks. Ankitha Kasavaraju explores the benefits and potential drawbacks of AI in judicial processes, examining its influence on crime detection, legal proceedings, and sentencing. By examining the impact on judges, lawyers, and defendants, a deeper understanding of how AI can reshape the judicial system and democracy can be gained.

Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/sentencing-fairness-and-crime-prediction-how-can-ai-and-machine-learning-be-used-in-the-judicial-system/

08/06/2024

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) brings both opportunities and challenges to global democratic institutions. While AI offers efficiency and innovation, it also threatens democratic principles through surveillance, misinformation, and election interference. AI-driven technologies raise privacy concerns and can distort public discourse, impacting electoral integrity. Internationally, AI can exacerbate geopolitical tensions and empower authoritarian regimes. The lack of global AI regulations adds ethical and legal complexities. Determining liability for AI-induced harm is crucial. Robust policies and ethical guidelines are needed to ensure democratic institutions can adapt and thrive in an AI-dominated era.

Sarah Buszka (EMPA ‘24) proposes recommendations to navigate issues of liability, ensuring responsible parties—whether developers, operators, or institutions—are held accountable for AI’s impacts on democracy.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/shaping-our-ai-future-a-policy-perspective-on-ensuring-innovation-and-safeguarding-democracy/

07/31/2024

Since the late 1800s, the U.S. has struggled to balance regulating corporate monopolies and economic growth. This unresolved issue has allowed monopolies to gain excessive power through propaganda and tax cuts, posing a severe threat to democracy. Mia Barratt explores how corporate monopolies corrupt democratic processes through campaign donations, lobbying, and judicial influence. With the 2024 election approaching, there is a risk of further entrenching corporate power, as both political parties are influenced by corporate money, impeding regulation efforts and climate action. This highlights the urgent need to address monopolistic threats to democracy.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/democracy-or-monopoly-a-choice-the-united-states-seems-unwilling-to-make/

07/23/2024

"Dark money" refers to political funds spent by 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose the identity of their donors. This lack of transparency threatens fair campaigns and democracy by hiding the donors' true intentions. Following the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNow.org v. FEC rulings, significant restrictions on political spending were repealed, enabling these nonprofits to act as intermediaries for donors contributing to super PACs without revealing their identities. This undermines accountability and allows significant political influence, particularly affecting state and local elections. Kira P. Tretiak proposes using "matching funds" public financing to counteract "dark money" influence and looks at New York State as a case study example.

Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/evaluating-the-effectiveness-of-new-yorks-public-matching-funds-program-in-addressing-dark-money-influence/

07/21/2024

As the 2024 election nears, labor unions' role in protecting democracy is vital. The recent successes of the United Auto Workers (UAW), such as adopting "one member, one vote" and successful organizing in the South, show unions as key to democracy. Data associate union density with higher voter turnout and fewer voting restrictions, demonstrating unions' potential for democratic participation and social transformation. However, outdated labor laws hinder this potential, as seen in the UAW's recent loss at Mercedes-Benz due to union-busting.
Wes McEnany discusses the urgent need to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would modernize union rules and ban employer interference and how the PRO Act can be used as a broader strategy to enhance citizen involvement in governance.

Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/unions-as-guardians-of-democracy-the-urgent-need-to-pass-the-pro-act-ahead-of-2024-election/

07/16/2024

Public libraries are pillars of democracy that must be protected at all costs. Beyond providing free access to information, art, and entertainment, libraries have evolved into community centers where people from all backgrounds gather. They assist with tax filing, job searches, unemployment claims, and serve as unofficial shelters for the homeless, offering free Wi-Fi, educational programs, and more. Some libraries even have staff trained to administer Narcan for opioid overdoses, addressing critical public health issues.

Moriah Isabel Smith examines the threats libraries currently face, such as book bans and funding cuts, and explores existing and proposed legislation aimed at securing the future of these essential democratic institutions.

Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/book-bans-library-defunding-and-related-policy-a-multiple-streams-analysis/

By: Moriah Isabel Smith Edited by: Andrew Bongiovanni Graphic by: Arsh Naseer   The Backstory Public libraries […]

07/11/2024

The Supreme Court's ruling in Shelby County v. Holder weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by removing preclearance provisions, threatening U.S. democracy. In response, several states enacted restrictive voter ID laws under the pretext of preventing election fraud. These laws disproportionately affect marginalized communities, undermining their right to vote. Despite some public support for voter ID laws, studies show they depress voter turnout among minorities, indicating democratic backsliding. Brooks student Katelin Wong examines how recent voter ID law changes in Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas affect voter turnout among marginalized groups, highlighting ongoing democratic erosion in the U.S.

Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/shelby-county-v-holder-and-the-indirect-costs-of-participating-in-democracy/

07/10/2024

Introducing the inaugural special edition of the Cornell Policy Review: "Charting the Course: Citizenship, Governance, and the Future of Democracy." This edition encourages informed discussion and insightful analysis of the principles that shape our societies, featuring 12 domestic and foreign policy articles. It includes a special foreword by Dr. Rachel Beatty Riedl, CGD’s Inaugural Peggy J. Koenig ’78 Director, and articles from the Brooks School of Public Policy members. The edition explores the interactions between citizenship, governance, and democracy to foster conversation and inspire meaningful action for a more inclusive and resilient democratic future.

Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/summer-2024-special-edition/

07/09/2024

We are thrilled to introduce the Cornell Policy Review's Executive Board for 2024-2025. Over the summer, we've been working on several exciting projects, including a redesign of our website, www.cornellpolicyreview.com, completed by our Managing Editor, Johanna Van Fleet.

Additionally, we are excited to announce a special Summer 2024 edition on Democracy, led by our Editor-in-Chief, Alejandro Ramos. This edition features a collection of articles written by members of our Brooks School of Public Policy. We look forward to publishing these pieces, along with many more, on a weekly basis for your enjoyment.

Make sure to keep an eye out for these exciting pieces! We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has worked with us this summer. We look forward to the new academic year and are eager to start strong!

05/31/2024

Join Norie Wright (MPA '24) as she sits down with Alejandro Ramos (MPA '25) to further discuss his Cornell Policy Review publication “Igniting Democracy: America’s Burning Need for Civic Education” and the obstacles facing citizen participation in American democracy today. Listen now: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/feeding-the-flame-discussing-civic-education-and-participatory-democracy/

05/25/2024

Congratulations to the graduating class from the current students! We cannot wait to see what you all will accomplish. You will be missed very much, please remember to keep in touch!

05/16/2024

Recent global enthusiasm surrounding AI has questioned whether AI can boost productivity and enhance economic growth. While studies suggest AI can improve efficiency across sectors such as healthcare and transportation, the expected productivity surge hasn't solidified, reflecting the "productivity paradox." Experts predict AI could substantially boost global GDP over the next decade, but significant organizational adjustments are needed. EMPA Heather Kitchens delves into AI's potential to drive economic growth despite its ambiguous impact on productivity and reiterates the importance of transparency, ethical standards, and a strong understanding of AI's economic impact. Read More: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/will-artificial-intelligence-disrupt-the-productivity-slump/

05/09/2024

Join James Paterek (MPA '25) and Savannah Jolie Whitehead (MPA '25) as they talk with Basim Ali (MPA '25) and Yiming Zhong (MPA '24) about their interview with Dr. Kaushik Basu, Carl Marks Professor of International Studies at the Department of Economics at Cornell University. Yiming and Basim spoke with Dr. Basu about his career path and how game theory can be used to better understand economics and corruption. Listen now: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/using-game-theory-and-economics-to-examine-corruption-a-discussion-with-dr-kaushik-basu/

04/25/2024

Since 1984, Chevron Deference has empowered public administrators to interpret laws, shaping policy implementation. However, it faces possible overturning in the Supreme Court. Without Chevron, agencies' powers shrink, courts face interpretation battles, and Congress struggles with detailed legislation. The stakes are high: overturning Chevron would reorder federal legislation, reshape executive authority, and elevate the judiciary's power. MPA Caled Al-Adsani explores the history of Chevron Deference and the potential impacts of its removal. Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/the-end-of-chevron-deference-and-its-effect-on-public-administration/

04/18/2024

The COVID-19 pandemic increased food insecurity, with Rhode Island's insecurity hitting a 20 year high. Multiple policy responses addressed this at the time, like the CARES Act which combatted hunger and supported food access programs across the state. However, funding has since run out, and Rhode Islanders are once again experiencing increased levels of food insecurity, along with an increase in food costs. MPA Grace Feisthamel explores the sustainability of impactful policy solutions and presents recommendations for addressing hunger. Read more at: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/the-sustainability-of-federal-food-assistance-programs-in-rhode-island/

04/11/2024

In 2022, the Taliban Government of Afghanistan constructed the Qosh Tepa Canal. Spanning over 2,100 square miles, the Canal could significantly impact Afghanistan’s economy by addressing water scarcity, boosting agriculture, and creating jobs. However, Afghanistan’s plan to divert water to the Canal is expected to have irreversible consequences for water security and the environment. MPA Aiman Smagulova discusses the effects of the Canal on the Taliban’s influence in the region and the potential conflicts presented by the project. Read more: https://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/qosh-tepa-canal-a-hope-or-a-threat/