Michelle Liou

South Korea's Anti-Leaflet Law: Implications & Next Steps

The Dimming of a Democratic Hong Kong

An Uneasy Partnership: U.S-Saudi Relations

Following oil discoveries in the 1930s, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have maintained a decades-long allyship built on oil diplomacy and security guarantees, with the U.S. aiding Saudi Arabia in its national defense and, in turn, the gulf state has allowed for the growth of various U.S.-Saudi oil partnerships. This brief traces the origins of U.S.-Saudi affairs, both economically and politically. Furthermore, it highlights the difference shown in the approach seen in recent presidencies, with an emphasis on how it impacts present regional issues and priorities. Finally, with consideration to President Biden’s recent trip to the Middle East, it offers policy options for the administration to take to ensure a balanced relationship between Riyad and Washington for prospective U.S. endeavors.

A History of Tensions in the Taiwan Strait

Since the 1950s, China and Taiwan have been politically opposed, with both nations fighting against the other’s claims to legal sovereignty. However, with more military might, China has taken greater measures both economically and militarily to induce Taiwan's surrender to Chinese authority. With recent development in the strait between China and Taiwan, previous and current promises of invasion have dominated the forefront of issues in the Indo-Pacific. This brief traces the history of conflict between China and Taiwan, with emphasis on Taiwan's democratization and separatism from mainland China. It details the roles the U.S. has played recently, as well as how the U.S. should approach future interactions within the Indo-Pacific without instigating future conflict within the region.

Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup: Exploitation of Workers

Sustained protests from migrant workers in Qatar have grabbed the attention of the international sports community as the date of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup approaches. This brief explains the long history of labor abuses towards migrant workers, specifically in relation to construction for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Finally, through an analysis of recent labor reforms within Qatar, the brief analyzes the efficacy of these reforms and considers future approaches needed to ensure the continuation of labor reforms in Qatar.

Pakistan: A Crisis at Every Turn

Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan has gone through a series of failed political institutions to the point that no Prime Minister of Pakistan has ever completed their full five-year term. Tension recently peaked following the ousting and later shooting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This brief details the events that resulted in Khan’s removal from office, and the ongoing power struggle within the country. It then connects policy decisions made by previous and current establishments, or lack of them, which have either contributed to or failed to handle ongoing economic and environmental crises.

Threat of War Along the Eastern Bloc: Ukraine

Rising militarization of the Russia-Ukraine border has caused concerns of war along the Eastern Bloc. This brief details the long rooted history between Russia and Ukraine and how it ties into the current conflict. Finally, with consideration to recent developments, the brief analyzes current approaches to the conflict and future actions the U.S. may take in response to continued Russian aggression.

U.S. Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Olympics

Tensions rise between the U.S. and China as a result of the U.S.-led diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Beijing Olympics. This brief explains the reasoning behind the boycott, as well as the past efficacy of such practices. Finally, it analyzes the possibility of further action from the U.S. in response to the current state of relations.

Conflict in the Eastern DRC

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been the battleground of numerous political and ethnic conflicts. Recently, the re-emergence of militia rebel groups within its eastern region has ignited tensions once. This brief explains the historical significance of the current contentiousness within the region, with a focus on the strained relationship between the DRC and Rwanda. It connects the decades-long conflict in the region to the ongoing conflict of the DRC, as well as details its effect on inhabitants within the country. Finally, taking account of U.S. interest, the brief proposes the next steps the U.S. should take to prioritize long-term peace, specifically highlighting the role of aiding regional actors and entities.

China-Russia Relations in the Wake of Invasion

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, the United States, along with other NATO nations, have imposed significant economic countermeasures against Russia. However, as its economy struggles, Russia may turn to China in search of economic security. This brief explains how Russia has dealt with punitive economic policy from the West, as well as how Russia's long economic relationship with China may play a role in its economic recovery. Finally, the brief considers future approaches the U.S. should take to effectively deter China-Russia relations in the attempt to resolve the Russia-Ukraine Conflict.

European Division over Russian Energy

As Russian forces continue to violently push through eastern Ukraine, the EU, in an effort to place greater pressure on Russia, proposes a ban on all Russian oil imports. However, while the ban holds the possibility of severely damaging the Russian economy, European nations will have to contend with Russian retaliatory response, as well as the impacts of losing its largest supplier of energy. This brief traces the history of European dependency on Russian energy and connects it to the current debate on banning Russian oil in all member states of the EU. Furthermore, it considers the possible means by which Europe will adjust to the loss of Russian energy, both before and after the enforcement of the oil ban.

Struggle for Power in Venezuela Maduro vs Guaido

This policy brief analyzes the past and current relationship between the United States and Venezuela. It specifically focuses on Venezuelan politics, the upcoming elections, and U.S. sanctions against Venezuela and its leadership. It analyzes the history of U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, the Chavez regime, and the Maduro regime and how U.S. policy may change based on the outcome of the upcoming elections.

Rising Tensions of the Ethiopian Civil War

This brief analyzes the current conflict between Ethiopia and Tigray. It covers the history of relations between the Ethiopian federal government, Tigray, and Eritrea. It then breaks down the current situation including changes in Ethiopian politics and claims of genocide.

The Sri Lankan Economic Crisis

The Sri Lankan economy is currently in the worst economic state it has been in since its independence. This brief explains how ineffective government policy in Sri Lanka has inevitably led to a larger-scale fiscal crisis. It details the political and economic fallout following the initial beginning of the crisis, as well as how international forces have come to Sri Lanka’s aid. Finally, the brief analyzes the current state of the country’s economy and proposes various methods for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

The Military Takeover of Sudan

Violence breaks out in Sudan as a result of military makeover of the regional Sudanese government. This brief details the motives of the coup, including the long history of political instability that preceded it. Finally, it analyzes the future of Sudan following the coup, as well as possible actions to take to ensure the immediate safety of the Sudenese people and to provide measures to enable civilian rule.

Withdrawal Opens Avenue for the Growth of Chinese-Afghan Relations

After the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, the possibility of China stepping into the vacuum to support the Taliban regime became both a possibility and a concern for the United States and its allies. Beijing’s close relationship with Pakistan and their willingness to work with both Moscow and Tehran means the U.S. is, and should be, wary of the extension of this relationship to Kabul, as any relationship between U.S. adversaries is of concern to Washington. This brief explains the history between the Taliban and Beijing, the motivations of each, and the likely outcomes of any negotiations. Finally, it analyzes how these negotiations are impacted by Pakistan and China’s other “alliances”, and how such negotiations would impact U.S. policy both with China and in the region at large.

U.S. Role in China-Taiwan Conflict

Rising Chinese militaristic threats against Taiwan with demands of reunification have prompted questions of U.S. involvement within the region. Concerned with the ramification of conflict with China, yet unwilling to acknowledge Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan, the United States must navigate a means to balance its interests and peace within the region. This brief explains the history between China and Taiwan and how U.S. involvement has influenced the relationship between these countries. Finally, it analyzes how the United States has approached the looming possibility of war between the two nations and what routes the U.S. should take to mitigate the risk of further conflict.

Xinjiang Police Files

For several years, states and international agencies across the globe have demanded Chinese transparency regarding its agenda and activity within its northwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Namely, the West has expressed concerns about human rights violations and cultural suppression of the Uyghur and Muslim minorities residing within the area. A recent press release would support these concerns, revealing details of state-sponsored systematic internment and abuse. This brief ties the finding of the press release to previous evidence as well as explains China’s justification for the detainment. Lastly, it explains the current international response and proposes means by which to effectively and substantially hinder China’s ability to enforce Uyghur internment or, at very least, profit from it.

An Update on the European Energy Crisis

This brief explains how recent EU countermeasures, combined with Russian retaliation, has forced Europe to promptly secure alternative forms of energy, especially as winter approaches. However, it also highlights how the EU dependency has ultimately set the stage for the current circumstance, as well as how recent disputes have halted progress to address those circumstances. Finally, it considers the current status of the EU energy crisis and proposes the next steps that the EU should take to efficiently reduce energy consumption in the short term, as well as alternative energy production in the long term.

Chinese Investments in Latin America

Since the turn of the 21st century, China has strategically developed geopolitical interests within the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, with key investments in natural resources to many of the largest South American state-owned enterprises. China’s expansion of its investment portfolio within the region highlights China’s growing demand for raw materials, as well as efforts to consolidate political prowess within the region. This brief explains how China developed strong diplomatic and profitable relations within the LAC from the start of the 21st century to the status quo. It highlights prominent stances on the upsurge of Sino-Latin foreign relations, specifically emphasizing external global competitive forces. Furthermore, it explains pressing environmental and economic concerns regarding Chinese involvement within the LAC regions. Finally, it argues that the U.S. policy approach should challenge Chinese hegemony through competitive investments and focusing on relevant U.S.-Latin initiatives, rather than aggressive interruption or punitive disruption of existing Sino-Latin relations.

Current Status of the War in Ukraine

Despite recent negotiations, Russian forces continue to occupy large portions of Ukraine. This brief details the status of the war from its beginning to recent development, with a specific focus on the validity of Russian claims of withdrawal from Ukraine. Finally, with consideration to U.S. interests in mitigating the conflict and ensuring domestic stabilization, the brief also proposes the next steps the U.S. should take to ensure effective economic and military pressure on Russia.

Finland in NATO: Bolstering Arctic Defense & Baltic Stability

From World War II to the joint “friendship agreement” with the Soviet Union, Finland’s demonstration of remaining neutral in politics has been consistent through the decades. However, the long-standing policy of non-alignment with foreign countries has shifted in recent months. As Russian aggression sought to tear down Ukraine and the threat in neighboring countries grew, Finland moved swiftly to embrace collective security amid regional uncertainty. This brief traces the increasing political and diplomatic interception carried out by Finland over the years. It also details the increasing need for military infrastructure buildup in Finland along its borders and the need for caution against nuclearization in the region.

Harvesting the Future: Analyzing the Role of the Farm Bill in Shaping the Agricultural Industry

Farming as an industry is largely impacted and dictated in some way by policy, specifically the farm bill. This brief will analyze the role the farm bill plays in the industry and how its revisions can impact the future of farming.

Finland and Sweden NATO Accession

This brief details the rationale behind Finnish and Swedish accession to NATO, highlighting historical tensions between the Nordic nations and Russia, as well as obstacles Finland and Sweden face in the ratification of their accession. Finally, with regard to U.S. interests, it outlines the measures to ensure speedy ratification and clarification and clear communication of intent during the accession process.

Korean Nuclear Proliferation

This brief explains how North Korea originally developed its nuclear program, as well as highlights the involvement of nations such as Russia and China. It also details how military aggression has stressed relations on the peninsula, with consideration to major actors such as Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. Lastly, it explains the possible repercussions of escalated tensions, noting the possibility of nuclear proliferation, as well as proposing the approach that the U.S. should take to attempt to de-escalate and, at the time, commit to its allies in the region.

Revival of the US Entertainment Industry

This brief delves into the impact of entertainment on the modern economy. It analyzes the influence of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and “Barbenheimer” on economic productivity and its vital role in the US financial system. It also predicts the future of the entertainment industry and consumer spending trends.

U.S. Data Security against Chinese Counterintelligence

U.S. relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) were established in 1979 after the U.S. confirmed its recognition and established diplomatic ties. However, since then, relations between the two countries have been contentious, with the U.S. and China experiencing strict political and economic competition with each other. In an effort to gain the upper hand, both states have launched counterintelligence programs that focus on collecting data from tragically important nations. Both China and the U.S. have their own intelligence services focused on collecting information abroad; however, this brief will focus on Chinese counterintelligence efforts towards the U.S. Specifically, it aims to detail the actors involved in the creation of China’s intelligence programs, as well track the actions they have engaged in to collect crucial U.S. data. Furthermore, it highlights current events and respective positions, which it uses to predict possible issues that could arise with tensions between the two countries. Lastly, it considered how the U.S. should approach handling Chinese counterintelligence efforts.

Wagner Mutiny and Russia’s Future

This brief covers how the Wagner mutiny came to be in Russia, revealing what the future holds for actors with vested interests and proposes policy options to help steer through uncertainties