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"When the Kremlin raises the prospect of nuclear use in implausible circumstances, at the end of the day, it does not follow through." Read Steven Pifer's analysis on what Putin's recent threats reveal.
Why Putin is again rattling the nuclear saber
Despite rattling the nuclear saber, Putin does not want a nuclear war, but seeks to raise the threat in order to bully and coerce.
www.brookings.edu
October 8, 2026 at 8:44 PM
"When the Kremlin raises the prospect of nuclear use in implausible circumstances, at the end of the day, it does not follow through." Read Steven Pifer's analysis on what Putin's recent threats reveal.
Tara Watson proposes a temporary direct care worker visa to address the looming workforce challenge and improve the quality of care available to older Americans needing support.
A direct care worker visa policy to support the aging US population | Brookings
Tara Watson offers a proposal for a temporary employment-based visa, the H-1D, for direct care workers.
www.brookings.edu
October 8, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Tara Watson proposes a temporary direct care worker visa to address the looming workforce challenge and improve the quality of care available to older Americans needing support.
Mail-in ballot delays, redistricting battles, and court challenges are all shaping the road to the midterms.
In the first episode of Please Discuss..., E.J. Dionne, Elaine Kamarck, Elena Patel, and Scott Anderson debate the issues voters and election officials face ahead of Election Day.
In the first episode of Please Discuss..., E.J. Dionne, Elaine Kamarck, Elena Patel, and Scott Anderson debate the issues voters and election officials face ahead of Election Day.
Please Discuss ... the shifting map of the 2026 midterm elections | Brookings
In the debut episode of Please Discuss, Brookings scholar E.J. Dionne moderates a conversation about how changes to voting could have consequences for the 2026 midterm election landscape. Brookings sc...
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October 8, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Mail-in ballot delays, redistricting battles, and court challenges are all shaping the road to the midterms.
In the first episode of Please Discuss..., E.J. Dionne, Elaine Kamarck, Elena Patel, and Scott Anderson debate the issues voters and election officials face ahead of Election Day.
In the first episode of Please Discuss..., E.J. Dionne, Elaine Kamarck, Elena Patel, and Scott Anderson debate the issues voters and election officials face ahead of Election Day.
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Join PRRI and @brookings.edu in person or online later this month for the release of the 17th annual American Values Survey! Happening Tuesday, October 20 at 10:00 AM Eastern.
Learn more and register: www.brookings.edu/events/new-s...
Learn more and register: www.brookings.edu/events/new-s...
New survey tracks darkening mood and shifting political loyalties ahead of midterm elections | Brookings
Join Brookings and the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) on October 20th for an in-depth look at the findings from the 17th annual American Values Survey.
www.brookings.edu
October 6, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Join PRRI and @brookings.edu in person or online later this month for the release of the 17th annual American Values Survey! Happening Tuesday, October 20 at 10:00 AM Eastern.
Learn more and register: www.brookings.edu/events/new-s...
Learn more and register: www.brookings.edu/events/new-s...
What can the Olympic Peninsula teach policymakers about rural prosperity? On a special episode of Reimagine Rural, Anthony Pipa talks with Derek Kilmer and Benji Backer about infrastructure, workforce support, access to capital, and the role of federal policy in shaping rural opportunity.
America’s Rural Future: On the Olympic Peninsula with Commission members Derek Kilmer and Benji Backer | Brookings
In this special edition of Reimagine Rural, Tony Pipa interviews Derek Kilmer, senior vice president, U.S. Program & Policy at The Rockefeller Foundation and former member of the U.S. House of Represe...
brook.gs
October 5, 2026 at 6:52 PM
What can the Olympic Peninsula teach policymakers about rural prosperity? On a special episode of Reimagine Rural, Anthony Pipa talks with Derek Kilmer and Benji Backer about infrastructure, workforce support, access to capital, and the role of federal policy in shaping rural opportunity.
What could Brazil’s Oct 4 election mean for governance, public security, technology policy, and the country’s role on the global stage?
Brookings experts break down the key issues shaping the vote and the potential implications for Brazil and the international community.
Brookings experts break down the key issues shaping the vote and the potential implications for Brazil and the international community.
What kind of Brazil will emerge from this election? | Brookings
Brookings experts examine what the upcoming October 4 election means for Brazil and the international community.
www.brookings.edu
October 3, 2026 at 6:14 PM
What could Brazil’s Oct 4 election mean for governance, public security, technology policy, and the country’s role on the global stage?
Brookings experts break down the key issues shaping the vote and the potential implications for Brazil and the international community.
Brookings experts break down the key issues shaping the vote and the potential implications for Brazil and the international community.
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Updated Hutchins Fiscal Impact Measure @brookings.edu shows local, state & federal fiscal policy shaved 0.1 pct pt off Q2 GDP growth. We project fiscal to be moderately restrictive over rest of 2026 and more so in 2027 (assuming no new legislation) www.brookings.edu/articles/hut...
October 1, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Updated Hutchins Fiscal Impact Measure @brookings.edu shows local, state & federal fiscal policy shaved 0.1 pct pt off Q2 GDP growth. We project fiscal to be moderately restrictive over rest of 2026 and more so in 2027 (assuming no new legislation) www.brookings.edu/articles/hut...
A new USPS policy reducing some rural post offices from two daily pickups to one could lead to an estimated 43,000-55,000 additional mail ballot rejections nationwide. Elena Patel examines the potential impact and offers recommendations for voters, USPS, and election officials.
New post office policy could lead to the rejection of tens of thousands of mail-in ballots in November | Brookings
New analysis examines how a Post Office policy could affect mail-in ballot delivery times and lead to additional ballot rejections in November.
brook.gs
September 30, 2026 at 2:36 PM
A new USPS policy reducing some rural post offices from two daily pickups to one could lead to an estimated 43,000-55,000 additional mail ballot rejections nationwide. Elena Patel examines the potential impact and offers recommendations for voters, USPS, and election officials.
Reposted by Brookings Institution
Join @brookings.edu for an event marking the release of the 3rd edition of Senior Fellow William H. Frey’s book, “Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics Are Remaking America”
📆 Wednesday, September 30th, 3pm EDT
💻 Register online ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4hharfg
📆 Wednesday, September 30th, 3pm EDT
💻 Register online ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4hharfg
The future of American diversity: A new look at how shifting demographics are shaping the nation | Brookings
Join Brookings for a discussion on America’s changing demographics and growing diversity, featuring new research on how shifts in race, age, and population are shaping the nation’s economy, politics, ...
www.brookings.edu
September 29, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Join @brookings.edu for an event marking the release of the 3rd edition of Senior Fellow William H. Frey’s book, “Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics Are Remaking America”
📆 Wednesday, September 30th, 3pm EDT
💻 Register online ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4hharfg
📆 Wednesday, September 30th, 3pm EDT
💻 Register online ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4hharfg
High turnout in three German state elections may reflect more than dissatisfaction with current politics. Constanze Stelzenmüller and Mathilda Silbiger argue the results could signal growing polarization and fragmentation in Germany’s political culture.
Three state elections throw German politics into disarray | Brookings
Three German state elections may have ushered in a new era of polarization, volatility, and fragmentation.
www.brookings.edu
September 29, 2026 at 3:21 PM
High turnout in three German state elections may reflect more than dissatisfaction with current politics. Constanze Stelzenmüller and Mathilda Silbiger argue the results could signal growing polarization and fragmentation in Germany’s political culture.
"AI agents don't need superintelligence to cause irreversible harms." From cybersecurity and financial stability to jobs, governance, and global cooperation, Brookings experts weigh in on one of today's biggest policy debates: Is AI an existential threat, and what should governments do about it?
Is the AI existential threat real—and can regulatory action prevent it? | Brookings
Scholars from across Brookings address the risks of AI and what regulatory actions are necessary to prevent them.
brook.gs
September 28, 2026 at 4:15 PM
"AI agents don't need superintelligence to cause irreversible harms." From cybersecurity and financial stability to jobs, governance, and global cooperation, Brookings experts weigh in on one of today's biggest policy debates: Is AI an existential threat, and what should governments do about it?
Can policymakers slow the development of advanced AI without compromising U.S. competitiveness? Elham Tabassi and Kyle Chan join Thomas Wright on The Current to discuss AI safety, regulation, and the implications of the U.S.-China technology race.
Can we slow down AI without losing to China? | Brookings
As AI models grow more advanced, warnings of catastrophic risks are escalating. But are existential fears overshadowing immediate threats? Brookings experts Elham Tabassi and Kyle Chan join Thomas Wri...
brook.gs
September 23, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Can policymakers slow the development of advanced AI without compromising U.S. competitiveness? Elham Tabassi and Kyle Chan join Thomas Wright on The Current to discuss AI safety, regulation, and the implications of the U.S.-China technology race.
What can we learn from the closest 2026 primary elections? Elaine Kamarck and Jordan Muchnik highlight an in-depth analysis of candidates from 33 congressional districts and 10 Senate races.
Electability over ideology: Takeaways from the 2026 primaries
Elaine Kamarck and Jordan Muchnick analyze the 2026 primaries, revealing what candidates addressed—and avoided—ahead of November.
www.brookings.edu
September 19, 2026 at 12:15 PM
What can we learn from the closest 2026 primary elections? Elaine Kamarck and Jordan Muchnik highlight an in-depth analysis of candidates from 33 congressional districts and 10 Senate races.
What do we lose without local news? On Sept 23, join America's Rural Future in Morgantown, West Virginia (or online) to hear from journalists, local leaders, and policy experts on the national consequences of local news decline and local information ecosystems.
WVU College of Creative Arts and Media | America's Rural Future: What do we lose without local news?
creativeartsandmedia.wvu.edu
September 18, 2026 at 8:34 PM
What do we lose without local news? On Sept 23, join America's Rural Future in Morgantown, West Virginia (or online) to hear from journalists, local leaders, and policy experts on the national consequences of local news decline and local information ecosystems.
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“If the Follow the Rules Act were better known, then perhaps more public servants might be willing to resist improper orders—and more military and civilian leaders might think twice before giving them,” writes University Professor Emeritus Sean O'Keefe and co-author Joshua Gotbaum (@brookings.edu ).
When told to break the law, must feds just follow orders? | Brookings
Federal law protects public servants who refuse illegal orders, but most don't know their rights exist or how to use them.
www.brookings.edu
September 17, 2026 at 5:48 PM
“If the Follow the Rules Act were better known, then perhaps more public servants might be willing to resist improper orders—and more military and civilian leaders might think twice before giving them,” writes University Professor Emeritus Sean O'Keefe and co-author Joshua Gotbaum (@brookings.edu ).
A proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system could cost as much as $1.2 trillion over 20 years while facing significant technical hurdles. Michael O’Hanlon argues for a more limited homeland missile defense approach and a broader public debate over costs, risks, and strategic goals.
The right dome for America | Brookings
A "Golden Dome" system would not only verge on unaffordable; it could cause an arms race without providing the actual protection it promises.
brook.gs
September 18, 2026 at 1:58 PM
A proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system could cost as much as $1.2 trillion over 20 years while facing significant technical hurdles. Michael O’Hanlon argues for a more limited homeland missile defense approach and a broader public debate over costs, risks, and strategic goals.
Democrats will be defending governorships in five states that President Trump won in 2024—Arizona, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
In 2026 governor races, local issues rival national trend
E.J. Dionne and Max Keeney preview the states to watch in the 2026 gubernatorial races.
www.brookings.edu
September 16, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Democrats will be defending governorships in five states that President Trump won in 2024—Arizona, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Ryan Hass explains why the U.S. and China both have an interest in sustaining an "uneasy calm" and what it could mean for Xi Jinping's upcoming visit.
Why Beijing isn't taking the bait with Trump | Brookings
Beijing is focused on strengthening its long-term position for competing with the United States, not on securing breakthroughs with Trump.
www.brookings.edu
September 16, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Ryan Hass explains why the U.S. and China both have an interest in sustaining an "uneasy calm" and what it could mean for Xi Jinping's upcoming visit.
Reposted by Brookings Institution
The end of America's Middle East? Join us for a Sadat Forum conversation with Gregory Gause, @abuaardvark.bsky.social, and @profsaunders.bsky.social, Monday, September 28, 3:00 to 4:00 PM EDT. Register by scanning code below or go to go.sadat.umd/sadatforum
September 15, 2026 at 12:39 PM
The end of America's Middle East? Join us for a Sadat Forum conversation with Gregory Gause, @abuaardvark.bsky.social, and @profsaunders.bsky.social, Monday, September 28, 3:00 to 4:00 PM EDT. Register by scanning code below or go to go.sadat.umd/sadatforum
The new, expanded IRS Spotlight offers data, timelines, records, and more on federal tax administration developments and IRS performance. @vanessawilliamson.bsky.social shares a few highlights below.
It has been 193 days since we've had an IRS Commissioner. That position has never been vacant. Not once since 1862, when the Bureau of Internal Revenue began collecting the revenue to help the United States put down the Confederacy.
www.brookings.edu/projects/the...
www.brookings.edu/projects/the...
September 15, 2026 at 6:49 PM
The new, expanded IRS Spotlight offers data, timelines, records, and more on federal tax administration developments and IRS performance. @vanessawilliamson.bsky.social shares a few highlights below.
The U.S. Treasury Department recently announced buybacks of some of its long-term debt, and in turn, the U.S. dollar has plummeted. Robin Brooks breaks down why a modest Treasury announcement sent the dollar tumbling, and what it signals about mounting fears over U.S. fiscal sustainability.
September 15, 2026 at 5:07 PM
The U.S. Treasury Department recently announced buybacks of some of its long-term debt, and in turn, the U.S. dollar has plummeted. Robin Brooks breaks down why a modest Treasury announcement sent the dollar tumbling, and what it signals about mounting fears over U.S. fiscal sustainability.
“History tells us not to ignore the quality of the candidates and the campaigns they run, because they can make the difference between victory and defeat in close elections," write Elaine Kamarck and William Galston.
Trump's approval slump and candidate quality drive 2026 Senate races | Brookings
Elaine Kamarck and William Galston examine the races that could decide Senate control as Trump's approval falls in 2026.
brook.gs
September 15, 2026 at 2:10 PM
“History tells us not to ignore the quality of the candidates and the campaigns they run, because they can make the difference between victory and defeat in close elections," write Elaine Kamarck and William Galston.
With EU officials setting an October deadline for progress in trade talks with Beijing, Brookings experts examine the situation and forecast whether the EU and China will be able to rebalance their economic relationship.
Europe’s China Shock 2.0: Where does it go from here? | Brookings
Brookings experts help make sense of the current moment and potential future trajectory of EU-China trade relations.
www.brookings.edu
September 11, 2026 at 6:26 PM
With EU officials setting an October deadline for progress in trade talks with Beijing, Brookings experts examine the situation and forecast whether the EU and China will be able to rebalance their economic relationship.
In updated research, Marcela Escobari, Ian Seyal, and Paul Beach find that last year's ICE surges led to more persistent and widening job losses than previously realized.
Beyond arrests: How ICE enforcement depressed local employment in 2025 | Brookings
Employment fell in cities where ICE enforcement surged in 2025, with no signs of recovery so far, Marcela Escobari and co-authors find.
www.brookings.edu
September 9, 2026 at 8:33 PM
In updated research, Marcela Escobari, Ian Seyal, and Paul Beach find that last year's ICE surges led to more persistent and widening job losses than previously realized.
Hear from people around the world working to advance gender equality in and through education. Embedding Equality in Education is a new podcast from the Center for Universal Education—follow on your favorite podcast app and listen to the trailer at the link below.
New Brookings podcast 'Embedding Equality in Education' shares a collaborative path to advancing gender equality in and through education | Brookings
www.brookings.edu
September 8, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Hear from people around the world working to advance gender equality in and through education. Embedding Equality in Education is a new podcast from the Center for Universal Education—follow on your favorite podcast app and listen to the trailer at the link below.