Induction of Social Contagion
What is social contagion? How does friendship-nomination targeting enhance the spread of health education and behaviors in social networks?
Diversity and Social Mobility in the UK legal profession
I. Stephanie Boyce provides a current snapshot of diversity within the UK legal profession and how to drive inclusion going forward.
Olivier Blanchard on U.S. Pandemic-Era Inflation
Olivier Blanchard discusses the direct and indirect effects of product-market and labor-market shocks on prices and nominal wages. Professor Blanchard suggests most of the inflation surge that began in 2021 was the result of shocks to prices given wages, including sharp increases in commodity prices and sectoral shortages. However, the effects of overheated labor markets on nominal wage growth and inflation are more persistent than the effects of product-market shocks.
Peter Cappelli on the Future of the Office
Peter Cappelli lays out the facts in an effort to provide everyone involved with a vision of their futures.
Electric Power Consumption (kWh per Capita) Across Regions: 2000-2015
This chart illustrates electric power consumption (kWh per capita) across regions from 2000 to 2015. Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank.
School Enrollment, Secondary (% Gross): 2000-2020
This chart illustrates regional trends in secondary school enrollment (% gross) from 2000 to 2020. Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank.
Regional Trends in Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff (2000-2020)
This chart illustrates the percentage of births attended by skilled health staff across regions from 2000 to 2020. Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank.
Military Expenditure (% of GDP) by Region
This chart highlights the regional variations in military expenditure as a percentage of GDP from 2000 to 2023. Source: World Development Indicators, World Bank.
Reframing Redemption: Public Use and Perceptions of Labeling Alternatives in Criminology
Person-first language, like saying “person with a conviction” instead of “criminal,” is designed to reduce stigma and help people rebuild their lives. But what if this well-meaning approach is actually backfiring?
Revolutionizing Food Assistance: Lessons from the Pandemic
What if I told you that during the pandemic, a $300 grocery voucher did more to help struggling families than decades of traditional food assistance programs? The story of how this unprecedented experiment unfolded is absolutely fascinating.
Revolutionizing Diagnosis: SSL-CPCD
We’re diving into a groundbreaking self-supervised learning method in AI called SSL-CPCD. It’s a game-changer in how we analyze endoscopic medical images, and it’s making waves in both AI and healthcare circles.
Invisible Algorithms: The Cutting Edge of Online Linear Programming
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of online linear programming, or OLP, and the groundbreaking strides researchers are making in this field.
Greenland’s Strategic Role in U.S. Arctic Policy
Greenland’s location at the gateway to the Arctic makes it a crucial geopolitical and economic asset as melting ice opens new shipping routes and exposes valuable resources. The island is vital for U.S. Arctic security, hosting the Pituffik Space Base, a key military outpost for monitoring regional activity. Its vast reserves of rare earth minerals and potential oil and gas resources further enhance its strategic importance, particularly as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled supply chains. The 1951 Defense of Greenland Agreement provides a legal framework for U.S. operations, granting significant authority for military infrastructure and rapid response capabilities. As competition with Russia and China intensifies in the Arctic, strengthening U.S. influence in Greenland through defense agreements, economic investments, and NATO cooperation is critical to safeguarding American interests and securing leadership in this increasingly contested region.
The Importance of U.S.-China Trade
The U.S.-China trade relationship is one of the most significant in the world, driving global supply chains and economic growth. China is a top export market for U.S. goods, while the U.S. is the largest destination for Chinese exports. This trade has brought lower costs for U.S. consumers and higher profits for companies, supporting over a million U.S. jobs. However, tensions have grown. Tariffs from 2018-2019 reduced the U.S.’s share of China’s trade, and the U.S. now accounts for less than 15% of China’s total imports and exports. Meanwhile, China has diversified its trading partners, boosting exports to Southeast Asia and reducing reliance on U.S. commodities like soybeans and wheat. Despite challenges, trade remains crucial for both countries, underscoring their economic interdependence even amid shifting policies and geopolitical tensions.
Where Does the EU’s Gas Come From?
The European Union has made significant changes to its energy sources since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which highlighted the dangers of relying on a single supplier. Diversifying energy supplies became essential, requiring investment in new pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, and infrastructure. In 2021, over 40% of the EU’s pipeline gas came from Russia. By 2023, this number dropped to just 8%, with Russia’s total share of EU gas imports—pipeline and LNG combined—falling to less than 15%. This was achieved through a sharp increase in LNG imports and a reduction in overall gas consumption. In 2023, Norway and the United States became the EU’s top gas suppliers. Norway provided almost 30% of the EU’s total gas imports, while the U.S. supplied nearly 50% of the EU’s LNG. Other key suppliers include North African countries, the UK, and Qatar. The EU imported over 120 billion cubic meters of LNG in 2023, with France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy as the largest importers. This shift reflects the EU’s commitment to reducing dependence on Russian energy and ensuring a secure and diverse energy supply. Why is gas so crucial for the EU? Gas fuels power generation, heats over 30% of EU households, and supports industrial processes. Despite a 13% drop in consumption in 2022, the EU still used over 350 billion cubic meters of gas, underscoring its importance to daily life and the economy. The EU’s energy transformation is a clear step toward resilience and sustainability.
