PolicyEd has become a strategic mainstay for Hoover and the centerpiece of the institution’s bottom-up approach to engaging the broader public in policy discussions. We have assembled an impressive library of accessible video content to introduce Hoover policy ideas to younger people in particular. PolicyEd content includes short animations, video series, and several feature-length documentary films spanning a variety of topics, from economics, national security, and health care to the environment and civics. This year we released four new series and a total of 42 videos. Since launching in late 2016, PolicyEd videos have been watched nearly 60 million times.
Here are some of the highlights from 2018.
Featured Videos:
Examining America’s Exceptional Economy
Edward Lazear explores what has made America’s economy successful, what sets it apart from other nations, and what needs to be done to sustain its prominence in the global economy. Lazear shows that America and its people have prospered by prioritizing economic freedom, industriousness, low taxes, light regulation, free trade, and openness to immigration.
For more in this series, check out https://www.policyed.org/americas-exceptional-economy
The High Cost of Good Intentions
Entitlements grow over time because of a force called “the equally worthy claim,” where eligibility for benefits continually expands until programs no longer resemble their initial, honorable intentions. Over time, entitlements programs have grown into a costly and complex system. Reforms should focus on preserving the programs’ original intentions and putting them back on a sustainable fiscal path.
For more in this series, check out https://www.policyed.org/perspectivesonpolicy or start watching this series with “The High Cost of Good Intentions”
The Paradox of Household Income
Changes in family structure make it difficult to measure economic progress for the middle class and obtain an accurate picture of the effectiveness of the American economy. The rise in the divorce rate and the decrease in the marriage rate, especially among less-educated Americans, distorts the standard measures of economic progress. What’s really going on is more complicated than the standard story of economic stagnation for all but the wealthy.
For more in this series, check out https://www.policyed.org/numbersgame
Why Tax Rates Matter More Than Taxes
Marginal tax rates—how much someone is taxed on the next dollar they earn—affect how much people work, save, and invest. Everyone is affected by their marginal tax rate, and lower marginal tax rates lead to more rapid economic growth.
For more Intellections, go to www.policyed.org/intellections.
Education and the Nation’s Future
The United States used to lead the world in educational attainment but has failed to maintain its dominant position in the last few decades. Improving its students’ educational outcomes would significantly expand the economy and the opportunities available to workers. The future of the US economy depends on improving the education and skills taught to students, which requires a renewed emphasis on producing, rewarding, and retaining great teachers.
For more in this series, go to www.policyed.org/blueprint-america.
Adam White On How The Unelected Judiciary Prevents The Tyranny Of The Majority
Majority rule is a critical part of democracy, but without legal protections, minority groups could be subject to abuses by the majority. Courts and the judicial branch play an important role in protecting the rights of minorities and limiting the excesses that would otherwise happen.
For more in this series, check out https://www.policyed.org/policy-briefs or start watching this series with “Adam White On How The Unelected Judiciary Prevents The Tyranny Of The Majority.”
Policy Insights answers important policy questions by pulling together relevant op-eds, books, podcasts, and videos from Hoover fellows. Readers are given a one-stop shop that guides them through big issues and points them in the direction of more Hoover resources.
For more in this series, go to https://www.policyed.org/policy-insights
Featured Series in 2018:
PolicyEd introduces the new educational video series Perspectives on Policy, which brings Hoover scholars' research and analysis to life in engaging narratives. Visual metaphors and illustrations convey insights about public policy. This series enhances traditional academic lectures with modern motion graphics and story-telling.
Edward Lazear explores what has made America's economy successful, what sets it apart from other nations, and what needs to be done to sustain its prominence in the global economy. Lazear shows that America and its people have prospered by prioritizing economic freedom, industriousness, low taxes, light regulation, free trade, and openness to immigration.
Russ Roberts dives into the data to help users understand how statistics can be manipulated to suit any conclusion, and why you should be skeptical of the idea that everyday life isn’t improving. This animated series discusses the challenges of accurately measuring and understanding the economy and economic policy.
The American ability to inspire--which we call exceptionalism--is not automatic. It takes continued efforts to be realized in a changing world. In this series, George P. Shultz and other scholars at the Hoover Institution--professors, thinkers, and practitioners of global renown in their respective fields--offer a series of accessible policy ideas for civic, economic, and security architecture that would shore up the long-term foundations of American strengths.
Activate Your Thinking. The Intellections series brings you 60-90 second animations that engage your intellect and clarify public policy concepts. With topics ranging from health insurance and single-payer to national security threats and education reform, these bite size videos provide a quick peek into understanding the issues of today.
This series animates succinct policy explanations from various talks, podcasts, and presentations given by policy experts. These videos explain first principles and real world examples in a way that are easy to understand and share with your friends.
Watch scholars answer the most common questions and comments they receive related to all the videos created by the PolicyEd initiative based on their in-depth research and publications.
John Taylor discusses the major components of fiscal policy and their effect on the US economy. This series covers the complexities of the budget process, the debt and deficit, and the economy and the deficit.
