Many languishing Midwestern communities rely on traditional economic development strategies to reinvigorate their economies, including doling out incentives to attract or retain employers or attempting to create a more “business-friendly” environment with lower taxes and labor costs. John Austin, Amanda Weinstein, Michael Hicks, and Emily Wornell explain why these methods may be ineffective compared to investments in quality of life and place.

Around 80% of Jordan’s Syrian refugees fall below the poverty line and 60% of families are in extreme poverty. With the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating downward trends in livelihood, education, and health, it is critical for the international community to step up and provide support to this struggling population, Omer Karasapan argues.

Polarization in its current severity demands study and swift response if the United States hopes to maintain a functioning democracy. Stephanie Forrest and Joshua Daymude identify the factors that drive political polarization and key mechanisms for addressing it.