The economy. The state of the U.S. economy received much attention and concern this year. Experts in the Economic Studies program highlight key developments they watched closely—including the labor market, retirement security, and climate finance—and how they expect those areas to evolve in 2024.

Ukraine. This winter may be a turning point in the war between Ukraine and Russia. A battlefield stalemate, vacillation by Ukraine’s allies in the West, and internal political tensions in Kyiv all threaten Ukraine’s ability to succeed in defending itself, write Michael E. O’Hanlon, Constanze Stelzenmüller, and David Wessel.

U.S. education. Experts from the Brown Center on Education Policy identify the education stories that they’ll be following in the new year, providing analysis on how these issues could shape the learning landscape for the next 12 months and beyond.

Taiwan. On January 13, Taiwan will hold a highly consequential presidential election. Richard C. Bush explains how this election is different than previous ones, the concerns of Taiwan’s voters, and how the outcome may impact relations between Taiwan, the United States, and China.

The state of the world. Experts in the Global Economy and Development program reflect on recent global shocks, the transformative power of technology, outcomes in Africa, sustainable development, and more.

U.S. politics and governance. Which policy questions and subjects drew the most interest from readers of the Governance Studies program this year? Here are the top ten most read pieces on student loan forgiveness, elections, artificial intelligence, and more.