Missing Workers in the Labor Force, US-Afghanistan Policy, and More

March 30, 2023

Now hiring sign shown on window of establishment

What explains recent decline and stagnation in U.S. labor force participation? In their contribution for the latest Brookings Papers on Economic Activity (BPEA), Katharine Abraham and Lea Rendell examine how long COVID, fear of catching COVID, and Americans’ shifting work-life balance priorities may have contributed to a 1.4 million worker shortfall.

Tune in to the spring BPEA conference starting today at 1:00 PM EDT to hear more about urgent economic challenges and how to address them.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, President Joe Biden speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House

Afghanistan’s crises require a clear statement of US policy

Although Afghanistan has faded from the headlines, the country’s crises remain intense. Madiha Afzal argues that now is the time for the Biden administration to articulate its policy toward Afghanistan, both to ensure a better U.S. approach and to garner more international support.

Read on Lawfare

Young person trying to pay attention in class

Can grade retention help with COVID-19 learning recovery in schools?

Grade retention is the longstanding practice of requiring low-performing students to repeat a grade. Umut Özek and Louis T. Mariano discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this intervention to help students get back on track after the pandemic-induced setback.