Hunter C. Smith, M.P.A.

Energy decarbonization has become one of the most pressing political issues of the 21st century. Two of the countries considered to be the most successful at implementing decarbonization plans are Iceland and Finland. These countries pose an interesting point of comparison given their many similarities. Sections II and III discuss structural and compositional aspects of each country, including such things as governmental structure and various statistics. Sections IV and V address decarbonization efforts in each country while Section VI considers these efforts while also considering any structural or compositional differences. Ultimately, this analysis concludes that Iceland has implemented more effective decarbonization efforts than Finland. Additionally, the analysis finds more variation in decarbonization efforts than one might expect. This variation has a significant effect on what policies are implemented and the overall structure of the country’s decarbonization plan. Despite being the weaker country in terms of decarbonization, Finland exhibits significant potential to increase the effectiveness of its own efforts.

An analysis of economic trends during President Trump’s administration, followed by a discussion of a potential recession and impacts on the 2020 presidential election.

An adaptation of a piece I wrote for the Wason Center for Public Policy which was selected for publication in the Daily Press, a newspaper headquartered in Newport News, VA which serves the Virginia Peninsula.

A discussion on the proposed USMCA deal in relation to the impact of trade on the 2018 midterm elections.

My analysis regarding whether President Trump is actually capable of ending birthright citizenship, with commentary on other key immigration issues.