DECEMBER 18, 2025 Harvard Kennedy School Most-read articles of 2025 Thanks for following the important work of Kennedy School scholars over the past year. Here are 2025’s most-viewed stories chronicling HKS research and impact: How do tariffs work? Professor Robert Lawrence explains the impact of tariffs on the United States and the world.   Why do government shutdowns happen? The economic and human costs can be high, says Professor Linda Bilmes.  The fight over health insurance subsidies Professor Mark Shepard explains why health subsidies were at the heart of this year’s government shutdown.    Understanding redistricting in Texas Professor Benjamin Schneer explains state Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting push.  Analyzing the impact of DOGE HKS faculty members discuss the implications of the Department of Government Efficiency’s actions.    Executive orders as a governing tool Executive orders may be a symptom of polarized politics, argues Professor Roger Porter.  What we're watching Professor Gordon Hanson on China Shock 2.0 and the end of U.S. technological dominance More top stories of 2025 How the U.S. House and Senate agree on a common budget resolution » Why young voters shifted right in the 2024 U.S. presidential election » Why does Trump care about the Panama Canal? » Remembering Melissa Hortman MC/MPA 2018 and Miguel Uribe Turbay MC/MPA 2022 » Help create a better future. Your gift to HKS provides critical financial aid that empowers the next generation of leaders.   Give Now A selection of HKS faculty media coverage in 2025 • The left knows how to have huge protests. The right knows how to win elections. Elizabeth McKenna, The Boston Globe • The Harvard professor who quantified democracy Erica Chenoweth, Harvard Magazine • The end of the longest peace Graham Allison, Foreign Affairs • The dangers of America’s gerrymandering problem—and how to fix it Benjamin Schneer, Time • The return of the energy weapon Meghan O’Sullivan, Foreign Affairs • How WWI vets shaped civil rights movement Desmond Ang, Harvard Gazette • What even is a “good” job? Dani Rodrik, New York Times • The end of the long American century Joseph Nye, Foreign Affairs • The potential power, and perils, of the “No Kings” protests Nancy Gibbs, TIME • Xi-Trump summit: Trade, Taiwan and Russia still top agenda for China and US presidents – 6 years after last meeting Rana Mitter, The Conversation • A smarter way to disagree Julia Minson, Harvard Business Review What we're Reading See the top visual insights on global economic growth and development from the Growth Lab’s 2025 research 79 John F. Kennedy Street Cambridge, MA 02138 USA Manage Subscriptions | Update Profile | Unsubscribe © 2026 Harvard Kennedy School