Why policy? A brief introduction to Policy Impact Report

Policy manoeuvres affect the everyday decision making and opportunities human encounter. Most policy decisions, however, go under discussed in media; specifically, the pipeline from policy production to policy effect. Science policy and research funding define which diseases scientists will attempt to eradicate; infrastructure policy affects how people commute and the extent to where people commute; climate policy defines future growth and agriculture; education policy decides what kind of topics become part of the cultural zeitgeist and whom receives what opportunities where. Policy making in modern governance has an incredible power on defining humanity and the life we live.

In the 2020’s, policy, human rights, trade, and forms of governance have never been more intertwined. Policy decisions today that strengthen or weaken democratic institutions and partnerships will define the next decade, and beyond. The rise of authoritarian populism has renewed an interest in initiating populist totalitarian movements; an ill that many thought, wrongly, democracy had defeated once and for all in the 1990s. With new technology and initiatives, totalitarian regimes and policy have returned and aim to consume democracy and any institutions which aim to deter human right abuses.

Policy making in democratic and authoritarian forms of governance could not be more different. Democratic policy making aims to uplift human rights and create more, not less, opportunity. Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes craft policy according to that which supports the regime. Yet, in a globalised world both forms of policy-making have a global impact. Democracies can support democratic allies by partnering on free trade, supporting human rights, and defending through deterrence. Alternatively, authoritarian regimes can weaken democratic nations by instituting policies that wage lawfare through disinformation and cyber campaigns, or normalising human rights abuses and slave labour.

Thus, journalism reporting on policy globally, and detailing how that policy affects people everywhere has never held a more important place in the conversation. Nor, has it ever been more missing.

Policy Impact Report is launching with a commitment to journalism that delivers insights into the human results of government policy decisions. Our reporting offers clear analysis in a world increasingly plagued by disinformation. As interpreting policy becomes more difficult with political jingoism intentionally misrepresenting policies, our aim is to provide reporting that is clear, concise, and insightful.

As Policy Impact Report Magazine continues to grow, we will add voices and insight that offer unique perspectives on the downstream effect of policy. By reading Policy Impact Report, you will gain insight on how governance shapes policy, and how that policy impacts people from the level at which policy is researched, implemented, and enforced. We also aim to offer opinion pieces that offer critical analysis and evidence-based research to discuss not only what is, but the direction and structure of how policy and governance is moving.

Although we are a young endeavour in the world of journalism, we thank you for your reading and support of our mission to broaden a journalistic examination of policy. Too often policy analysis remains inaccessible behind university journals’ institutional paywalls, or muddled in the rhetoric of a political campaign. Our platform will cut through the academic jargon and political jingoism, offering clear analysis with journalistic integrity.

We thank you for your readership and support. For tips or assignment inquiries, please contact: tips[@]policyimpactreport.com or assignments[@]policyimpactreport.com.

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