Weekly Questions

NOTE: xTempore will be going on a break through May 5 as Truman Forensics attends NFA Nationals and completes final exams.  We will resume publishing May 11 through the week of NSDA Nationals.

Questions for the Week of Monday, April 13, 2026

United States

  1. Is AI making the work of internet hackers easier or harder?
  2. Will Democrats’ quick decision to turn against Eric Swalwell’s candidacy for California Governor help or hurt the favorability of the party in the eyes of voters?
  3. What are the greatest early successes of Zohran Mamdani’s administration in New York City?
  4. Who among President Trump’s cabinet is having the greatest influence on American foreign policy?
  5. What potential Democratic presidential candidate mounted the most successful performance at the National Action Network Convention?
  6. Will JD Vance’s alleged opposition to the War in Iran cost him the support of President Trump for any future Vance candidacy?

International

  1. Can Geordin Hill-Lewis broaden the appeal of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance?
  2. What actions can Lebanon’s government take to bring about a cease fire with Israel?
  3. Will US plans to blockade the Straight of Hormuz bring Iran to make concessions at the negotiating table?
  4. Will Hungary’s new government be able to quickly restore the democratic institutions damaged under the leadership of Viktor Orban?
  5. How has Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo impact US relations with Italy?
  6. What is motivating Pakistan’s mediation role in the Persian Gulf war?

Economic

  1. How will the return of humans to the Moon advance the growth of the private aerospace industry?
  2. What steps must European industry take to secure a lead in quantum computing?
  3. How is the war in Iran impacting the US housing market?
  4. Will the Starmer government bring the UK closer to the European Union single market system?
  5. How would Scottish independence impact the UK economy, if a proposed 2028 independence referrendum succeeds?
  6. How is the rising cost of jet fuel impacting the global transportation industry?

Questions for the Week of Monday, April 6, 2026

United States

  1. What does President Trump’s absence from the CPAC Conference signal for the future of the conservative movement in America?
  2. To what extent do movements such as the “No Kings” protests mobilize support for opponents of the current presidential administration?
  3. How realistic would a successful 2028 Cory Booker presidential campaign be?
  4. In the wake of President Trump’s dismissal of numerous agency heads, is the Supreme Court prepared to overrule Humphrey’s Executor v. U.S.?
  5. How can Congressional Democrats reach a compromise for DHS funding that satisfies their constituents?
  6. Is RFK, Jr.’s planned legalization of certain peptide injections a step forward for drug therapy?

International

  1. How would a US “boots on the ground” scenario change the trajectory of the US-Iran conflict?
  2. Will the U.S. need to change their approach to clean energy after China’s announcement of the new Five-Year Plan?
  3. How will Cheng Li-Wun’s diplomatic visit to China alter Taiwan-China relations?
  4. How will the EU-Mercosur deal impact inter-European relations?
  5. How would a breakup of Bosnia and Herzegovina impact the state’s path to EU accession?
  6. Will a rise in New Zealand’s military spending fuel regional political tensions?

Economic

  1. What does the shutdown of Sora AI signal for the future of the AI market as a whole?
  2. How will the European Union respond to increased prospects of rising prices and lower economic growth during the Iran war?
  3. How will America’s “Project Vault” impact the future of global rare earth minerals trading?
  4. What steps should Mozambique take to prevent their debt crisis from worsening?
  5. How should the United States respond to efforts by BRICS countries to challenge dollar dominance?
  6. Will Google’s new TurboQuant facilitate a reduction in global digital memory prices?

Questions for the Week of Monday, March 30, 2026

United States

  1. Should NASA abandon the long delayed Artemis program?
  2. What steps can the federal government take to increase access to medical specialties in rural America?
  3. Will Brad Raffensperger succeed in his efforts to become Georgia’s governor, despite his controversial role in the history of the 2020 presidential election?
  4. What steps can the federal government take to alleviate the discomfort caused to TSA employees by their prolonged service without pay?
  5. Will the increasing costs and challenges of air travel lead Americans to press for expanded mass transit alternatives, such as rail?
  6. Despite significant media attention, will President Trump’s remarks about the death of Robert Muller have any negative impact on his popularity?

International

  1. Amidst continued Russian attacks on Ukraine, how can the US balance its military commitments in the Persian Gulf with its material support of Kiev?
  2. Will continued military pressure on Iran drive it toward the quick development of crude nuclear weapons? 
  3. Has the war against Iran strengthened North Korea’s arguments in favor of having its own nuclear capability?
  4. What steps can the Chinese government take to address its declining birth rate?
  5. With both Japan and China increasing arms sales to Indonesia, does the nation have an alliance with either?
  6. Will Brazil’s biofuel industry insulate the country against the pain of rising oil prices?

Economic

  1. As the oil futures market enters “backwardation,” what should investors do in response?
  2. How will the EU-US trade deal impact the future of global trade governance?
  3. What does Africa’s economic reliance on China signal for future relations?
  4. Will recent civil verdicts against social media giants Meta and YouTube lead the industry to impose increased safety measures on the use of their products?
  5. How will the rising cost of diesel fuel impact the long-haul trucking industry?
  6. How will Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil industry impact the global price of crude?

Questions for the Week of Monday, March 21, 2026

United States

  1. What steps can the American corrections system take to stem the flow of illicit drugs into their facilities?
  2. Will the scandal surrounding the late Cesar Chavez undermine the legacy of the movement he led?
  3. How will the Trump administration respond to Judge Paul Friedman’s ruling reversing the Pentagon’s restrictions on the news media?
  4. How likely is it that no Democratic candidate survives California’s “jungle primary” for Governor?
  5. Should Congress play a greater role in decisions regarding the sale of weapons to Middle Eastern states?
  6. Will universities succeed in blocking implementation of President Trump’s policies on trans athletes in college sports?

International

  1. What steps can the Ukrainian government take to prevent the world community from forgetting their cause during the conflict in the Middle East?
  2. How does the social media presence of Sandro Castro impact the popularity of the Cuban regime?
  3. What steps should Canada take to build a strong and independent military?
  4. Can Russia succeed in its plans to run the US blockade and bring oil to Cuba?
  5. Has the US threat to Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland abated?
  6. How do Israeli priorities differ from those of the United States in the war on Iran?

Economic

  1. How will expiring patent protections overseas on Novo Nordisk GLP-1 drugs impact the global market for the drugs?
  2. Should Brazil make a trade deal with the United States over rare earth minerals?
  3. Will the U.S. lifting sanctions on Iranian oil have a noticeable impact on global oil prices?
  4. What steps can the federal government take to address the rising number of delinquencies and defaults on student loans?
  5. Will Uber’s acquisition of Rivian help the rideshare company’s profitability?
  6. Will America’s stranglehold on the Cuban economy turn the Caribbean nation into a client state?

Questions for the Week of Monday, March 16, 2026

United States

  1. What steps should NASA take to ensure the Artemis moon program will be successful?
  2. How could Sen. Steve Daines’ decision to withdraw from Montana’s Senatorial race impact Republican national party prospects in the 2026 midterms?
  3. How might the ongoing investigations into Jerome Powell by the Department of Justice impact his remaining months in office?
  4. Are Senate Democrats any closer to reaching an acceptable agreement to allow DHS funding to be reinstated?
  5. Should the Trump Administration continue its efforts to reinvigorate US nuclear energy?
  6. How will President Trump’s delay in endorsing a Republican Senate candidate in Texas impact the upcoming runoff election?

International

  1. What steps can Mexico’s government take to stem the tide of American-made guns flowing into their country?
  2. Should Zambia give in to American pressure for access to its mineral markets?
  3. What steps can the United Nations take to increase protection for its peacekeepers around the globe?
  4. Is Canada’s Prime Minister sacrificing his nation’s democratic values in favor of a pragmatic foreign policy?
  5. Will outrage over civilian deaths in Afghanistan cause Pakistan to rethink its approach to the conflict with its neighbor?
  6. What steps can the European Union take to better prepare for increased refugee traffic from the Middle East?

Economic

  1. Is the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act likely to increase affordability in the housing market?
  2. How will attacks on Iranian oil and gas infrastructure impact the global energy market?
  3. How will Cuba’s decision to allow Americans to own businesses there impact the country’s struggling economy?
  4. How will the effects of the war in the Middle East impact the Federal Reserve’s coming decisions on interest rates?
  5. How big of a role does the AI industry play in the US trade deficit with other nations?
  6. How will disruptions in fossil fuel supplies impact global efforts to combat climate change?

Questions for the Week of Monday, March 9, 2026

United States

  1. What are the most important factors AI companies should consider when determining where to build new data centers?
  2. Should the State Department reinstate passport services at non-profit libraries?
  3. Should Democrats recalibrate their strategy for the midterms after James Talarico’s win in the Texas Senate primary?
  4. Are Wisconsin’s income tax cuts fiscally sustainable in the long run?
  5. Is the 2026 Texas Senate Republican Primary runoff a money pit for the GOP?
  6. Will there be Congressional pushback if American strikes on Iran continue through March?

International

  1. How will former raper Balendra Shah change the course of Nepal’s government as Prime Minister?
  2. How should the BRICS nations respond to the war in Iran?
  3. What steps can the Colombian government take to better protect political candidates from violence in the run up to elections there?
  4. Will the Shield of the Americas initiative have any impact on the activity of drug cartels in Latin America?
  5. What steps can Lebanon’s government take to curb Hezbollah’s power in light of the ongoing Israeli campaign?
  6. Will the war in the Middle East divert critical resources from the war in Ukraine?

Economic

  1. How will rising oil and gas prices impact the world economy?
  2. How will the weak jobs report from the federal government impact business confidence in the United States?
  3. What steps can the federal government take to boost the number of candidates for United States healthcare jobs?
  4. What steps can the US electronics industry take to protect itself against lost access to the Taiwanese chip market if China invades?
  5. Will the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on tariffs have any impact on the Federal Reserve’s future interest rate decisions?
  6. Is climate change worsening the impacts of global inflation?

Questions for the Week of Monday, March 2, 2026

United States

  1. Will Governor DeSantis’ plan for congressional redistricting in Florida be successfully implemented before upcoming midterm elections?
  2. How will President Trump’s decision to issue new tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 impact the Republican Party’s prospects in the 2026 midterm elections?
  3. How will US military action in Iran impact GOP prospects in the midterm elections?
  4. Does the United States have sufficient stockpiles of defensive weapons to meet its security needs?
  5. How have the depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton impacted the public perception of the Congressional investigation into the Epstein files?
  6. Can Democrats win a Senate seat in Texas?

International

  1. Will Mexico’s government be able to effectively manage cartel violence following the death of drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera?
  2. Is Cuba’s communist regime poised to collapse due to pressure from the Trump administration?
  3. Does the Israeli High Court’s halting of bans on international aid groups entering Gaza signal a chance for greater relief for the enclave? 
  4. Will European investment into North African oil return European natural gas markets to a pre-2022 state?
  5. Have Iran’s strikes against non-combatant Middle Eastern states backfire on Iran?
  6. Has Zimbabwe’s decision to decline US health aid over the use of patient data helped or harmed the long-term health needs of the country’s people?

Economic

  1. How will the war with Iran impact oil prices in the United States?
  2. What do the January and February job reports signal for the future of job growth in 2026?
  3. What do falling mortgage rates in the United States signify about the future of the US housing market?
  4. If courts order refunds of the tariffs collected by the United States government, can they effectively be returned?
  5. How will the US government’s war on Anthropic impact the US AI industry?
  6. What steps can the US government take to limit the impact of rising global oil prices?

Questions for the Week of Monday, February 23, 2026

United States

  1. How will the recall of ICE from Minneapolis affect ongoing negotiations on DHS funding in the Senate?
  2. What does the blockage of Virginia’s redistricting referendum mean for Democrats as they close-in on the midterm elections?
  3. Is Los Angeles going to be ready for hosting the 2028 Olympics?
  4. Does the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the bulk of the President’s tariffs signal a shift in direction by the conservative wing of the Court?
  5. Will Kash Patel’s attendance at the Winter Olympics in Italy have negative repercussions for his continued leadership of the FBI?
  6. How will the current lack of funding for Homeland Security impact the travel experience in US airports?

International

  1. Is Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel evidence of a broader India-Israel alliance emerging?
  2. What is the significance of Yoon Suk Yeol’s sentencing to the status of South Korea’s democracy?
  3. Will Switzerland’s referendum on capping the nation’s population pass?
  4. How will the EU Parliament’s reaction impact the further participation of the European Commission on Donald Trump’s Board of Peace?
  5. How will John Steenhuisen resignation as leader of the Democratic Alliance reshape South Africa’s grand coalition?
  6. How will the unrest in Mexico, following the killing of drug kingpin “el Mencho,” impact the popularity of Gloria Scheinbaum?

Economic

  1. Without Donald Trump’s signature tariffs, what will be the future of his trade deals?
  2. Will India and Russia’s oil trade be able to withstand current global market shifts?
  3. What can Scotland do to retain its social support programs in the wake of the “Barnett Squeeze?”
  4. What steps can companies take to reassure consumers who are concerned about the stock market AI bubble?
  5. What does New York Governor Hochul’s decision to pullback the robotaxi expansion proposal signify for the market for self-driving cars?
  6. Should EVs (Electric Vehicles) still be prioritized by the American Auto industry?

Questions for the Week of Monday, February 16, 2026

United States

  1. Will President Donald Trump’s decision to pull federal agents from Minnesota lead other states to more vocally oppose federal orders?
  2. Does the vitriolic Senate Democratic primary race in Texas represent a broader divide within the Democratic Party?
  3. Why are an increasing number of Congressional representatives refusing to seek re-election?
  4. How would passage of the Save American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act affect the conduct of future US elections?
  5. How will the shift by some public schools to remote learning due to ICE activity impact the education of affected students?
  6. Is the United States government taking sufficient steps to mitigate the impact of the New World Screwworm on the cattle industry?

International

  1. How will the EU’s plans to sanction Russian crude exports impact ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks?
  2. How should Norway’s government respond to Russian spying in the Arctic?
  3. How will Nicaragua’s decision to block visa free travel by citizens of Cuba impact the nation’s relationship with the United States?
  4. How will JD Vance’s social media post about the Armenian Genocide impact US-Turkey relations?
  5. Will a Bangladesh government led by the Nationalist Party succeed in easing tensions among their divided citizenry?
  6. Will Japan’s recent decision to seize Chinese fishing boats significantly change the frosty relations between Japan and China?

Economic

  1. Will New York Mayor Mamdani’s investment in Coney Island be a long-term economic blunder?
  2. What measures can the US Congress adopt to effectively reverse the nation’s housing crisis?
  3. With the US largely withdrawn from global climate initiatives, should the EU assume the cost of creating a “Green New Deal” for the world?
  4. What would be the implications of passage of the California Billionaire Tax Act on the state’s growing tech sector?
  5. What does the recent plunge in silver prices mean for the near future of the commodities market?
  6. As consumer spending slows in the US what impacts on American inflation can be expected?

Questions for the Week of Monday, February 9, 2026

United States

  1. How will a complete US withdrawal from the WHO affect American public health policies?
  2. Will Republicans in Congress concede to the Democratic Party’s 10 demands for ICE Reform? 
  3. Will President Trump’s suggestion that elections should be nationalized come to fruition? 
  4. How will Bill and Hillary Clinton’s demand that their testimony be given in public influence Congress’ next actions with regard to the Epstein Files? 
  5. In light of the expiration of the New Start Treaty, what steps should the United States take to prevent a renewed nuclear arms race?
  6. With efforts toward Congressional redistricting still being proposed in a number of states, will Democrats or Republicans ultimately come out ahead?

International

  1. Is ECOWAS on the rise as a global trading partner?
  2. What further steps does the AfD need to take in order to become the dominant party in Germany’s parliament?
  3. How might Mexico sending aid to Cuba backfire for Claudia Sheinbaum?
  4. What steps must Peter Magyar take to oust Viktor Orban in Hungary’s April elections?
  5. Will Prime Minister Anutin Charnavirakul’s victory in Thailand’s elections change the ongoing tensions with Cambodia?
  6. Will Zelenskyy and Putin reach Trump’s June deadline for a ceasefire?

Economic

  1. How would a negative Supreme Court ruling impact President Trump’s ability to use tariffs?
  2. Will the ratification of the EU-Mercosur deal create trade exclusivity between Europe and Latin America?
  3. What does the most recent US jobs report indicate about the US economy going into the second quarter of 2026?
  4. How would Kevin Warsh’s appointment to the Federal Reserve affect the independence of the agency?
  5. What would be a winning economic message for Republicans going into the midterm Congressional elections?
  6. Which nation has succeeded in negotiating the most favorable trade deal with the United States since the election of President Trump?

Questions for the Week of Monday, February 2, 2026

United States

  1. How can the judicial branch respond if ICE continues to not comply with court-issued orders?
  2. What actions should Congressional Democrats take, regarding a potential government shutdown, to gain the greatest political benefit?
  3. What are the implications of the FBIs removal of voting records from Fulton County, Georgia, for the future of US elections?
  4. Has the US Supreme Court become too secretive about its inner workings?
  5. What does the victory of Democrat Taylor Rehmet in his Texas State Senate district suggest for how his party might fair in Republican-held districts in 2026?
  6. Will the release of the documentary “Melania” strengthen the impace?

International

  1. How does Europe’s continued reliance on China for Rare Earth Minerals shape the future of their relationship?
  2. Will the increased U.S military presence near the Persian Gulf prompt the Iranian government to reach a nuclear agreement with the U.S.?
  3. Does the imprisonment of journalist Frenchie Cumpio signal a shift in President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s position toward a free press?
  4. Will the EU-Mercosur trade deal be approved by the European Parliament?
  5. Will the reopening of the Rafa border crossing improve the lives of the Gazan people?
  6. Will progress on passing a budget bring renewed to political stability to France’s government?

Economic

  1. What does the newly announced EU trade deal with India signal for the future of the Indian economy?
  2. What steps can the Japanese government take to strengthen the Yen?
  3. How will India’s agreement with the United States to stop buying Russian oil impact the Russian economy?
  4. One year into the Trump administration’s current tariff policy, what has been the overall impact on the US economy?
  5. Can Michael Fiddelke turn-around the fortunes of Target?
  6. What impact will the release of more of the Epstein files have on major corporate leaders?

Questions for the Week of Monday, January 26, 2026

United States

  1. Will the departure of Gregory Bovino from the US Border Patrol reduce tensions over the federal presence in Minnesota?
  2. Are Kash Patel’s days as the head of the FBI numbered?
  3. Are Democratic calls to “defund ICE” the wrong response to the current national debate over how to manage deportations?
  4. What are Alexander Vindman’s prospects for success in the Florida Senate race?
  5. How will the reorganization of the FAA impact the safety of air travel for Americans?
  6. How is computer warfare changing the Pentagon’s strategy for waging war?

International

  1. Has Iran’s government been weakened by the recent unrest in that country?
  2. Will the new Board of Peace have too much power over the administration of Gaza?
  3. How have President Donald Trump’s recent stances toward Europe impacted the viability of far-right European political parties?
  4. How have the high casualties in the Ukraine war impacted the readiness of Russia’s military?
  5. Should the UK pursue improved trade relations with the People’s Republic of China?
  6. How will the removal of Zhang Youxia from China’s top military post impact the direction of the People’s Liberation Army?

Economic

  1. Will the federal government’s investment with the company USA Rare Earth improve the nation’s access to these vital minerals?
  2. How will the decline in US population growth impact the American economy?
  3. Should state governments compete to encourage tech companies to locate data centers within their borders?
  4. How will an anticipated pause in rate cuts by the Federal Reserve Board impact the US economy?
  5. How have US tariffs impacted America’s port cities?
  6. Has the Trump administration delivered on its promises for an improved economy?

Questions for the Week of Monday, January 19, 2026

United States

  1. Almost 63 years after Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, are we closer or further away from fulfilling King’s dream?
  2. What are the important take-aways about US-European relations from President Trump’s World Economic Forum speech?
  3. Is the Supreme Court likely to support President Trump’s efforts to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve?
  4. Could increasing tensions in Minnesota result in a direct confrontation between state and federal law enforcement?
  5. How will increasing deportations of Cuban Americans from Florida impact politics in the state?
  6. What steps can government take to control abuses in the sports betting industry?

International

  1. Could the weakening of the regime in Iran present an opening for Iran’s Kurds to establish a homeland?
  2. Was the United Kingdom unwise to approve construction of a “mega embassy” for China in London?
  3. How is China benefiting from the recent friction between the United States and Europe?
  4. Will accusations of vote rigging in Uganda’s elections result in civil unrest there?
  5. Does the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius pose a risk to the security of western nations?
  6. What steps can Canada take to strengthen its reputation as a world leader?

Economic

  1. What will be the economic repercussions of President Trump’s strategy to acquire control of Greenland?
  2. Does Wall Street have the power to influence US tariff policies?
  3. Will Snap’s settlement of a social media addiction lawsuit silence efforts to make social media companies liable for the health consequences of using their products?
  4. How will growth in 4th quarter retail sales impact the confidence of businesses in the U.S. economy?
  5. How are deportations impacting the durability of the labor force in the United States?
  6. How are recent measures by state and local authorities addressing housing affordability in Hawaii?

Questions for the Week of Monday, January 12, 2026

United States

  1. How will Washington’s minimum wage increase impact the state’s economic outlook?
  2. How will the deployment of ICE agents to Minnesota impact the state’s Somali population?
  3. Does Pete Hegseth’s leadership represent a shift in conservative thinking about the role of the U.S. military?
  4. Will recent investments in hypersonic missiles spark an arms race similar to that of the Cold War?
  5. Will calls for RFK, Jr. to be replaced as Secretary of Health and Human Services be heeded?
  6. Can Congress reassert its war powers in the wake of the US military operations in Venezuela?

International

  1. How should Colombia combat illegal mining by organized crime groups?
  2. What does the UK’s rejoining of Erasmus program signal for the future of their relations with the EU?
  3. Will Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s attempts to reform the G7’s mineral supply chain be enough to rescue Japan’s economy from Chinese retaliation?
  4. Will Vietnam’s discovery of the HSV-2X oil deposit serve to grow the country’s regional influence?
  5. How would regime change in Iran impact the nation’s relationships with states in Persian Gulf the region?
  6. To what extent will Israel’s recognition of an independent Somaliland disrupt cooperation among states in the Horn of Africa?

Economic

  1. How will the Trump administration’s recent reclassification of academic degrees impact economic mobility for women?
  2. What effect will the Senate hearing on auto corporations have on the US motor vehicle industry?
  3. What does Nvidia’s position as a dominant semiconductor designer mean for the broader AI industry?
  4. Will the rapid expansion of large scale data centers generate more political power for tech companies?
  5. Will the investigation of Jerome Powell undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve Board?
  6. Will slowing job growth have negative impacts on the US stock market?

Questions for the Week of Monday, January 5, 2026

United States

  1. Will Congressional objections to President Trump’s actions in Venezuela split GOP unity on foreign policy?
  2. Will Tim Walz’s decision not to run for reelection help Democrats to hold on to the Governor’s seat in Minnesota?
  3. How will the California government respond to the Appeals Court ruling declaring the state’s ban on “open carry” unconstitutional?
  4. How would Nicolas Maduro’s attorneys best try to beat the charges against him in US courts?
  5. Will the “Donroe Doctrine” be a defining feature of US foreign policy in President Trump’s second term?
  6. Will America’s stock market continue its rise for the foreseeable future?

International

  1. How will China respond to the recent actions of the United States in Venezuela?
  2. Is the government of Cuba on the verge of collapse?
  3. Should Denmark take steps to increase it military infrastructure in Greenland?
  4. What steps can the government of Mozambique take to counter the presence of ISIS within its borders?
  5. How will Nasry “Tito” Asfura’s election change the government of Honduras?
  6. What steps can China take to reverse its declining population growth?

Questions for the Week of Monday, December 15, 2025

United States

  1. How will coming increases in tax rebates and possible checks from the federal government impact public perception of President Trump’s management of the US economy?
  2. How has President Trump’s support for cryptocurrency impacted the financial industry?
  3. How will rising home heating costs impact Americans this winter?
  4. Will an expanded ban on travel to the United States from certain countries have an impactful effect on national security?
  5. Should it be illegal for students to record comments by instructors or classmates and post them on the Internet?
  6. Is Susie Wiles’ job as White House Chief of Staff in jeopardy in the wake of recent interviews?

International

  1. Is Australia’s Bondi Beach massacre an isolated incident or does is it representative of growing antisemitism in the country?
  2. Will China’s investment in robotics make it the dominant player in a future human-like robot market?
  3. Will India’s assertion that a recent deadly attack in Kashmir was carried out by Pakistan-based militant groups result in renewed conflict between the two states?
  4. Will increased security guarantees from Europe and the United States encourage Ukraine to make concessions to Russia in negotiations to end the conflict there?
  5. What steps must Chancellor Merz take to convince Germans that Europe needs a stronger Germany?
  6. What steps should Syria’s new president take to improve relations with the United States in the wake of recent killings of American soldiers there?

Questions for the Week of Monday, December 8, 2025

United States

  1. Should the United States formally declare a blockade on Venezuelan oil shipments?
  2. What steps can the American healthcare system take to reduce physician burnout?
  3. Should the US Supreme Court strike down President Trump’s tariffs?
  4. Are bank mergers good for the US economy?
  5. Should the United States restrict Chinese access to NVIDIA chips?
  6. Will President Trump’s planned “Trump Accounts” produce the investment yields for American newborns that he has projected?

International

  1. Should Europe chart its own course on defense?
  2. Is China’s massive trade surplus a threat to the global economy?
  3. Will France’s National Rally party take control of the French government in the near term?
  4. Can Lebanon’s government succeed in its efforts to disarm Hizbollah?
  5. Is Kyrgyzstan losing its status as Central Asia’s sole democracy?
  6. Why is Thailand strengthening its ties with China?

Questions for the Week of Monday, December 1, 2025

United States

  1. How will Congressional scrutiny over US strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean impact the ongoing military campaign?
  2. How will the recent shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC. impact US immigration policies?
  3. Will the growing scandal over social service benefit fraud in Minnesota harm Democratic prospects in 2026 state elections there?
  4. Is there a viable alternative national health care plan that could substitute for extended subsidies for the Affordable Care Act?
  5. Is it in the interest of the United States’ national security to reduce criticism of authoritarian governments?
  6. What will the be the consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Texas’ Congressional redistricting plan on the midterm elections?

International

  1. Will the peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo be durable?
  2. Is Tunisia’s government sliding into authoritarianism?
  3. What steps must Sri Lanka’s government take to rehabilitate its flagging economy?
  4. How could China help bring about an end to the war in Ukraine?
  5. Will Germany’s new draft law undermine the popularity of the current governing coalition?
  6. What concessions must Israel and Lebanon make to secure an enduring ceasefire?

Questions for the Week of Monday, November 24, 2025

United States

  1. Is the continued presence of the National Guard in Washington, DC necessary?
  2. What steps can the Federal Aviation Administration take to increase the number of air traffic controllers?
  3. Should the federal government continue its practice of taking ownership stakes in private technology and mining companies?
  4. What actions can Democrats take to preserve the viability of the Affordable Care Act?
  5. Can Doug Jones successfully take the Georgia governor’s seat in 2026?
  6. In light of the controversy over a recent commercial, is Senator Mark Kelly’s political career in danger?

International

  1. Will Ukraine accept the loss of territory in the country’s east in order to secure peace with Russia?
  2. What steps can Lebanon’s government take to prevent a breakdown of the ceasefire between Hizbollah and Israel?
  3. Should Japan’s Prime Minister back off her claim that her country would defend Taiwan if attacked by China?
  4. What steps can Britain’s government take to reduce growing youth unemployment?
  5. What measures should Nigeria pursue to address its growing hunger crisis?
  6. With the jailing of Jain Bolsanaro, who will assume the leadership of the political right in Brazilian politics?

Questions for the Week of Monday, November 17, 2025

United States

  1. Will President Trump’s decision to encourage House Republicans to vote for the release of the “Epstein Files” result in greater support for release among Senators?
  2. How will Medicaid cuts impact urban hospitals in the United States?
  3. Is the increased interest in self-driving Taxi services safe for American consumers?
  4. Will staffing cuts at the Federal Reserve Board make the United States more vulnerable to another banking crisis?
  5. Should Congress prohibit military action by the United States in Venezuela?
  6. What steps can the federal government take to reduce the prices on protein food sources in the United States?

International

  1. Will warming ties between the Saudi Crown Prince and the US government lead to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords?
  2. Will growing international demand for energy lead energy companies to turn more to fossil fuels at the expense of alternative energy sources?
  3. What steps can the government of Nigeria take to limit lead poisoning from car battery recycling operations?
  4. In light of recent violence in Tanzania, should the United States rethink its ties to the government there?
  5. Should exiled Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, face charges before the International Criminal Court?
  6. Will Britain’s decision to tighten rules on asylum seekers help the Labour Party deflect recent criticism over its immigration policy?