Welcome back! Today we examine Gen Z’s workplace challenges, global competition in space, and the rising federal debt.

Edited by Sutton Houser and James Desio

Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe today! For inquiries, email [email protected].

Topline: Recent surveys indicate that young workers face high stress, feel undervalued, and often find their jobs a poor fit. AEI’s Brent Orrell and Daniel Cox suggest this is part of a broader trend in which job fit and satisfaction improve with age.

• Data show that 59% of older workers report their jobs fit very well, compared to 30% of younger workers.
• Additionally, 74% of older workers feel completely or very satisfied with their jobs, compared to 49% of young workers.

Work Is Life? Orrell notes that Gen Z’s workplace struggles may be linked to that generation's higher expectations for work to provide a sense of purpose. For more insights, see his article on rethinking work.

Topline: As China prepares to launch thousands of internet satellites, AEI’s Todd Harrison explains that the global competition for space will have major military and economic implications. While the United States currently leads in operational military and commercial satellites, China is rapidly closing the gap.

Satellite Build-Up: Harrison emphasizes that winning the race to build the most commercial and military satellites is crucial for economic and military dominance.

• In military satellites, the US currently leads other nations, with 282 operational satellites; China is not far behind, with 192. Maintaining the technological edge in military satellites is key for nations that want to distinguish themselves as global powers, rather than regional ones.

• In commercial satellites, the US dominates the competition, with over 6,000 satellites constituting 81% of all commercial satellites in operation today.

Topline: As the federal debt tops $35 trillion, AEI’s Kevin Kosar observes that Americans’ concerns about rising debt are failing to spur politicians of either party to tackle the issue. Even with a majority of Americans expressing concern about the growing debt since 2012, the debt has increased by more than $23 trillion.

The Problem: Kosar identifies three reasons for this lack of action: Voters prioritize other issues, entitlement reform is politically risky, and politicians often deflect blame.