Policypointers - Policy research from leading think tanks, research institutes and government departments worldwide

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Welcome to Policypointers

Policypointers is an online facility created to enable those involved in government, academe and the media to gain rapid access to the research and conclusions of think tanks, research institutes and government departments around the world.

We believe that policymakers and those who influence the policymaking function can frequently learn from the research done and the results achieved in countries other than their own. This belief is the rationale for creating this website.

Latest additions to the site

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

CRS

A 70-page US updated report on concerns relating to Iran and possible policy responses

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-07-03

Iran’s 2009 Presidential Elections

CRS

This 15-page US report considers how the current stand-off between the government and opponents of the election outcome in Iran might mean for U.S. efforts to resolve the issue of Iran’s nuclear weapons program, its support for terrorism, and other national security concerns

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-07-03

Breastfeeding and Infants' Time Use

AIFS

A 48-page Australian paper analysing infants' time use according to breastfeeding status in order to help inform the debate about how breastfeeding leads to improved child outcomes

Families, Children & Youth Posted: 2009-07-03

Boat Arrivals in Australia Since 1976

Parliamentary Library - Australia

This 26-page background note provides a brief overview of the historical and political context surrounding boat arrivals in Australia since 1976. It includes background on the global context; government policy responses; trends in public opinion on the issues; and links to some of the key resources

Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2009-07-03

Stronger Families in Australia Study: The Impact of Communities for Children

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

This 106-page Australian report presents the results of the evaluation of the short-run impacts of the Communities for Children (CfC) initiative on child, family and community outcomes

Families, Children & Youth Posted: 2009-07-03

The Internal Conflict in Iran

INSS

An Israeli perspective on the internal conflict in Iran

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-26

Trade and Climate Change

WTO, UNEP

This 194-page report examines the intersections between trade and climate change from four perspectives: the science of climate change; economics; multilateral efforts to tackle climate change; and national climate change policies and their effect on trade

Climate Change & Environment , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-26

World Disasters Report 2009 - Focus on Early Warning, Early Action

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

While natural hazards cannot be prevented, they only become disasters because affected communities are vulnerable and unprepared. This 204-pagereport argues that early warning without early action is not enough

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation , International Development Posted: 2009-06-26

The Dilemmas of Engagement: The Role of Consultation in Governance

ANU

This 98-page Australian book maps out the principal approaches used by governments to consult with and engage affected communities of interest

Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-26

Education and Obesity in Four OECD Countries

OECD

Using health survey data from Australia, Canada, England and Korea, this 46=page working paper explores the relationship between education and obesity

Health , Education Posted: 2009-06-26

Guinea-Bissau: Beyond Rule of the Gun

Crisis Group

This 20-page policy briefing warns that the killings of General Tagme (the chief of defence staff) and President Vieira in March, as well as the recent assassinations of opposition leaders and former ministers, are an indication the democratic process in Guinea-Bissau cannot cope

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-25

The Global Financial Crisis: Lessons Learned and Challenges for Developing Countries

Peterson Institute

A US speech offering a perspective on the causes of the global financial crisis and how it differs from previous global financial crises.The speaker then proposes some key relevant lessons

Economic Policy , International Development Posted: 2009-06-25

Injury Severity Scaling: A Comparison of Methods for Measurement of Injury Severity

AIHW

NISU uses a method to distinguish 'high threat to life' injuries from less serious injuries in some publications. The method is called the ICD-based Injury Severity Scaling (ICISS). This technical report documents a revision and update to the method

Health Posted: 2009-06-25

Pakistani Displacement: Lessons Learned from Other Mass Displacement Situations

Brookings

A US article describing lessons which have been painfully learned in other situations of large-scale displacement which may be applicable to planning an appropriate response to the current displacement challenge in Pakistan

Internal Displacement Posted: 2009-06-25

Income Tax Flattening: Does It Help to Reduce the Shadow Economy?

IZA

This 50-page discussion paper examines the effect of global transition to simpler, flatter income tax systems on the size of the shadow economy

Taxation Posted: 2009-06-25

The Impact of Creative Partnerships on Pupil Behaviour

NFER

Creative Partnerships is the UK Government’s creative learning programme, designed to develop the skills of young people across England, raising their aspirations and achievements, and opening up more opportunities for their futures. This 24-page study compared schools involved in Creative Partnerships with other similar schools to explore this issue, using data from 2002/3 to 2006/7 for absence rates and data from 2002/3 to 2005/6 for exclusions from school

Education Posted: 2009-06-25

A Solution for Europe's Banking Problem

Bruegel Institute

This 8-page Belgian policy brief argues for a "sorting" and identification process of under- captialised banks Europe-wide, with the creation of a supranational authority responsible for its supervision

Ageing Posted: 2009-06-25

Seen from America: The Implications of the Economic Crisis for the European Union

Fondation Robert Schuman

A 10-page paper assessing the likelihood of the EU breaking up as a consequence of the global economic crisis

European Union , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-25

Addressing Drugs and Conflicts in Myanmar: Who Will Support Alternative Development?

SIPRI

An 8-page Swedish policy brief proposing that China could play the key role in sustaining the reduction in illicit narcotics cultivation in Myanmar by qualitatively upgrading its counter-narcotics assistance and tailoring it towards alternative development

Drug Abuse Posted: 2009-06-25

Afghanistan’s Election Challenges

Crisis Group

This 40-page report evaluates the challenges of the Afghan presidential and provincial council elections in August 2009 and suggests ways to strengthen processes and institutions in the run-up to National Assembly and district elections in 2010

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-06-25

A Solution for Europe’s Banking Problem

Peterson Institute

A 9-page US policy brief offering proposals for rectifying the underlying fragility of continental Europe’s banking industry

European Union Posted: 2009-06-24

Lebanon's Parliamentary Elections

INSS

An Israeli commentary on Lebanon's parliamentary elections

Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-24

A Picture of Australia's Children 2009

AIHW

This 224-page report delivers the latest information on how, as a nation, Australia is faring according to key indicators of child health, development and wellbeing

Families, Children & Youth , Health Posted: 2009-06-24

Difference within Similarity: Transatlantic Relations as a 'Community of Neighbours'

DIIS

This 35-page Danish working paper explores how the bonds of association between Europe and America are best understood

Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-24

The Obama Cairo Speech: Context and Implications.

ORG

This 4-page UK briefing explores the background to and likely consequences of Obama’s recent speech on US policy towards Islam and the Middle East

Foreign Policy , Regional Posted: 2009-06-24

Brain Drain in Globalization: A General Equilibrium Analysis from the Sending Countries' Perspective

IZA

This 47-page discussion paper assesses the global effects of brain drain on developing economies and quantifies the relative sizes of various static and dynamic impacts

Globalisation & International Trade , Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2009-06-24

North Korea: Getting Back to Talks

Crisis Group

This 33-page policy report examines the international community’s options in the wake of the test and the UNSC resolution

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-24

The European Institutions as an Interest Group

IEA

This 57-page UK study explores the economic incentives that drive forward EU integration. The author sets out a series of reforms designed to counteract the centralising tendency and to ensure that the role of EU bodies is more closely aligned with the preferences of citizens

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-24

Preventive Military Action: The Worst Way to Deal with Iran's Nuclear Program

ACA

This 6-page US brief examines the risks and realities of the military option against Iran, its effects on Iranian decisions regarding its nuclear program, and why it would not serve the interests of U.S. and international peace and security.

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-24

Do International Labor Standards Contribute to the Persistence of the Child Labor Problem?

IZA

This 43-page discussion paper studies whether international labour standards and product boycotts may delay the ultimate eradication of child labour

Families, Children & Youth , International Development Posted: 2009-06-24

Election Campaign with the Taste of Blood

IFIMES

A Slovene analysis of the current political situation in Albania

Governance & Politics , European Union Posted: 2009-06-24

North Korea’s Nuclear and Missile Tests and the Six-Party Talks: Where Do We Go From Here?

Brookings

US House testimony describing how North Korea’s recent nuclear and missile tests have transformed the challenge faced by the international system

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-23

Georgia-Russia: Still Insecure and Dangerous

Crisis Group

This 20-page policy briefing examines the Georgia-Russian situation ten months after the August 2008 war and finds deep cause for concern

European Union , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-23

The Balkans in Europe: Containment or Transformation? Twelve Ideas for Action

EPC

The 78-page report of a task force set up to consider the challenge of integrating the countries of the Western Balkans into the European Union

European Union , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-23

Obama, Russia and Europe

CER

This 4-page policy brief analyses US-Russian relations, and the implications for Europe

Foreign Policy , European Union Posted: 2009-06-23

Climate Change and Energy Security in Europe

Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies

This 82-page study looks into the EU's progress in terms of the integration of its climate and energy policies and stress the areas that require additional work. Particular attention is given to possible synergy and possible discussions between climate and energy policies.

Climate Change & Environment , Energy Posted: 2009-06-23

The Impact of Microcredit on the Poor in Bangladesh: Revisiting the Evidence

CGDEV

How robust is the evidence that microcredit improves the lives of the poor by, for example, increasing or stabilizing household consumption? Three landmark studies put microfinance to that test in Bangladesh, but the contradictions among them have produced lasting controversy and confusion. This 50-page working paper reevaluates the previous studies and finds a way to end the impasse

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2009-06-23

Global Development Finance2009: Charting a Global Recovery

World Bank

A 167-page report examining global growth prospects

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-23

Promoting Economic Mobility by Increasing Postsecondary Education

Urban Institute

This 66-page US study reviews federal efforts to help low-income students attend college and recommends policies that would improve their academic preparation, provide more effective guidance on selecting and paying for college, and boost retention and graduation rates

Education Posted: 2009-06-22

The Future of Long-Term Care: What Is Its Place in the Health Reform Debate?

Urban Institute

This 16-page US paper assesses proposals to restructure the delivery and financing of long-term care

Ageing , Health Posted: 2009-06-22

The Outcome of Iran's Presidential Elections

INSS

An Israeli perspective on the outcome of Iran's presidential elections

Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-22

Is Traditional Teaching Really All That Bad? A Within-Student Between-Subject Approach

CESifo

This 34-page working paper directly peers into the black box of educational production by investigating the relationship between lecture style teaching and student achievement

Education Posted: 2009-06-22

Background Briefing: The START Follow-On Agreement and Beyond

Arms Control Association

This US briefing paper describes what to expect from the START follow-on negotiations, and explains the motivations and constraints affecting both sides

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-22

Quarterly Update: The Recession in Historical Context

CFR

A US comparison of the current rcession in the US with earlier ones

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-22

Putting Together the North Korea Puzzle

FPRI

A US essay assessing whether the old pattern of North Korean provocations answered by foreign tolerance and reward will continue

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-22

Arms Control: Forever Cinderella?

UNIDIR

A 4-page article examining the reasons for the neglect of arms control

Disarmament & Peacekeeping Posted: 2009-06-22

White Paper - Adapting to Climate Change : Towards a European Framework for Action

Europa

A 17-page European White Paper on adapting to climate change

Climate Change & Environment , European Union Posted: 2009-06-19

The Challenges of Russia’s Demographic Crisis

IFRI

A 28-page French paper examining the main demographic challenges that Russia faces today

Ageing , Social Policy Posted: 2009-06-19

The Gaza Strip after Operation Cast Lead

IICC

A 6-page Israeli report on Hamas activities in Gaza since the cease fire

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-19

EWI Briefing on Iran to members of the U.N. Security Council

EastWest Instiute

The report of a briefing on EWI’s U.S.-Russia Joint Threat Assessment on Iran’s nuclear and missile potential

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-19

Frustration and Civil Unrest: The Financial Crisis in Asia

EastWest Institute

This article analyzes the implications of the global financial crisis on security in Asia and recommends measures to prevent worst-case scenarios

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-06-19

Keeping Up: Strengthening Transitions from Education into Work for Indigenous Young People

Reconciliation Australia, Dusseldop Skills Forum

An Australian report that draws on the key insights of "How Young Indigenous People are Faring", mapping the patterns of what is happening for young Indigenous people and identifies what improvements can be made

Indigenous Affairs , Families, Children & Youth Posted: 2009-06-19

How Young Indigenous People are Faring: Key Indicators 1996-2006

Reconciliation Australia, Dusseldop Skills Forum

This 130-page report deals with the learning and work situation of young indigenous Australians

Indigenous Affairs , Families, Children & Youth Posted: 2009-06-19

From a Social to a Sustainable Market Economy: A new paradigm for the 21st Century

SEF

A 12-page German policy paper considering how the integration of a social market economy and sustainable development can be achieved

Economic Policy , Climate Change & Environment Posted: 2009-06-19

Worker Adaptation and Workplace Accommodations after the Onset of an Illness

SFI

Workers who become work-incapacitated may either change employer or stay with their current employer in an accommodated job. This 24-page Danish paper studies the effect of these two adaptation strategies on long-term sick-listed workers’ employment durations

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Health Posted: 2009-06-19

Alliance of Contradictions

CSS

This 3-page Swiss paper reviews NATO's 60th anniversary summit in Strasbourg and Kehl

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2009-06-19

Making Waves: Piracy Floods the Horn of Africa

CSS

This 3-page Swiss brief examines the issue of piracy off the Horn of Africa, identifying both causes and consequences of the spike in pirate attacks

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Regional Posted: 2009-06-19

In Search of Shelter: Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration and Displacement

CIESN et al.

This 36-page report explores how climate change is already causing people to leave their homes, and details some of the specific ways displacement may occur over the next decades

Climate Change & Environment , Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2009-06-18

Too Clever By Half? The Problematics of Demilitarization and Other Shadows in Prime Minister Netanyahu's BESA Center Speech

BESA

An 8-page Israeli critique of a recent speech by the Israeli Prime Minister on Israeli-Palestinian rapprochement

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Regional Posted: 2009-06-18

Emerging Asia: Decoupling or Recoupling

ADB

This 52-page working paper investigates the degree of real economic interdependence between emerging Asia and major industrial countries

Globalisation & International Trade , Regional Posted: 2009-06-18

Promoting Gender Equality through Stimulus Packages and Public Job Creation

Levy Economics Institute

This 12-page US paper examines the macroeconomic consequences of scaling up South Africa’s Expanded Public Works Programme by adding to it a new sector for social service delivery in health and education

Poverty & Hunger , Social Policy Posted: 2009-06-18

Some Simple Observations on the Reform of the International Monetary System

Levy Economics Institute

A 5-page US policy note arguing that the reform of the global monetary system depends on the operation of the adjustment mechanism for dealing with global imbalances

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-18

Indonesian Politics: Prospects for the Coming Presidential Election

JIIA

A 4-page Japanese assessment of trends in Indonesian politics

Governance & Politics , Regional Posted: 2009-06-17

Development on the Move: Measuring and Optimising Migration’s Economic and Social Impacts

IPPR

This 68-page UK report takes a fresh look at the ways in which migration affects development in Jamaica. It also looks at the wide range of impacts that migration has on development

Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2009-06-17

Terrorism, Ideology and Misconceptions

IDSA

An Indian perspective on the use of terror

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-17

Space as the Source of Our Future Energy

IDSA

An Indian article describing how solar power satellites might be used as a future energy option

Energy Posted: 2009-06-17

The Financial Crisis: Collateral Damage and Responses

SWP

This 50-page German research report examines different aspects of collateral damage following the global financial crisis and highlights the importance of international cooperation to respond to them

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-17

Iceland on Course for the EU: Accession as a Last Resort

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on the likelihood of Iceland acceding to the EU

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-17

Responsibility to Protect: Translating Ideas into Capacity

FRIDE

An 18-page report of a conference held to discuss R2P, its implementation and its prospects as an internationally accepted working norm of the future

Human Rights , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-16

Islamist Radicalisation: The Challenge for Euro-Mediterranean Relations

CEPS, FRIDE

This 185-page book considers how the violent and quietist trends within political Islam raise important and difficult policy dilemmas for European policy-makers

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2009-06-16

Central Asia and the Global Economic Crisis

FRIDE

This 6-page Spanish policy brief assesses the achievements of the EU\'s strategy for Central Asia

Regional , European Union Posted: 2009-06-16

European Development Policy: A Response to the Crisis Affecting Globalization?

Fondation pour l’innovation politique

This 14-page French essay is intended to provide a fresh overview of the goals and particularities of European development cooperation, looking at progress made in recent years, as well as the outlook for the future, against the backdrop of the crisis currently affecting globalisation

International Development , European Union Posted: 2009-06-16

The Russian Debate on Climate Doctrine: Emerging Issues on the Road to Copenhagen

FIIA

This 7-page Finnish issue paper considers Russian attitudes towards climate change policy

Climate Change & Environment Posted: 2009-06-16

The European Elections and Turkey

ISS

A 2-page opinion piece on European attitudes towards Turkish entry into the EU

European Union , Foreign Policy Posted: 2009-06-16

A Stealthy Stimulus: How Boosting the Minimum Wage is Helping to Stimulate the Economy

EPI

This 4-page US issue brief argues that a three-step increase in the minimum wage is adding billions of dollars to consumer spending and stimulating the economy

Economic Policy , Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2009-06-16

Reflections on Economic Policy in Time of Crisis

CFR

Transcript of a US speech on the US Administration\'s response to the global economic crisis

Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-15

Rising Anti-Semitism in Europe: How to Respond

Cicero Foundation

This 5-page paper analyses the recent rise in anti-semitism in Europe and looks for eventual solutions

European Union Posted: 2009-06-15

Shaping Georgia's Future After the Russian Invasion

Cicero Foundation

This 8-page paper assesses the future development of Georgia

Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-15

Global Imbalances and the Accumulation of Risk

CEPS

This 4-page policy brief examines the causes of the current global financial crisis

Globalisation & International Trade , Economic Policy Posted: 2009-06-15

After the European election: A more conservative EU

CEPS

A brief assessment of the outcome for Europe and for the European Parliament itself in the aftermath of the European parliamentary elections

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-15

Readings in European Security, Volume 5

CEPS

This 264-page volume tackles the big issues of European and global security in these turbulent political and economic times

Defence, Terrorism & Security , European Union Posted: 2009-06-15

Young people, Knives and Guns

CJM

A 106-page UK report offering a comprehensive review of gun and knife crime strategies targeted at young people

Crime, Law & Order , Families, Children & Youth Posted: 2009-06-14

Saudi Arabia’s King Changes the Guard

Jane's

This 3-page article examines the impact of recent governmental changes in Saudi Arabia and considers whether they could lead to reform in the kingdom

Governance & Politics Posted: 2009-06-14

The G20 Meetings: No Common Framework, No Consensus

CEIP

This 12-page US policy brief argues that until the major powers can agree on why the crisis started they will not be able to effectively coordinate policies to promote recovery, and the world economy will likely get worse before it gets better

Economic Policy , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-06-14

From Cooperation to Confrontation: Russia and the United States since 9/11

ACDIS

The objective of this 30-page US essay is to track recent Russian relations with the United States—focusing on the period between the U.S. intervention in Iraq in spring 2003 until the end of 2008—to support the argument that Russian leaders have decided to pursue a policy of independence, even confrontation, in their relations with the United States, as well as with Europe, as an integral part of a new assertive approach to achieving policy objectives

Foreign Policy , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-12

What Can Be Done to Improve Employment Outcomes Among People Receiving Housing Assistance?

AHURI

A 6-page Australian policy bulletin summarizing the impediments to economic participation among recipients of housing assistance

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Housing Posted: 2009-06-12

Identity Theft: Trends and Issues

CRS

A 31-page US report presenting a US perspective on identity theft

Crime, Law & Order Posted: 2009-06-12

Rights Versus Compassion

Inside.org

An Australian article considering the need for a Bill of Rights to safeguard human rights in Australia

Human Rights Posted: 2009-06-12

Money for Nothing? Australia in the Global Middle Class Welfare Debate

Parliamentary Library of Australia

This 44-page Australian research paper seeks to contribute to understanding of key issues in the debate about middle class welfare through an examination of comparative research into different welfare systems

Social Policy Posted: 2009-06-12

Contest Two and Counter Extremism: Lessons for Australia

ASPI

This 10-page policy analysis examines what Australia can learn from the UK approach with respect to domestic counter extremism policy

Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-06-12

Australia's Settlement Services for Migrants and Refugees 2009

Parliamentary Library of Australia

This report examines the development of Australia's settlement services for refugees and migrants

Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2009-06-12

Policy Responses to the Economic Crisis: Investing in Innovation for Long Term Growth

OECD

A 37-page report examining the likely impact of the downturn on the drivers of long term economic growth and the innovation-related items in policy responses of major countries

Science & Technology Posted: 2009-06-12

The Reconciliation Barometer and the Indigenous Imaginary

Centre for Citizenship and Public Policy

This 11-page paper discusses the findings of a recently released study to ‘measure the progress of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians’

Indigenous Affairs Posted: 2009-06-12

Diplomas and Dropouts

AEI

This 80-page report documents the dramatic variation in graduation rates across more than 1,300 of colleges and universities in the US, even between those with similar admissions criteria and students

Education Posted: 2009-06-12