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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

Yemen's Sectarian Spring

CEIP

A US report on worsening internal conflict in Yemen

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-14

A New Jordanian Government

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the current political situation in Jordan

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-14

Is Recipiency of Disability Pension Hereditary?

IZA

This 40-page discussion paper addresses whether children's exposure to parents receiving disability benefits induces a higher probability of receiving such benefits themselves

Disability, Social PolicyPosted: 2012-05-14

National Intelligence Council Water Research

Office of the Director of National Intelligence

A 17-page US report warning that rising demand for fresh water could escalate food prices and touch off political instability worldwide

Poverty & Hunger, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-14

Offshoring and Job Stability: Evidence from Italian Manufacturing

IZA

A 36-page discussion paper studying the relationship between offshoring and job stability

Globalisation & International Trade, Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2012-05-14

Private and Public Provision of Counseling to Job-Seekers: Evidence from a Large Controlled Experiment

IZA

This 61-page discussion paper compares the efficiency of public employment service vs. private providers in delivering similar job-search intensive counseling

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2012-05-14

The International Migration of Health Professionals

IZA

This 42-page discussion paper investigates the patterns and drivers of the international migration of health professionals

Health, Immigration & RefugeesPosted: 2012-05-14

Long-Range Ballistic Missile Development: A Tale of Two Tests

ACA

This 8-page US brief examines recent N. Korean and Indian missile tests and their implications for U.S. nonproliferation and security policies

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2012-05-11

War in the Sudan

CEIP

This US article analyzes the tensions in the Sudan and the challenges that both sides face

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-11

India and Europe in a Multipolar World

CEIP

This 15-page US paper explains how to revitalize the relationship between the EU and India, which has underperformed despite its tremendous potential

Foreign Policy, European UnionPosted: 2012-05-11

Southeast Asia Fault Lines

CEIP

A US article reviewing some of the internal tensions affecting Southeast Asia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-11

Relations with China Pass Stress Test

CEIP

A US brief explaining why despite the recent incidents with Chen Guangcheng and Bo Xilai, China’s overall relationship with the United States has remained productive

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-11

Egypt’s Next President

CEIP

A US analysis of the forthcoming presidential election in Egypt and its likely outcome |

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-11

The King is Dead; Long Live the King: The French Presidential Electons

INSS

An Israeli perspective on the result of the French presidential election

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-05-11

Who Killed Europe? A Provocation

FPRI

A US essay examining the root causes of Europe's crisis

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-09

The Ethics and Efficacy of the President’s Counterterrorism Strategy

Wilson Center

A US address on President Obama's counterterrorism strategy

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-09

Workforce Development for Big-City Law Enforcement Agencies

Rand Corporation

This 10-page US occasional paper provides an overview of a methodology for creating an effective workforce development system to better align personnel with current and future police force requirements

Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2012-05-09

Selected International Best Practices in Police Performance Measurement

Rand Corporation

A 24-page US report describing some key considerations in designing measures to evaluate law enforcement agencies and including a detailed review of some international best practices

Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2012-05-09

Environmental Migrants: A Myth?

IFPRI

This 8-page US brief reviews recent evidence, examines main research challenges in identifying migration–climate links and discusses the policy options for formalizing migration as an adaptation mechanism to climate change

Climate Change & Environment, Immigration & RefugeesPosted: 2012-05-09

Lessons of the Iraqi De-Ba'athification Program for Iraq's Future and the Arab Revolutions

SSI

This 124-page US monograph considers both the future of Iraq and the differences and similarities between events in Iraq and the Arab Spring states

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-09

Drug Trafficking, Violence, and Instability

SSI

An 88-page US monograph focussing on the complex relationship between human security, crime, illicit economies, and law enforcement. It also seeks to disentangle the linkages between insurgency on the one hand and drug trafficking and organized crime

Crime, Law & Order, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-09

Latin America as a Terrorist, Subversive, Criminal Arena for Iran and Hezbollah

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

A 47-page Israeli dossier on Iranian incursions into Latin America

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-08

China and the Politics of Oil

FPRI

This 3-page US essay examines the implications of China's concerns over oil supplies

Energy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-08

Teacher Induction: Improving State Systems for Supporting New Teachers

NASBE

A 20-page US discussion guide that examines the role teacher induction programs can play in developing effective teachers and reducing teacher turnover

EducationPosted: 2012-05-08

Using State Policies to Ensure Effective Assessment and Placement in Remedial Education

ECS

A 13-page US policy brief proposing systems that could increase the success of underprepared students through more effective policies and practices

EducationPosted: 2012-05-08

Sustainable Development through Policy Integration in Latin America: A Comparative Approach

UNRISD

This 24-page paper examines how social and political actors in Brazil and in Ecuador propose to govern natural resource use sustainably, and how they work at building an alternative political economy based on ecosystem protection, biodiversity, renewable energy use and poverty reduction

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-05-07

The Damascus Puzzle

The Jerusalem Report

An Israeli article considering the complexity of Syria's political situation

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-07

The Anarchy Factor in Syria

Brookings

This US article warns that the failure of the Obama administration, its Western allies and several Middle East regional powers to take bolder action to stop the carnage in Syria is likely to lead to anarchy in the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-07

Libyan Islamists Unpacked: Rise, Transformation, and Future

Brookings

A 14-page US policy brief assessing the place of Islamists in Libya

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-07

Obesity, Prevention, and Health Care Costs

Brookings

A US article focussing on the role that investment in public health and prevention can play as a complementary strategy for controlling health care spending

HealthPosted: 2012-05-07

Russia Does Not Rule Out Preemptive Missile Defense Strike

RIA Novosti

A Russian report to the effect that Russia does not exclude preemptive use of weapons against [NATO] missile defense systems in Europe

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-04

Geography of Growth : Spatial Economics and Competitiveness

World Bank

This 204-page volume examines spacial economics and competitiveness in the context of urban growth

Urban Issues, Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-05-04

Understanding Unconventional Oil

CEIP

This 34-page US paper analyzes the shift to unconventional oils and identifies the policies needed to reduce the transition’s harmful effects

EnergyPosted: 2012-05-04

A Conversation with General Martin Dempey

CEIP

An 18-page transcript of a conversation in which the US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discusses US military strategy

AgeingPosted: 2012-05-04

Ecuador’s Economy Since 2007

CEPR

This 25-page US paper describes how Ecuador has experienced strong progress in key economic, social and health indicators since 2007, with a dramatic rebound from the global recession since 2009

Economic Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-05-03

Talking Behind Closed Doors: Managing Macedonia's Ethnic Tensions

ORG

A UK article on the tensions affecting stability in Macedonia

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-03

Pakistan on a Precipice?

ORG

The summary of an off-the-record discussion on the ongoing instability and declining security situation in Pakistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

Nigeria: The Generic Context of the Boko Haram Violence

ORG

A 5-page UK briefing focusing on the role of economic and political marginalisation in fostering violence in Nigeria

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

The Muslim Brotherhood and Washington: Courtship and Its Discontents

FPRI

A US essay considering US policy policy toward the Muslim Brotherhood

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

Should Greenland Mine its Uranium?

DIIS

This 4-page Danish policy brief examines the domestic and foreign policy challenges of uranium exports by Greenland

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

Labor Mobility in an Enlarged European Union

IZA

This 50-page discussion paper summarizes and comparatively evaluates what we know about labour mobility in an enlarged Europe to date

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , European UnionPosted: 2012-05-03

Development Cooperation, Climate Change and Conflict

DIIS

A 4-page Danish policy brief discussing how development cooperation can help prevent climate change-associated conflict

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2012-05-03

Have the Palestinians Despaired of the Two-State Formula?

INSS

This Israeli article explains why more Palestinians seem increasingly doubtful that a two-state solution can be implemented, and against this backdrop, suggests what options are open to the Palestinians

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

China’s Assertive Behavior--Part Four: The Role of the Military in Foreign Crises

Hoover Institution

A 14-page US essay focusing on the Chinese military’s role in leadership decision making and lower-level implementation with regard to political-military crises with foreign powers

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-02

Taxing Childcare: Effects on Family Labor Supply and Children

CESifo

A 50-page working paper studying how female labour supply responds to childcare prices

Families, Children & Youth, Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2012-05-02

Global Gains from Trade Liberalization

CESifo

A working paper calculating the global welfare impact of the simultaneous trade liberalization of a number of countries

Globalisation & International Trade, Social PolicyPosted: 2012-05-02

The Negative Consequences of Overambitious Curricula in Developing Countries

CGD

This 57-page US working paper argues that many education systems in developing countries are attempting to push children through curricular material faster than their teachers can teach it and their students can learn it

International Development, EducationPosted: 2012-05-02

The Global Financial Crisis: The Beginning of the End of the “Development” Agenda?

CGD

This 25-page US policy paper discusses the pre-crisis subtle shift in the prevailing model of capitalism in developing countries and whether the financial crisis will be a trigger for a new twenty-first-century approach to collective action on global problems

International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-05-02

U.S. Military Information Operations in Afghanistan: Effectiveness of Psychological Operations 2001-2010

Rand Corporation

A 202-page US monograph examining the effectiveness of the psychological operations element of U.S. military information operations in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-02

The Drivers of Insecurity in Mauritania

CEIP

A 34-page US paper examining the causes of instability in Mauretania

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-02

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty – At the Heart of the Global Nuclear Debate

"Huffington Post"

An article highlighting the importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-05-02

Cervical Screening in Australia 2009-2010

AIHW

The latest report on cervical screening in Australia

HealthPosted: 2012-05-01

Families and Expanded Learning Opportunities: Working Together to Support Children's Learning

HFRP

A 4-page US brief exploring the ways that families and ELOs (expanded learning opportunities)must work as equal partners in order to ensure ELOs are contributing to children's learning in meaningful ways

Education, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2012-04-30

Market Assessment of Housing Options for Older People

NPI

This 90-page UK paper examines whether the housing stock is able to meet the changing demands of England’s ageing households

Ageing, HousingPosted: 2012-04-30

Constitutional Reform Processes and Political Parties: Principles for Practice

NIMD

This 60-page Dutch publication provides a set of guiding principles for constitutional reform based on practical experiences of constitutional reform processes in a number of countries

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-04-30

Confronting Damascus: U.S. Policy toward the Evolving Situation in Syria

Washington Institute

A US House testimony on US policy towards Syria

Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-30

The Challenge of Containing Iran's Enrichment Activities

Washington Institute

This US policy brief asserts that permitting Iran to continue enriching uranium at any level would still give it the option of developing nuclear weapons

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-30

Combating Transnational Organized Crime

Washington Institute

A 6-page US address on combating transnational crime

Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2012-04-30

MAPRO: Mass Atrocity Prevention & Response Options, A Policy Planning Handbook

SSI

A 209-page US policy planning handbook intended to assist the policy community in addressing mass atrocity situations.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Human RightsPosted: 2012-04-27

Can the North Korean Nuclear Crisis be Resolved?

Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University

A 16-page address on the prospects for solving the North Korean nuclear crisis

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-27

Cyber-security: The Vexed Question of Global Rules

SDA

A 108-page report on cyber-preparedness around the world

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Science & TechnologyPosted: 2012-04-27

Iran’s Last Chance?

ISN

This blog explains how several factors heighten the strategic importance of the latest round of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program between Iran and the so-called “5+1” group

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-27

Choice or Necessity: Do immigrants and Their Children Choose Self-employment for the Same Reasons?

Statistics Canada

A 43-page Canadian study examining whether children of immigrants are influenced by the same factors as their parents in choosing self-employment

Immigration & Refugees, Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2012-04-27

North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza

Public Safety Canada et al.

This 80-page plan outlines how the US, Canada and Mexico intend to strengthen their emergency response capacities as well as our trilateral and cross-sectoral collaborations and capabilities in order to assist each other and ensure a faster and more coordinated response to future outbreaks of animal influenza or an influenza pandemic

Health, Public Safety & Disaster MitigationPosted: 2012-04-27

Canada's Aging Population and Public Policy: 5. The Effects on Employers and Employees

Library of Parliament - Canada

A 16-page Canadian background paper exploring the challenges faced by Canadian employers and employees with regard to population ageing

Ageing, Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2012-04-27

Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

This 17-page US report provides an overview and analysis of U.S.-Yemeni relations amidst evolving political change in Yemeni leadership, ongoing U.S. counterterrorism operations against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) operatives at large in Yemen’s hinterlands, and international efforts to bolster the country’s stability despite an array of daunting socio-economic problems

Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-26

Kuwait: Security, Reform, and U.S. Policy

CRS

This 26-page US study examines security and reform issues in Kuwait and the implications for US policy

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-26

The G-20 and International Economic Cooperation

CRS

A 17-page US report that analyzes: why countries coordinate economic policies and the historical origins of the G-20; how the G-20 operates; major highlights from previous G-20 summits, plus an overview of the agenda for the next G-20 summit; and debates about the effectiveness of the G-20 as a forum for economic cooperation and coordination

Globalisation & International Trade, Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-04-26

Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy

CRS

This 35-page US report studies the political and security situation in Bahrain and assesses the implications for US policy

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-26

Global Forces 2011

ASPI

The 87-page report of an Australian conference offering different perspectives of strategic and security affairs

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-26

TE - SAT 2012: EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report

Europol

A 48-page report on terrorist activity in Europe during 2011

Defence, Terrorism & Security, European UnionPosted: 2012-04-26

Shocks and Disruptions: The Relationship Between Food Security and National Security

Henry Jackson Society

This 37-page UK report seeks to address the various and acute challenges stemming from a food supply chain under increasing pressure

Poverty & Hunger, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-24

Globalization, Institutions, and the Ethnic Divide: Recent Longitudinal Evidence

IZA

This 23-page discussion paper investigates the determinants of economic growth emphasizing the role of institutional quality, social fragmentation, and increasing global integration on recent growth experience

Globalisation & International Trade, Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-04-24

Peer Effects: Evidence from Secondary School Transition in England

IZA

This 41-page discussion paper studies the effects of peers on school achievement, with detailed data on children making the same primary to secondary school transition in consecutive years in England

EducationPosted: 2012-04-24

Global Monitoring Report 2012: Food Prices, Nutrition, and the Millennium Development Goals

World Bank

This 188-page report examines summarizes the impacts of food prices on several MDGs; reviews policy responses; and outlines future prospects

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-04-24

The Effect of Child Care on Family Structure: Theory and Evidence

CESifo

This 37-page paper studies the effect of child care provision on family structure

Families, Children & Youth, Social PolicyPosted: 2012-04-24

Sustaining Turnaround at the School and District Levels

This recently entered research study examines whether effectively turning a school into a High Reliability Organization can turn around a struggling school

AgeingPosted: 2012-04-24

A Working Guide to International Comparisons of Health

AIHW

This 25-page Australian guide highlights the types of questions to ask before comparing countries and when presenting health data in an international context

HealthPosted: 2012-04-24

Mental Health and Education Decisions

IZA

This 69-page discussion paper examines the link between poor mental health and poor educational outcomes

Education, HealthPosted: 2012-04-23

Non-Native Speakers of English in the Classroom: What Are the Effects on Pupil Performance?

IZA

A 43-page discussion paper investigating whether an increase in the number of non-native English speakers has an impact on the educational outcomes of native English speakers at the end of primary school

Education, Immigration & RefugeesPosted: 2012-04-23

Welfare Migration

IZA

This 20-page discussion paper reviews and discusses major theories and empirical studies about the welfare magnet hypothesis, i.e. whether immigrants are more likely to move to countries with generous welfare systems

Immigration & Refugees, Social PolicyPosted: 2012-04-23

Stirring up the South China Sea

Crisis Group

This 50-page report exposes the domestic political and economic contradictions undermining China's efforts to restore relations with its neighbours, as the U.S. expands its influence in the energy-rich and strategically important South China Sea

Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-23

Comprehensive Obesity Prevention in Early Childhood: Promising Federal and State Initiatives

NCCP

This 17-page US report presents a range of early childhood obesity prevention initiatives to inform states of ways they can build strong cross-system efforts to reduce childhood obesity rates

Health, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2012-04-23

The Quantity Theory of Money and Friedmanian Monetary Policy: An Empirical Investigation

CESifo

A 26-page working paper proposing an approach for the empirical study of the quantity theory of money (QTM) that is novel both with respect to the specific steps taken as well as the general methodology employed

Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-04-23

Following Abbas' Letter to Netanyahu: Options Available to the Palestinian Authority

INSS

This Israeli article reviews a number of alternatives available to Abbas and the Fatah leadership, and the prospects of their realization

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-23

Guidelines for Mainstreaming the Needs of Older Persons in Disaster Situations in the Caribbean

PAHO, WHO

This 86-page US report offers a series of directives that aid in incorporating into risk management processes and programmes the concerns and questions impacting care of the elderly in disaster situations

Ageing, Public Safety & Disaster MitigationPosted: 2012-04-22

Economic Lessons from Iraq for Countries of the Arab Spring

Wilson Center

This 8-page US paper argues that the countries of the Arab Spring would benefit from the economic lessons learned in Iraq

Economic Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-22

Iran’s Tone Changes in Istanbul: Nuke Talks ‘Constructive and Useful’

"The Daily Beast"

A US commentary on the reopening of nuclear talks between Iran and the six world powers seeking to negotiate with it

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-04-22

The Coup in Mali: Background and Foreground

FPRI

A 2-page US article explaining the recent coup in Mali

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-21

Armed Clash in the South China Sea

CFR

An 11-page US contingency planning memorandum discussing the risk of conflict in the South China Sea

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-19

Picking a Fight: Khairat al-Shater v. SCAF

CEIP

A US commentary on the tension between the Muslim Brotherhood and the military in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-19

Taxing Childcare: Effects on Family Labor Supply and Children

IZA

This discussion paper estimates for how female labour supply responds to childcare prices

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2012-04-19

Universalization of Comprehensive Safeguards—Next Steps

UNIDIR

An 8-page paper arguing the benefits of the universalization of comprehensive safeguards as a means of strengthening nuclear disarmament

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-19

First Time Underwater: The Impact of the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit

CEPR

An 18-page US report examining the effects of the 2009 first-time homebuyer tax credit on the housing sector

HousingPosted: 2012-04-19

Possible Russian Responses to an Attack on Iran

INSS

An Israeli brief speculating on possible Russian responses to an attack on Iran

Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-19

This Time It's Different? Youth Labour Markets During 'The Great Recession'

IZA

This 24-page discussion paper looks at the effects of the 'Great Recession' on young people's labour market experiences in the European Union

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2012-04-19

The Internationalisation of R&D and the Knowledge Production Function

CESifo

This working paper considers the effect of acquisition FDI on the knowledge production function

Science & TechnologyPosted: 2012-04-19

Embracing the Fog of War: Assessment and Metrics in Counterinsurgency

Rand Corporation

A 340-page US monograph examining assessment and metrics in counterinsurgency

Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-19

The 2012 French Presidential Election and the Future of the Fifth Republic

FPRI

A 4-page US bulletin examining the forthcoming French Presidential Election and the future of the Fifth Republic

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-19