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
Better Beginnings, Better Futures Study
National Crime Prevention Centre - Canada
This 56-page Canadian study examines the delinquency trajectories of at-risk youth
Families, Children & Youth, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2012-01-24
Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
CRS
A 64-page US report on regional developments in Central Asia and the implications for US policy
RegionalPosted: 2012-01-24
U.S. Response to the Global Threat of Tuberculosis: Basic Facts
CRS
A 15-page US report outlining basic facts related to global TB, including characteristics of the epidemic and U.S. legislation, programmes, funding, and partnerships related to the global response to TB
HealthPosted: 2012-01-24
The Impact of Free Trade Agreements on Business Activity: A Survey of Firms in the People's Republic of China
East Asian Bureau of Economic Research
This paper describes how the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has emerged as a major player in the global economy and considers free trade agreements (FTAs) an important part of its global trading strategy
Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2012-01-24
What are the Options? Pricing and Taxation Policy Reforms to Redress Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms in Australia
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
This Australian report presents a review of pricing and taxation policy levers that have been considered and/or implemented nationally and internationally in an attempt to redress excessive alcohol consumption and related harms
Drug AbusePosted: 2012-01-24
Thirty Years of Conflict: Drivers of Anti-government Mobilisation in Afghanistan 1978-2011
Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit
This 84-page paper traces the structural factors driving anti-government mobilisation in Afghanistan in each successive phase of the country’s thirty years of conflicts
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-01-24
The Case for Regime Change in Iran
AEI
This US article considers the nature of a possible US strike against Iran
Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-24
Global Health and the New Bottom Billion: How Funders Should Respond to Shifts in Global Poverty and Disease Burden
CGD
This 4-page US brief offers recommendations for global health agencies to deal with shifts in global poverty and the disease burden
Poverty & Hunger, HealthPosted: 2012-01-19
Politics Grips Pakistan
Inside Story
An Australian update on the political situation in Pakistan
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-19
Working with Sibling Sexual Abuse
Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault
This Australian interview discusses the changes to the treatment of young adolescent people who sexually perpetrate against their siblings and the impacts and challenges that face their families
Families, Children & Youth, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2012-01-18
Security and Privacy
ANU
This Australian study is principally concerned with the ethical dimensions of identity management technology – electronic surveillance, the mining of personal data, and profiling – in the context of transnational crime and global terrorism
Personal Privacy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-18
US Counter-radicalisation Strategy: The Ideological Challenge
Australian Strategic Policy Institute
2012This paper examines US counter-radicalisation strategy and outlines specific recommendations to counter the ideology behind violent domestic terrorism
Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-18
Re-Engaging North Korea After Kim Jong-il’s Death
Brookings
This 23-page US policy paper outlines recommendations for engaging North Korean leadership and maximizing prospects for achieving the goal of denuclearization
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-18
The Long Term Impacts of Teachers
Harvard University
A 92-page US working paper studying the long-term impacts of teachers on their students
EducationPosted: 2012-01-18
Another Economic Miracle? The German Labor Market and the Great Recession
IZA
This discussion paper analyzes the mild response of the German labour market to the worst global recession in post-war history
Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-01-17
How to Talk to the Taliban
CFR
This 2-page US article argues that conditions in 2012, unlike those in years past, offer a realistic, if difficult, opening for a way forward to a peaceful end to the war in Afghanistan
Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2012-01-16
Living Arrangements of the Elderly in China: Evidence from CHARLS
IZA
A 36-page discussion paper examining the type of living arrangement experienced by elderly Chinese
The Effects of California's Paid Family Leave Program on Mothers' Leave-Taking and Subsequent Labor Market Outcomes
IZA
This 34-page discussion paper examines how California's paid family leave (PFL) programme affected leave-taking by mothers following childbirth, as well as subsequent labour market outcomes
Social Policy, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2012-01-16
Iran: A Strategic Simulation
INSS
This 23-page paper provides the results of an Israeli simulation conducted in late October 2011 staged responses to a scenario of Iran carrying out a nuclear test.
Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-16
The Aging Services Network: Serving a Vulnerable and Growing Elderly Population in Tough Economic Times
NHPF
This US paper examines whether the aging services network will be able to sustain its current capacity and fully realize its potential
AgeingPosted: 2012-01-15
Did the 2007 Welfare Reforms for Low Income Parents in Australia Increase Welfare Exits?
Melbourne Institute
A 41-page Australian working paper examining the impacts of recent Australian welfare to work reforms for low income parents of school-aged children who had been in receipt of Parenting Payment for at least one year
Social PolicyPosted: 2012-01-14
The High Cost of Wind Energy as a Carbon-Dioxide Reduction Method
Manhattan Institute
A 9-page US issue brief finding that if wind energy were to reduce carbon dioxide, the savings would be so small as to be insignificant and so expensive as to be impractical
Climate Change & Environment, EnergyPosted: 2012-01-14
North Africa's Democratic Prospects
FPRI
This 7-page US essay discuss the dynamics and challenges facing Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Algeria, the countries of the “Maghreb” (Arab-Islamic “West”), in the wake of the upheavals of 2011
Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-01-13
The Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab World and Islamic Communities in Western Europe
ITIC
This 12-page Israeli paper updates and supplements ITIC's June 2011 study of the Muslim Brotherhood. It examines the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and other Arab countries in the wake of the past year's regional uprisings. It deals with the nature of the movement in each country, its relations with the various regimes and evaluates its chances of exploiting regional unrest to its own ends. It also examines the Muslim Brotherhood's branches in Western European countries and the implications of its activity for both internal European affairs and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Regional, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-13
Persian Gulf Storm Clouds
CFR
A US analysis brief on worsening US-Iran relations
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13
Egypt Can’t Replicate the Turkish Model: But It Can Learn From It
CEIP
A US article arguing that although reformists tout the “Turkish model” as an example for Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, the countries’ different neoliberal trajectories suggest that Egypt’s Islamist parties have a much more difficult road ahead
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13
When Victory Becomes an Option: Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Confronts Success
CEIP
This 30-page US paper argues that if it is to be successful in government, the Muslim Brotherhood must start setting its foreign policy, economic, and cultural priorities
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13
Democracy Policy Under Obama: Revitalization or Retreat?
CEIP
A 58-page US paper explaining how, despite an initial inclination to lower the profile of U.S. democracy promotion, President Obama has had to confront a series of urgent, visible cases, from political upheaval in multiple Arab countries and unexpected events in Russia to thwarted elections in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond
Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-13
China’s Global Role: Need for Soft Power?
RSIS
A 2-page Singaporean commentary on China's need for improved "soft power"
Foreign Policy, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13
High Politics in the ‘Grand Area’
Group on Grand Strategy
A 9-page article considering whether Europeans have global impact in a multipolar age
European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-13
Afghanistan’s Future: Foreign and Local Solutions for a Fought-Over Country
Egmont
A 7-page Belgian security policy brief examining Afghanistan's future through different national and international lenses
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-13
The CAP Post-2013: More Equitable, Green and Market-oriented?
Egmont
This 11-page Belgian policy brief considers how to make the CAP more equitable, green and market-oriented
European UnionPosted: 2012-01-13
After Durban - The Big Climate Change Questions
ORG
This 4-page UK article assesses the future likelihood of a co-ordinated governmental response to climate change
Climate Change & Environment, DisabilityPosted: 2012-01-12
A Community for All: Implementing Article 19
Open Society Foundations
A 39-page guide for monitoring progress on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
DisabilityPosted: 2012-01-12
Dissonance in Development: Foreign Aid and State Formation in Malawi
NUPI
The main focus of this 190-page Norwegian thesis is on how foreign aid and development affects the state
International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-01-12
Wind and Gas: Back-up or Back-out “That is the Question”
Clingendael
The focus of this 48-page study is to explore the effect that the deployment of a large share of wind energy has on the Northwest European power generation mix in the current market circumstances
Energy, European UnionPosted: 2012-01-12
Working toward Wellness
NDRC
This 87-page US report presents 36-month results from a random assignment evaluation of a one-year programme that provided telephonic care management to encourage depressed parents, who were Medicaid recipients in Rhode Island, to seek treatment from mental health professionals
HealthPosted: 2012-01-12
A Proposal for a Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone in Northeast Asia
Nautilus Institute
This US essay proposes a fresh approach incorporating the concept of a nuclear weapons-free zone in Northeast Asia should be considered as a way of ensuring peace and security in the region
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-12
The Euro Imbalances and Financial Deregulation
Levy Economics Institute
This 37-page US working paper aims to show that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the crisis in Europe is the result of an imbalance between core and noncore countries that is inherent in the euro economic model
European Union, Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-01-12
Value for Money in Donor HIV Funding
Rand Corporation
This 92-page US report examines options for improving the impact of HIV funding
Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-01-10
Unintended Consequences Guide
U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
This online US guide is available to help hospitals and other health care organizations anticipate, avoid and address problems that can occur when adopting and using electronic health records
HealthPosted: 2012-01-10
Russia’s December 2011 Legislative Election: Outcome and Implications
CRS
A 13-page US report on the implications of Russia's December 2011 elections for Russia and for US interests
Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-01-10
Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses
CRS
An 82-page US report on issues with Iran
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-10
Political Transition in Tunisia
CRS
A 30-page US report explaining the challenges topolitical transition in Tunisia presented by disputes over reform priorities,economic crisis, labour unrest, tensions between the privileged coastal region and relatively impoverished interior, and lingering insecurity
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-10
Adapting for a Green Economy: Companies, Communities and Climate Change
Oxfam America
This 72-page US report makes the business case for private sector adaptation to climate change in ways that build the resilience of vulnerable communities in developing countries
Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-01-10
Making Health Care Free for the Poor
Indo-Pacific Governance Research Centre
This 7-page Australian policy brief argues that user fees are one of the main obstacles to increasing poor people’s access to health care in developing countries and thus promoting more inclusive forms of development
Health, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2012-01-09
National Strategies to Address Dementia
Alzheimer's Australia
This 12-page Australian paper provides an overview of a range of approaches that a selection of countries have taken to address dementia
Reviewing the Evidence on the Effectiveness of Early Childhood Intervention
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
This 109-page Australian report examines the effectiveness of early intervention programs for children with a developmental disability or developmental delay regardless of underlying cause or condition
Families, Children & Youth, DisabilityPosted: 2012-01-09
Supporting Caregivers and Caregiving in an Aging Canada
IRPP
A 40-page Canadian report into how best to provide adequate home care services to seniors in coming years
AgeingPosted: 2012-01-09
Fighting Youth Unemployment: The Effects of Active Labor Market Policies
IZA
This 54-page discussion paper analyzes the short- and long-term impacts for a variety of different programmes designed to assist the young unemployed into employment or further education
Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2012-01-09
Immigration and Welfare State Cash Benefits: The Danish Case
IZA
This 36-page discussion paper summarizes existing evidence on welfare dependence among immigrants in Denmark and supplies new evidence with focus on the most recent years
Immigration & Refugees, Social PolicyPosted: 2012-01-09
Egypt’s Salafi Challenge
Brookings
This US article considers the implications of the unexpected rise of the Salafis in Egypt’s parliamentary election
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-09
Foresight Africa: Top Priorities for the Continent in 2012
Brookings
This 44-page US report outlines the top priorities for Africa in 2012 and beyond
International Development, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-09
Better than Expected U.S. Support for Global Development
Brookings
A commentary describing the amount of funding allocated for U.S. development spending in 2012 as a surprising achievement
International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2012-01-09
How Immigrant Children Affect the Academic Achievement of Native Dutch Children
IZA
This 35-page discussion paper analyzes how the share of immigrant children in the classroom affects the educational attainment of native Dutch children
Education, Immigration & RefugeesPosted: 2012-01-09
A Toughened US Stance toward Iran
INSS
An Israeli commentary on indications that the US is adopting a new and considerably more determined approach to Iran's nuclear programme
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2012-01-09
Between Pockets of Efficiency and Elite Capture in Mozambique
DIIS
This 52-page Danish working paper synthesises the main findings from four case studies of productive sectors in Mozambique
International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-01-09
The School Principal as Leader
Wallace Foundation
This 20-page US report describes five key practices of principals who focus on improving teaching and learning
EducationPosted: 2012-01-06
Beyond Advocacy: An Inclusive Role for Civil Society Organizations in Addressing Corruption
CIPE
This 10-page article argues that self-regulation by civil society organizations is a marketdriven approach to anti-corruption that often provides a more effective and efficient alternative to top-down government regulation
CorruptionPosted: 2012-01-06
Diplomatic Engagement: The Path to Avoiding War and Resolving the Nuclear Crisis
ACA
This 8-page US brief argues that in order to avoid unintentional conflict with Iran, there is an urgent need to establish better lines of bilateral communication at all levels-between military forces in the region, between diplomats, and between senior officials
Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-05
From REDD to Green: A Global Incentive System to Stop Tropical Forest Clearing
CGD
This 56-page US working paper develops and illustrates a prototype incentive system for promoting rapid reduction of forest clearing in tropical countries
Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2012-01-05
North Korea's Great Successor and His Regional Connections
Inside Story
This Australian article argues for a nuanced response from Western countries to Kim Jong-un's accession
Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-01-05
Setbacks at Home, Sucesses Abroad: The Mixed Fortunes of Vladimir Putin
Inside Story
An Australian article examining the changing political picture in Russia
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-22
Society at a Glance: Asia/Pacific 2011
OECD
The 120-page second edition of this publication provides a quantitative overview of social trends across 36 Asia-Pacific countries and economies. It covers issues such as time use (particularly unpaid work), migration, unemployment, poverty and inequality, social and health care expenditure, social cohesion and life satisfaction
Social Policy, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-22
Migration and Global Environmental Change
Government Office for Science
This 234-page UK report has examined how environmental changes will influence and interact with patterns of global human migration over the next 50 years
Climate Change & Environment, Immigration & RefugeesPosted: 2011-12-22
Reflections on COP 17 in Durban
WRI
This summary looks back on the key decisions from Durban and gives a first take on their implications for global efforts to tackle climate change
Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2011-12-21
America’s Youth: Transitions to Adulthood
IES
This 191-page US report compares the current generation of youth and young adults in the United States to youth and young adults in 2000, 1990, and 1980
Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2011-12-20
Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy
CRS
A 100-page US report on the future governance and security of Afghanistan and the implications for US policy
Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-12-20
The Non-Western Challenger? The Rise of a Sino-Centric China
DIIS
This 49-page Danish report considers the implications of China’s rapid rise for international order
Foreign Policy, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-12-20
Young Carers: Social Policy Impacts of the Caring Responsibilities of Children and Young Adults
SPRC
A 134-page theoretically-informed and policy-focused quantitative and qualitative study on young carers in Australia
Social Policy, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2011-12-19
Violence Against Women in Australia: Research Summary
VicHealth
This 12-page publication presents a synopsis of the latest published research examining violence against women in Australia and its prevention
Crime, Law & Order, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2011-12-19
Influences on Indigenous Labour Market Outcomes
Productivity Commission - Australia
This 92-page Australian staff working paper examines factors that potentially influence Indigenous labour market outcomes
Indigenous Affairs, Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2011-12-19
Unfinished Business: Reform of the Security Sector in Democratic Indonesia
Security Challenges
This paper describes how Indonesia’s military men and their fellow travellers in the conservative civilian elite are again feeling confident enough to challenge their exclusion from the political mainstream
Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-12-19
Japan's Strategic Outlook
ASPI
A 12-page Australian perspective on Japan's strategic outlook
Defence, Terrorism & Security, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-19
Neural Tube Defects in Australia: Prevalence Before Mandatory Folic Acid Fortification
AIHW
This 58-page report describes the prevalence and trends of neural tube defects in Australia during the past decade
HealthPosted: 2011-12-19
Intensive Judicial Supervision and Drug Court Outcomes
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
A 16-page Australian report assessing the evidence of a trial of whether intensively supervising drug court participants in the early phases reduces early-phase substance use and sanctioning rates
Drug Abuse, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2011-12-19
What Next For North Korea?
AEI
A US article considering the implications of Kim Jong-il’s death
Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-12-19
Normalization between Israel and Arab States: Is the Idea Still Viable?
INSS
An Israeli article considering the possibility of normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world
Regional, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-17
How to Strengthen the European External Action Service
CEIP
A 20-page US paper urging corrective action to overcome the flaws in the EEAS
European Union, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-12-17
Was the Iraq War Worth It?
CFR
Four commentaries assess the value of the Iraq war
Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-12-17
Identifying and Evaluating Regulation Reforms
Productivity Commission - Australia
A 609-page Australian report finding that a range of approaches is required to ensure that the stock of regulation is fit for purpose and to deliver net benefits to the community. They range from 'good housekeeping' measures to in-depth reviews. For most of these, good governance and consultation are crucial to their cost-effectiveness
Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-12-16
Riot Control Agents: Improve Knowledge to Improve Safety
SIPRI
A Swedish essay arguing that there is a growing body of evidence that so-called non-lethal weapons used to control riots are not as safe as they seem and are not always employed as they should be
Crime, Law & Order, Human RightsPosted: 2011-12-16
The Struggle for the Reins of Government in Egypt
INSS
An Israeli commentary on the results of the Egyptian parliamentary elections
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-16
Parental Ethnic Identity and Educational Attainment of Second-Generation Immigrants
IZA
This 31-page discussion paper is a first attempt to explore whether immigrant parents' ethnic identity affects the next generation's human capital accumulation in the host country
Immigration & Refugees, EducationPosted: 2011-12-16
A Turning Tide in Lebanon
CEIP
This US article traces the turning political tide in Lebanon
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-16
A New Prime Minister in Kuwait…and Credit Goes to the Brotherhood?
CEIP
This US article assesses the likelihood of a Muslim Brotherhood comeback in Kuwait
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-16
World Development Report 2012 for iPad
World Bank
A limited time free offer of the World Development Report 2012 App for iPad
International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-12-16
Making the Case for Universal Childcare
IPPR
This 21-page UK paper makes the economic case for universal childcare for preschool-aged children
Families, Children & Youth, Social PolicyPosted: 2011-12-16
The Future of the Nuclear Suppliers Group
CEIP
This 70-page US paper explains how the NSG today faces a host of challenges ranging from questions about its credibility and future membership to its relationship to the NPT and other multilateral arrangements
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2011-12-16
Duma Elections: Expert Analysis
CEIP
Several US analyses of Russia's election results and what the public response might mean for the country’s future
Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-12-16
What Durban Revealed about Climate’s Shifting Allegiances
Inside Story
An Australian commentary on the implications of the Durban conference on climate change
Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2011-12-16
Effective Practices for Service Delivery Coordination in Indigenous Communities
AIHW
This 13-page Australian paper claims to illustrate that effective coordination of service delivery can yield benefits such as more efficient use of resources and improved working relationships among service providers
Indigenous Affairs, Social PolicyPosted: 2011-12-15
Global Nuclear Security: Building Greater Accountability and Cooperation
UNIDIR
This 78-page study presents an overview of the elements of the international nuclear security regime and discusses proposals to strengthen its accountability arrangements, as well as the challenges of expanding the scope of the regime and creating a framework for global nuclear security efforts
Defence, Terrorism & Security, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2011-12-15
The Greek Crisis: Causes and Consequences
CESifo
This 15-page working paper takes stock of the factors that led to the explosion of Greek public debt, the loss of competitiveness, and the failure of the first EU-IMF programme
Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-12-15
Crises of Governments
IEA
This 32-page UK paper argues that the history of past fiscal stimulus packages shows that they might raise output in the short term, but in the long term growth stalls and output diminishes
Economic PolicyPosted: 2011-12-15
Springtime in Sudan
Foreign Policy/NPR
A 3-page US article on political developments in Sudan
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-14
The Arab Spring, One Year On
Wilson Center
A speech on how the Arab Spring has developed and specific economic challenges facing the region
Regional, Economic PolicyPosted: 2011-12-14
R&D Drivers in Young Innovative Companies
IZA
This 33-page discussion paper examines the determinants of young innovative companies' (YICs) R&D activities
Science & TechnologyPosted: 2011-12-12
Development Interventions, Export Sectors and the Poor: Mixed Results
DIIS
This 120-page Danish study examines a variety of interventions directed at increasing Low Income Country exports while benefiting the poor
International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2011-12-12
Islamic Parties in Pakistan
Crisis Group
This 48-page report examines the internal workings, policies and agendas of Pakistan's Islamic parties, and their relationship with the state, particularly the military, in order to assess how they maintain political influence despite limited electoral support
Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-12