Governance & Politics


Latest additions to the site

EU-27 Watch

CIFE

The 14-page July 2010 issue of EU-27 Watch offers Dutch contributions to the debate on the development of the EU

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-09-03

Kuwait: Signs of Renewal

IISS

An article commenting on Kuwaiti stagnation since the Iraqi invasion

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-09-01

America Leaves Iraq: A Strategic Appraisal

IDSA

An Indian commentary assessing the future prospects of Iraq as well as the strategic lessons learnt by the United States during its seven-year involvement in the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-28

Kosovo and Serbia after the International Court of Justice Opinion

Crisis Group

This 36-page report looks at the real opportunity that Kosovo and Serbia currently have to resolve differences, establish bilateral relations and unblock their paths to greater European Union (EU) integration

Governance & Politics , European Union Posted: 2010-08-26

Parliamentary Dawn

SWP

An 8-page German commentary examining the implications of the new self-confidence of the European Parliament

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-24

Moscow After the Smoke: A Change of Thinking is Needed

FIIA

A 2-page Finnish commentary on Russia's preparedness to deal with rapid climate fluctuations

Climate Change & Environment , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-23

Why the EU fails: Learning from Past Experiences to Succeed Better Next Time

FIIA

The 79-page report of a conference held to discuss the current problems of the EU and their causes

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-23

Ghosts of Crises Past

FIIA

A 24-page Finnish paper comparing Japan\\\'s response to global warming with its earlier response to the 1970s oil crisis

Governance & Politics , Energy Posted: 2010-08-23

Disaster Politics

CFR

A US article on the relationship of political systems to disaster mitigation

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-23

The International Court of Justice and future of Kosovo

FRIDE

A 5-page Spanish policy brief examining the possible outcomes of the ICJ’s decision on Kosovo's declaration of independence and analyses the possibilities of accession for Kosovo and Serbia without Serbia recognising its neighbour

Governance & Politics , European Union Posted: 2010-08-23

Living From Fire to Fire

Moscow Times

A Russian article commenting on the government's inability to deal with disasters

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-20

Modernisation and a New Political Game in Russia?

CEPS

This 2-page commentary explains why 2012 will be a decisive year for Russia and an interesting one for the rest of the world

Foreign Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-20

Thailand: No Longer the Land of Smiles?

Chatham House

This 19-page UK paper assesses the political situation in Thailand

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-20

Building a More Resilient Haitian State

Rand Corporation

This 208-page US monograph supports the development of a Haitian state-building strategy by identifying the main challenges to more capable governance, evaluating existing plans for strengthening government institutions and improving the delivery of public services, and proposing a realistic and carefully limited set of critical actions

Governance & Politics , Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation Posted: 2010-08-18

Chad: Beyond Superficial Stability

Crisis Group

This report highlights Chad's chance to escape the political and military crisis of the past five years

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-18

Policy Reforms and Homeland Security: The Question of Organisation

Australian Policy and History

A 2-page Australian article addressing the question of how to improve inter- security agency coordination

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-17

Instability and Humanitarian Conditions in Chad

CRS

A 14-page US report on the political and security situation in Chad

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-17

Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks

CRS

This 26-page US report covers recent political developments in Iraq

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-17

The Impact of Democracy Promotion on Party Financing in the East European Neighbourhood

EIoP

This 27-page paper investigates how the cooperation of European institutions (the EU, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE) in democracy promotion affects the success of European conditionality on party financing in the East European Neighbourhood

Governance & Politics , European Union Posted: 2010-08-16

Thinking Differently in an Attempt to Break the Somali Impasse

Afro-Middle East Centre

This 12-page South African paper discusses the origin and history of the current Somali crisis, examines AU interventions, and argues that for the situation to be resolved, a different way of thinking through the issue must be employed

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-08-13

After Almaty: The Future of Karabakh Negotiations

ADA

An Azerbaijani article on the prospects for the Karabakh negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-08-10

Constitutional Referendum in Turkey

SETA

A 32-page Turkish policy paper addressing Turkey's current constitutional reform package

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-10

Elections and Opportunity in Myanmar

CFR

A US article on developments in Myanmar and possible future US policy

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-08-09

Indonesia: The Deepening Impasse in Papua

Crisis Group

A 16-page report finding that the Indonesian government needs urgently to address discontent in Papua, its easternmost region, and recognise that the root of the problem is political, not economic

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-08-05

What Does “Reform” Mean in Saudi Arabia?

CEIP

An article on the status of political reform in Saudi Arabia

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-31

Why Palestinians Will Not Hold Elections, at Least for Now

CEIP

This US article explains how the Palestinian political system is entering into an extended period of stagnation characterized by authoritarian, police state rule, whether in the West Bank or Gaza

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-23

Engaging Foreign Audiences

GAO

A 48-page US report on the State Department's outreach platforms overseas, the challenges and opportunities related to these platforms, a review State’s plans for these platforms, and assess the extent to which State has evaluated these platforms.

Foreign Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-22

The Political Battle in Iraq

Brookings

A US report on the political situation in Iraq

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-07-15

Democracy on Hold in Yemen

CEIP

A US article reporting on the progress of democratization in Yemen

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-15

Can Economic Reform Open a Peaceful Path to Ending Burma’s Isolation?

USIP

A 5-page US brief arguing that Burma’s economy could provide a viable entry point for effective international assistance to promote peace

Governance & Politics , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-07-12

Iraq Is Spinning Its Wheels, But in the Right Direction

USIP

A 4-page US briefing assessing political and democratic progress in Iraq

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-12

Corruption in Jordan: It’s the Mechanisms, Not Manifestations, that Matter

CEIP

This US article explains how, in Jordan, a network of laws is in place that acts to entrench corruption

Corruption , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-12

The Influence of the Military in Thai Politics Since the 1990s

ARC

This 19-page working paper seeks to examine how and why the military has had persistent influence on Thai politics since the 1990s, as well as to demonstrate a causal explanation of the specific episodes of intervention in 1991 and 2006

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-12

Small Steps, Big Outcome: A Historical Institutional Analysis of Malaysia’s Political Economy

ARC

This 34-page Australian working paper analyzes Malaysia’s consociational political and economic arrangement

Governance & Politics , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-07-12

Swords to Ploughshares: China's Defence-Conversion Policy

RSIS

A 41-page Singaporean working paper considering how China might improve its defence-conversion programme

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-09

The British General Election of 2010: A Moment of Reckoning for a Torn Country?

FPRI

A US overview of the state of politics and society in Great Britain

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-07-01

Improving Security Policy in Colombia

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing analyses FARC’s response to government military pressure during the past eight years and the emergence of alliances between the insurgents and other illegal armed groups

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-30

Russian Economic Report 2010

World Bank

This 29-page report looks at Russia's economic progress and prospects

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-29

Defusing the Bomb: Overcoming Pakistan's Population Challenge

Wilson Center

The report of a US conference held to discuss the challenges posed by Pakistan's explosive population growth

Governance & Politics , Social Policy Posted: 2010-06-29

The G-20 Summit in Toronto: What Does it Mean for Development?

ODI

A UK article assessing the implications of the Toronto G-20 summit for international development

International Development , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-29

Modernize or Marginalize

Moscow Times

An Op-ed on the policy challenges facing Russia

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-28

Ever More or Ever Better Scrutiny? Analysing the Conditions of Effective National Parliamentary Involvement in EU Affairs

EIoP

This 25-page paper argues that it is not the sheer level of scrutiny activities, but the quality of national parliamentary involvement that contributes to the accountability of EU politics

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-28

The Fate of Democracy and Multilateralism in the Americas

Brookings

A US article highlighting the importance of intra-hemispheric relations in the Americas

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-28

Determinants of Constitutional Change: Why Do Countries Change Their Form of Government?

CESifo

A country’s form of government has important economic and political consequences, but the determinants that lead countries to choose either parliamentary or presidential systems are largely unexplored. This paper studies this choice by analyzing the factors that make countries switch from parliamentary to presidential systems (or vice versa)

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-25

Indonesia: Obama Must Go There

FPRI

A US essay outlining the development of democracy in Indonesia

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-25

Cameroon: The Dangers of a Fracturing Regime

Crisis Group

The executive summary and recommendations of a report examining Cameroon’s situation after 28 years under President Paul Biya

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-25

Jordan's New Electoral Law Disappoints Reformers

CEIP

A US critique of Jordan's new electoral law

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-25

Europe is Failing to Shape the Global Governance Debate

"Europe's World"

An article claiming that the EU’s enthusiasm for reshaping global governance has dwindled, and now looks more like indifference

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-21

Iraq's Slow, Steady Political Progress

CFR

A US brief assessing Iraq's political progress

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-06-21

Alternatives to Consensus at the WTO

Vox EU

A US article examining the alternatives to consensus at the WTO

Globalisation & International Trade , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-21

Connecting Ideas: Collaborative Innovation for a Complex World

Australian Institute for Social Research

This 62-page Australian report argues that complex social, economic and environmental challenges require a fundamental shift in the way we approach problem solving and innovation, one that values the contributions of all disciplines

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-21

Crime, Violence, and the Crisis in Guatemala: A Case Study in the Erosion of the State

SSI

This 70-page US monograph discusses the various criminal groups active in Guatamala and outlines a strategy for improving public order, strengthening government institutions, and combating the root causes that inform criminal activity.

Crime, Law & Order , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-17

Getting Past the Blame Game on Afghan Corruption

University of Liverpool

An op-ed on dealing with Afghan corruption

Corruption , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-17

Fiscal Responsibility: What Exactly Does It Mean?

Levy Economics Institute

This 19-page US working paper considers the concept of sustainable government debt and the role of deficits in the economy

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-16

Too Big to Fail in Financial Crisis: Motives, Countermeasures and Prospects

Levy Economics Institute

This 31-page US working paper argues that a better understanding of why too-big-to-fail policies have persisted will provide a stronger basis for developing effective reforms

Economic Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-16

Kyrgyz Provisional Government Must Intensify Stabilisation Efforts in South

Crisis Group

A media release offering proposals to Kyrgyzstan's Provisional Government and the international community for ameliorating stabilisation in the South of the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-16

Critical Connections: Islamic Politics and Political Economy in Indonesia and Malaysia

IDE

A 38-page Japanes discussion paper exploring Islamic politics in two Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia, by linking their trajectories, from late colonial emergence to recent upsurge, to broad concerns of political economy, including changing social bases, capitalist transformation, state policies, and economic crises

Governance & Politics , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-06-14

No Insulation: Politics and Technocracy’s Troubled Trajectory

IDE

This 43-page Japanese paper traces the trajectories of technocracy in conditions of rapid social transformation, severe economic restructuring, or political crises – when the technocratic was unavoidably political

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-14

Nepal’s Two Boulders

CFR

A US article considering the future political stability of Nepal

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-06-10

Ukrainian Democracy on Hold?

FRIDE

This 5-page Spanish policy brief considers the performance of the new Ukrainian government

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-10

Old Players and New in the Bahraini Elections

CEIP

A background article on the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Bahrain

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-04

Steps Towards Peace: Putting Kashmiris First

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing identifies the key political, social and economic needs of Kashmiris that should be addressed on both sides of the divided state

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-03

Unpacking the Black Box of Institutional Reform

CIPE, INDEM

This 8-page US article presents a Russian perspective on the role of institutional reform in development

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-06-02

Changing the Channel

Brookings

A 43-page US analysis paper considering Egypt's evolving media landscape and its role in domestic politics

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-01

The Challenges of Global Health Governance

CFR

This 32-page US working paper examines the complicated landscape of global health governance, assesses the capabilities of existing institutions, and recommends more effective strategies for policy implementation

Health , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-29

Are the Kurds Still Kingmakers in Iraq?

CEIP

A US article describing the political situation of the Kurds in Iraq

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-29

The Myanmar Elections

Crisis Group

This 24-page briefing updates recent developments in Burma and includes an analysis of the electoral legislation issued in March 2010

Governance & Politics , Human Rights Posted: 2010-05-29

Lebanon’s Politics: The Sunni Community and Hariri’s Future Current

Crisis Group

This 39-page report examines the momentous changes that have affected Lebanon’s Sunni community, in terms of both its internal organisation and its relations to others

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-29

Cameroon: Fragile State?

Crisis Group

A report studying Camaroon's history, its contemporary politics and the relations between its main social groups

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-29

Think Twice Before Engaging in Yemen

DIIS

A 4-page Danish policy brief warning Western governments of the risks of engaging in Yemen

Foreign Policy , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-29

Parties, Movements and Prospects for Change in Egypt

Arab Reform Bulletin

A US analysis of the political situation in Egypt

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-21

Bangkok: How Did it Come to This?

Inside Story

An Australian analysis of the events leading to the recent violence in Bangkok

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-20

Pakistan: Can the United States Secure an Insecure State?

Rand Corporation

A 260-page US book providing an empirical analysis of developments in Pakistan and seeking to inform U.S. efforts to achieve an effective foreign policy strategy toward the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-20

The Rule of Law in Independent Kosovo

Crisis Group

This report reviews the state of the police and courts in the Kosovo and recommends that the government, the European Union rule of law mission (EULEX) and the wider international community work to fight corruption, adopt needed legal reforms, recruit more judges and prosecutors and improve training

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-20

The West's Hollow Talk of Arab Democracy

Europe's World

An article arguing that the non-democratisation of the Arab region results from an unholy alliance between Western interests, local autocrats and what is claimed to be its ‘cultural specificity

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-05-19

Somalia’s Divided Islamists

Crisis Group

A report on the growing internal schisms and factionalism within Somalia’s Islamist movement

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-18

Joblessness and Perceptions about the Effectiveness of Democracy

IZA

A discussion paper analyzing the extent to which joblessness of individuals and the prevailing unemployment rate in a country impact perceptions of the effectiveness of democracy

Governance & Politics , Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2010-05-17

Global Governance Could Take a Leaf from the EU's Book

Europe's World

An article looking at some of the EU devices that could help shape global governance thinking

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-17

Karzai's Balancing Act: Bringing 'China' In?

ISAS

A 9-page Singaporean analysis of China's interests in Afghanistan

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-05-17

Decentralization and Foreign Aid Effectiveness: Do Aid Modality and Federal Design Matter in Poverty Alleviation?

CESifo

This 27-page working paper empirically studies the impact of decentralization on foreign aid effectiveness

International Development , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-14

Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon

Rand Corporation

This 410-page US monograph presents an in-depth look at the Northern Yemeni conflict in all its sociocultural, political, and military aspects

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-11

The British Question: What Explains the EU's New Angloscepticism?

SWP

A 4-page commentary on the growth of Angloscepticism among the mainland European governments

European Union , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-11

The Link Between DDR and SSR in Conflict-Affected Countries

USIP

A 13-page US report arguing that disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reform (SSR) processes should be interrelated and mutually reinforcing

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-10

Kirkuk in Transition: Confidence Building in Northern Iraq

Washington Institute

This 68-page US policy paper draws attention to near-term strategic opportunities in Kirkuk, focusing on bottom-up (local) approaches that the United States can facilitate in parallel with support of top-down (national) initiatives

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-05-10

Growth and Equity in Fragile States

Clingendael

This 33-page Dutch study takes a long-term perspective on economic development in fragile countries to discuss structural causes of fragility

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-05-06

Guinea’s New Transitional Government: Emerging Issues for U.S. Policy

CRS

A US background report on the political situation in Guinea

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-05

Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

This US report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordaniarelations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan’s government and economy and of its cooperation in promoting Arab-Israeli peace and other U.S. policy objectives in the Middle East

Governance & Politics , Foreign Policy Posted: 2010-05-05

Bangladesh: Political and Strategic Developments and U.S. Interests

CRS

This 20-page US report deals with political and strategic developments concerning Bangladesh

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-05-05

What’s Happened To Democracy In China?: Elections, Law And Political Reform

FPRI

A US article considering the progress of democracy in China

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-04

The Performance Governance System in the Philippines: Building the Capacity of Local Institutions

CIPE

This 9-page US paper describes ISA’s Performace Governance System (PGS), a successful management tool for local governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together on improving governance, service delivery, and community living standards

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-05-04

How Insurgencies End

Rand Corporation

A US study of 89 modern insurgency cases to test conventional understanding about how insurgencies end

Defence, Terrorism & Security , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-04-30

Lebanese Municipal Elections On Time, But Reform Delayed

Arab Reform Bulletin

A US commentary on the forthcoming Lebanese elections points out that the issue of reform in Lebanon has been raised before and after each of the elections held since 1990 without ever being translated into concrete measures, and the same is true this time around

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-04-29

The Effectiveness of the State, Intergovernmental Relations, and the Success or Failure of the International Strategy in Afghanistan

Urban Institute

This 8-page US policy brief describes the characteristics of the current intergovernmental system in Afghanistan and the burden it places on the delivery of citizen-focused services

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-04-29

Changes in the South Caucasus Since August 2008: Regional Perspectives for the World’s Superpower

ADA

This Azerbaijani backgrounder explains how the three countries of the South Caucasus (sometimes referred to as the Transcaucasus)—Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia—form the most complex, combustible and unstable region in the former Soviet Union

Regional , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-04-28

The 2009 Elections to the European Parliament: Country Reports

EUI

This volume builds a coherent picture of European Parliament election development

Governance & Politics , European Union Posted: 2010-04-28

Kyrgyzstan: A Hollow Regime Collapses

Crisis Group

This 15-page briefing explains and analyses the events of the past five years in Kyrgystan, in an effort to provide context and background to the recent uprising

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-04-28

The Greek Fiscal Adjustment Programme: An Evaluation

CEPS

This 3-page commentary argues that the growth hoped for on the part of the Greek government for recovery will not be achieved. The necessary fiscal adjustment to bring Greek pubic finances into a viable situation is due to be more difficult than initially announced

Governance & Politics , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-04-27

Obama's Presidency Bolstered by Political Success

IISS

A commentary on the current status of the Obama presidency

Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-04-23

The April Election and Prospects for Sustainable Peace in Sri Lanka

IDSA

An Indian commentary concluding that the outcome of the April general election makes clear that Sri Lanka will evolve its own model of post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation to address the causes of conflict

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-04-22

Likely Impact of Current Developments on the Pakistani State and its Army

IDSA

A 7-page Indian issue brief envisaging the possibility that Pakistani society, fearful of being left behind, may force a change in the state’s policy orientation

Governance & Politics , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-04-22