Policy pointers

Governance & Politics

The UN Security Council's Counterterrorism Program: What Lies Ahead?

IPA

This 29-page report proposes improvements in the way that the Security Council acts against terrorism

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-12-08

'Civilian Supremacy’ in Nepal

IPCS

An Indian article analyzing the causes of the faltering peace process in Nepal

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-21

Nepal: Preventing a Flare-up

IPCS

An Indian commentary on the current political situation in Nepal

Governance & Politics, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2010-01-13

Ethnicity, Separatism and Terrorism in Xinjiang

IPCS

A 12-page Indian report examining the nature of ethnic, religious and militant influences on the Uyghur-Chinese state relationship

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-12-14

Pakistan’s Stability: The Global Stakes

IPCS

A 4-page Indian issue brief considering the stability of Pakistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-12-14

A Lasting Glow: Seizing the Optimism of the Arab Spring

IPPR

This UK article predicts the seeds of the Arab Spring spreading further across the Middle East, with regime change on the way in Syria and even Iran

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-02-10

States of Conflict: A Case Study on Statebuilding in Kosovo

IPPR

A 15-page UK paper identifying key challenges to a successful and lasting transition from conflict to self-sustaining peace in Kosovo

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-10-29

Bad News Makes Headlines: Security Challenges Posed by Pakistan

IPPR

This 7-page UK paper attempts to offer a balanced understanding of Pakistani politics and their implications for Western policy

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-01-25

Brothers in Arms? Engaging the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt

IPPR

This 29-page UK paper considers whether Western governments should seek to engage with the Muslim Botherhood

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-04-15

Reform in Morocco: The Role of Political Islamists

IPPR

This 16-page UK paper focuses on Morocco and the nature of the Party of Justice and Development (PJD)

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-09-13

Capable Communities: Towards Citizen-Powered Public Services

IPPR

This 28-page UK report asks how, in practical terms, citizens can act together to improve the way public services work for them

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-11-25

Identity, Politics and Public Policy

IPPR

A 13-page UK paper studying the interaction between identity, politics and public policy

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-21

Reform in Jordan: The Role of Political Islamists

IPPR

A 19-page UK report identifying four areas in which Western policymakers could improve their current efforts to support reform processes in Jordan

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-11-23

Towards a Smarter State

IPPR, PwC

A 20-page UK document outlining a programme of work that aims to set out the practical steps that are needed to deliver a smarter, more effective state

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-09-16

Ghana's Transformation

IPRI

A first-person account of John Kufuor's years as president, describing some of his administration’s most successful projects, especially those related to agriculture

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-17

Misleading Statistical Studies

IPS

An 8-page New Zealand study examining how statistical studies can mislead policymakers

Social Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-01-23

Human Services Systems Integration: A Conceptual Framework

IRP

This 20-page US discussion paper develops a set of organising principles and constructs for planning a service integration initiative

Social Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-01-23

The Intersecting of Governance and Citizenship in Canada: Not Quite the Third Way

IRPP

This study explains the changing relationship between the state and the voluntary sector in Canada

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-09-19

E-Consultation: Enabling Democracy Between Elections

IRPP

The objective of this 40-page Canadian paper is to present the strengths and weaknesses of e-consultation in theory and practice, but also to provide evidence of this position as a valuable, if not essential, part of a new era of democratic governance.

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-01-21

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

ISAS

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

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-05-16

Democracy in Poland 1989-2009. Challenges for the Future,

ISP

This 125-page publication analyzes key aspects of the political and social transformation in Poland and proposes adequate recommendations which could contribute to the visible progress in the Polish democracy

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-09-22

Yemen: The Evolution of a Problem

ISS

This 3-page opinion piece argues that the European Union has the resources to be a significant player in Yemen, helping to arrest its deteriorating security situation by taking the lead in terms of human rights and development initiatives

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-03-13

Building Peace for the Rule of Law

ISS

A Dutch address discussing the interaction of peacebuilding and the rule of law

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-11-09

Colombia: New Prospects for Peace?

ISS

A 5-page analysis of the political situation in Colombia following the Betancourt release

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-08-08

Don't Forget Syria

ISS

A 2-page European analysis warning the international community not to neglect developments in Syria

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-06

Syria: Violence as a Communications Strategy

ISS

This opinion piece explains why Assad believes that he has carte blanche to do what it takes to restore his grip over Syria.

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-08-18

Post-Election Iraq: From Sectarianism to Democratic Governance?

ISS

An opinion piece assessing political progress in Iraq

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-19

Egyptian Democracy and the Muslim Brotherhood

ISS

A 36-page paper containing insights, analysis and recommendations on Egyptian democracy and the Muslim Brotherhood

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-12-05

Yemen after Saleh

ISS

This European opinion piece highlights the risk that the potential for things going badly in Yemen after Saleh’s departure is great

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-04-06

E Pluribus Unum: Decision-Makers and Decision-Making in Iran

ISS

A 4-page policy brief on governmental decision-making in Iran

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-08-08

Virtual or Real Change? The Parliamentary Elections in Belarus

ISS

This 4-page article looks at developments in Belaru before and after the September elections, and recommends ways forward for the EU.

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2008-11-07

Has the EU lost Ukraine?

ISS

This 6-page analysis argues that the EU has not lost Ukraine, but it needs to carefully calibrate its policy so as to maintain the process of rapprochement

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2010-03-13

Russian Elections and Relations between the Centre and the Regions

ISS EU

In the light of the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections this paper takes a look at the development of Russian federalism throughout the past decade

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-12-03

Negotiating the Final Status of Kosovo

ISS Europa

This 100-page paper provides an account of the complex negotiation process on the final status of Kosovo

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-01-07

The Future of Democracy in the Arab World: How Relevant is the Turkish Experience?

ISS Europa

An opinion piece arguing that only be after consolidating essential democratic institutions that Arab countries will learn to successfully combine Islam, democracy and modernity

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-23

The Libyans Must be Protected from Qadaffi

ISS Europa

A security analyysis calling for the international community must urgently stop Qaddafi’s murderous madness against peaceful demonstrators whose only crime is to ask for freedom and a better life

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-02-23

Crisis in Turkey: Just Another Bump on the Road to Europe?

ISS-EU

This 54-page occasional paper examines the background to the ongoing political crisis in Turkey

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2007-07-19

Building the Future: The EU's Contribution to Global Governance

ISS-EU

A 146-page paper envisaging the advent of global governance and considering the EU's contribution

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-06-20

Monitoring a Region in Crisis: The European Union in West Africa

ISS-EU

This 85-page paper suggests approaches for improving the EU's current responses to West Africa's fragile economic and poilitical stability

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-02-27

What is to be Done with Serbia?

ISS-EU

A 3-page analysis paper offering suggestions for the EU to consider in its short-term approach to Serbia

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-05-07

FYR of Macedonia after Bucharest: Avoiding Another European Failure in the Balkans

ISS-EU

This 6-page paper offers an analysis of the precarious state of the FYR of Macedonia

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2008-06-27

Kosovo: The View from Serbia

ISS-EU

A 6-page analysis of Serbian public and political opinion over the Kosovo issue

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2008-05-07

Guinea-Bissau's Legislative Elections: What Implications for Stability?

ISS-EU

This 5-page brief analyses the peace process in Guinea-Bissau and highlights how November's elections might contribute to peace and stability in that country.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-12-05

Britain as a Focus for Hamas’ Political, Propaganda and Legal Activities in Europe

ITIC

An 11-page Israeli brief describing the propaganda activities of Hamas and its supporters in Britain

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-02-27

Government Decentralization as a Disincentive for Transnational Terror? An Empirical Analysis

IZA

This 42-page discussion paper analyzes the impact of decentralization on the occurrence of transnational terror

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-05

Outside Income and Moral Hazard: The Elusive Quest for Good Politicians

IZA

This 45-page paper, based on Italian data, examines the trade-off between the quality of elected officials and the effort they exert in political life

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-02-07

Decentralization and the Productive Efficiency of Government: Evidence from Swiss Cantons

IZA

A 31-page discussion paper examining the association between expenditure decentralization and the productive efficiency of government, using a dataset from Swiss Cantons

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-12-09

International Terrorism, Political Instability and the Escalation Effect

IZA

This 43-page paper presents a new rationale (the escalation effect) stressing domestic political instability as the main reason for international terrorism

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-05

Growth, History, or Institutions? What Explains State Fragility in Sub-Saharan Africa

IZA

This 31-page discussion paper explores the determinants of state fragility in sub-Saharan Africa

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-25

Efficient and Inefficient Welfare States

IZA

This 47-page discussion paper shows that cross country differences in the generosity and the quality of the welfare state are associated with differences in the trustworthiness of their citizens

Social Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-15

Politicians' Outside Earnings and Political Competition

IZA

This 22-page discussion paper deals with the impact of electoral competition on politicians' outside earnings

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-01-02

Stimulating Local Public Employment: Do General Grants Work?

IZA

This 37-page discussion paper estimates causal effects of intergovernmental grants on personnel in different local government sectors

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-09-23

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: 2010-05-16

Do Better Paid Politicians Perform Better? Disentangling Incentives from Selection

IZA

This 51-page discussion paper finds that a higher wage attracts more educated candidates, and that better paid politicians size down the government machinery by improving internal efficiency. Importantly, most of this performance effect is driven by the selection of competent politicians, rather than by the incentive to be reelected

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-09-23

The Effects of Disengagement on Palestinian Politics and Society

Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies

An Israeli assessment of the political and economic conditions likely to dominate in the Palestinian Authority following disengagement

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2005-08-16

Political Stability in Arab States: Economic Causes and Consequences

Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies

A 55-page Israeli paper analyzing some of the strengths and weaknesses of Arab states from an economic perspective and describing how threats to domestic stability have been countered by economic reforms

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2004-12-31

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-13

Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People: From the San Remo Conference (1920) to the Netanyahu-Abbas Talks

JCPA

An Israeli article asserting Israel's right as the nation-state of the Jewish people

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-19

The Kurdish Quiet Spring

Jerusalem Post

An Israeli article considering whether the Kurds will be able to enhance their national cause for self-determination

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-19

Riyalpolitik

Jerusalem Report

An Israeli perspective on the current political situation in Saudi Arabia

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-11

Indonesian Politics: Prospects for the Coming Presidential Election

JIIA

A 4-page Japanese assessment of trends in Indonesian politics

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-06-16

What will Become of China After the Olympics?

JIIA

A Japanese view of China's future

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-10-07

Indonesian Politics: Prospects for the Coming Presidential Election

JIIA

A 4-page Japanese analysis of the recent parliamentary elections held in Indonesia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-27

Don't Think Twice about Japanese Politics. It's All Right.

JIIA

A 4-page Japanese commentary on the nature of Japanese politics

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-11-25

Pakistan: Change in Mindset Needed to Counter Threats from Within

JIIA

This 4-page Japanese article argues that to avoid the "Afghanistanization" of Pakistan, a change in the mindset and strategy of the army and the ISI is of crucial importance

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-14

Reform of the UN Human Rights Mechanism: Current State and Challenges

JIIA

A 3-page Japanese article on the UN human rights mechanism

Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-02-14

Putin's Return to the Presidency and Its Implications for Asia

JIIA

A 3-page Japanese commentary speculating upon the likely future Russian policy towards Asia, particularly Japan and the rest of the Far East

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-12-07

Radical Democracy in the Andes: Indigenous Parties and the Quality of Democracy in Latin America

Kellogg Institute

A 41-page US working paper exploring whether recently-formed indigenous political parties in Ecuador and Bolivia are fulfilling their promise to improve the quality of local government

Governance & Politics, Indigenous AffairsPosted: 2007-01-26

Political Disaffection and Democratization History in New Democracies

Kellogg Institute

This 64-page working paper identifies the particular nature of disaffection in new democracies, and argues that it explains the lower propensity of their citizens to participate in the democratic process

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-02-17

The Iron Cage of Democracy: Institutional Similarity and Stasis in African Political Party Systems

Kellogg Institute

This 44-page US working paper asks how to understand the development of new institutions in nascent democracies, and what explains the persistence of institutional forms that do not conform to rationalist expectations of competitive efficiency

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-12-14

Civil Society After Dictatorship: a Comparison of Portugal and Spain, 1970s–1990s

Kellogg Institute

A 42-page US working paper that explains variations in patterns of civil society among third-wave democracies by comparing the cases of Portugal and Spain

Governance & Politics, Social PolicyPosted: 2012-04-06

The Impacts of Enlargement on the Central and Eastern European Countries

KIEP

This 74-page Korean paper deals with the process of EU enlargement, focusing on the negotiations and their consequences. It gathers arguments in favour of joining the European Union on the side of the new members. Moreover, it addresses traditional and new community policies that have to cope with the new challenges, starting from the decision-making process and the reforming of the common agricultural policy, through budgetary considerations to desirable new activities of the enlarged Union in economic, social and political areas

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-01-14

Too Little, Too Late. Europe Needs Better Crisis Management

Korber Foundation

A 58-page German policy paper on Europe's crisis management

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-08-17

Tymoshenko Government Off to a Promising, Ambitious Start

Kyiv Post

An op-ed commenting on the early promise of Ukraine's new government

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-02-25

Can Ukraine Join Europe as Yanukovych Moves Away from EU Values?

Kyiv Post

A commentary on Ukraine's future in Europe

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-08-04

Doing the Unthinkable

Kyiv Post

An article on the current political situation in Ukraine

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-08-11

Habits of Highly-Effective Countries: Lessons for South Africa

Law Review Project

This 63-page South African report analyses the world's most and least successful countries to ascertain which policies a growth-seeking country should adopt

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-12-09

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-15

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-15

China and Taiwan in the South Pacific: Diplomatic Chess versus Political Rugby

Lowy Institute

This 20-page Australian policy brief examines the effects of the competition between China and Taiwan for diplomatic recognition by South Pacific island states

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-01-22

World Wide Webs: Diasporas and the International System

Lowy Institute

A 107-page Australian report examining the growth of diasporas and the resulting implications

Globalisation & International Trade, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-02-18

Is a "New Middle East" Possible?

Lowy Institute

A 14-page perspective examining the prospects for a "new middle east"

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-09-26

Islamism and Democracy in Egypt, Indonesia and Turkey

Lowy Institute

A 4-page executive summary of an Australian paper examines how three different Islamist movements, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the Prosperous Justice Party in Indonesia and the Justice and Development Party have sought to adapt to democratic politics and how in turn electoral or democratic participation has shaped the evolution of their ideology, policies and activism.

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-11-09

Koizumi's Legacy: Japan's New Politics

Lowy Institute

This 10-page Australian analysis evaluates prime minister Koizumi's legacy for Japanese politics and international policy

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-09-26

Justice or Stability? Hizbullah, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and Consequences for the Region

Lowy Institute for International Policy

This 12-page Australian paper explores what the outcomes of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri) will mean for both key domestic actors in Lebanese politics such as Hizbullah, and regional players like Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-22

Taiwan's Identity Challenge

Lowy Institute for International Policy

An article analysing the tensions between Taiwan's uniquely dependent geo-strategic position and its nation-building quest

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2006-02-23

What the Tunisian and Egyptian Uprisings Mean for the Middle East

Lowy Institute for International Policy

This 14-page Australian perspective examines the consequences for the Middle East of the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-10

The Empire of Lies

Manhattan Institute

An essay pointing to the weaknesses behind China's booming economy

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-05-10

Does Terrorism Work?

Maurice Falk Institute

This 52-page Israeli paper examines whether terrorism is an effective tool to achieve political goals

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-01-11

National Vote Intention and European Voting Behaviour, 1979-2004

Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies

A 30-page German discussion paper investigating how voting behaviour matched declared voting intention in European parliamentary elections

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-11-22

Loyalty and Power in Union-Party Alliances: Labour Politics in Post-Communism

Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies

This 36-page discussion paper examines the nature and outcomes of trade union/political party alliances in East Central Europe

Governance & Politics, Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2004-11-05

The Efficiency of Public Sector Outsourcing Contracts: A Literature Review

Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research

This 32-page Australian working paper considers the arguments for and against outsourcing and examines the evidence as to whether savings occur over time and, if so, whether they persist

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2004-11-13