Policy pointers

Governance & Politics

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-02

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

Stopping Guinea's Slide

Crisis Group

A 36-page report recommending steps that need to be taken internally and by the international community if Guinea is not to become a failed state

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-06-20

Strategies for Policy Reform

CIPE

This 100-page report describes programmes used to advance democratic policymaking and free market economics

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-01-21

Strengthening Evidence-based Policy in the Australian Federation

Productivity Commission - Australia

The 300-page report of an Australian roundtable held to consider how to strengthen evidence-based policymaking

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-08

Strengthening Evidence-based Policy in the Australian Federation

Productivity Commission - Australia

This report presents the papers from a roundtable which discussed the principles of the evidence-based policy movement and reviewed how well Australian use of evidence conforms to best practice

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-14

Strengthening Social Policy: Lessons on Forging Government-Civil Society Policy Partnerships

Institute on Governance

This 133-page report analyzes a series of innovative experiences in Southeast Asia and Canada, which succeeded through the joint efforts of government and civil society

Governance & Politics, Social PolicyPosted: 2005-02-04

Structural Reform Australian-Style: Lessons for Others

Productivity Commission - Australia

This 31-page paper describes Australia's structural reforms, their outcomes and how they were achieved

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-10-11

Structural Upgrading of Manufacturing Industry in Transition Countries: Evidence from Foreign Trade Indicators

Institute of Economics and Russian-European Center for Economic Policy

A 24-page paper investigating the influence of institutional changes on economic development in transition countries

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-10-23

Struggling for Nepal

Foreign Policy in Focus

An 8-page article urging a return to multi-party government in Nepal as essential to solving the country's problems

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-04-05

Success, Failure and the Foundation of a New Iraq

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan States

This article discusses the constitutional aspects of the new Iraq

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-04-11

Succession Issues

Dayan Center

A 5-page Israeli commentary on leadership succession issues among its immediate neighbours

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-12-10

Sudan 2012: Scenarios for the Future

Clingendael

This 28-page Dutch report describes four possible scenarios for the future of Sudan, defined by two key uncertainties: 1) In 2012, will Sudan be united or will the North and South have gone separate ways? 2) In 2012, will there be a new war between the North and the South, or will there be no war?

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-09-28

Sudan: Between Reform and Conflict

ARI

A 38-page paper on the political situation in Sudan

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-05-09

Sudan: Elections and Beyond

Chatham House

This UK article examines the prospects for stability in Sudan

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-18

Sudan: Justice, Peace and the ICC

Crisis Group

This 41-page report examines the root cause of the country’s many crises, namely the reluctance of the long-ruling National Congress Party (NCP) to enact policies that would bring justice to the victims of its many conflicts

Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-31

Sudan: Negotiating Southern Independence

SWP

A 7-page German commentary assessing the prospects for the Sudan referendum on southern independence

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-10-01

Sudan: Preventing Implosion

Crisis Group

This 24-page briefing examines the situation in the run-up to Sudan's national elections due next year and the early 2011 referendum on self-determination in the South

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-12-19

Sudan’s 55th Anniversary: No Reason to Celebrate

Dayan Center

A 44-page Israeli commentary on Sudan's political situation

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-01-04

Sudan’s Elections and Birth Pangs of the South

CEIP

A US article commenting on the political situation in Sudan

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-08

Sudan’s Rigged Elections

Crisis Group

This 15-page briefing examines how the National Congress Party (NCP) in Sudan has manipulated the 2008 census, drafted the election laws in its favour, gerrymandered electoral districts, co-opted traditional leaders and bought tribal loyalties

Governance & Politics, CorruptionPosted: 2010-03-30

Sudan's 2009 Elections: Critical Issues and Timelines

USIP

This US briefing summarizes the state of electoral preparations in Sudan and identifies critical conditions for ensuring the timely organization of the elections

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-08-31

Support for Zimbabwe’s Recovery: A Lost Opportunity for SADC?

SAIIA

A 4-page South African article assessing the role of SADC in supporting Zimbabwe's recovery

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-05-05

Supporting Public Participation In Egypt

Center for International Private Enterprise

A 5-page article analyzing the barriers to democratic government in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-02-23

Suppose We Had a Real Democracy in the United States? A Time For Imagination

Open Society Institute

Text of a speech arguing how the U.S. democratic system is flawed and offering suggestions for improvement

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-04-13

Supreme Succession: Who Will Lead Post-Khamenei Iran?

Washington Institute

This 26-page US policy focus shows how the Iranian succession question could present a unique opportunity for Washington to soften the regime's anti-American posture or, failing that, to ensure that the IRGC's ambitions do not jeopardize other regional states

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-02-19

Supreme Tragedy: The Shrinking Power of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei

Muftah

An essay on the declining power of Ayatollah Ali Khamanei

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-08-09

Surprises from Ukraine: Democracy Moves Out and Russia Moves In

SWP

This 4-page German commentary assesses current political tendencies in Ukraine

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-11-10

Surrendering Sovereignty: Lessons from the South Pacific (and Australia)

CGD

This 48-page US working paper investigates why and when weak states delegate selected governance functions to others--and why a stronger state, such as Australia, would agree to take on the job

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-11-04

Sustainable Development

Research Service, Parliament of New South Wales

This 46-page Australian paper considers some of the approaches that have been taken to measuring sustainability using composite indicators and sets of indicators. It then sets out the main elements of sustainable development policies adopted by the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments, and for comparison, those adopted in Victoria, and in the UK

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-09

Sustainable Development is Possible in Yemen

CIPE

A 6-page US article proposing a policy for combating extremism in Yemen

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-02-20

Sustainable Global Governance for the 21st century

FES

This 52-page US report provides recommendations for the UN to position itself to effectively manage new global challenges, such as the economic and financial crisis, climate change, the food and energy crises

Governance & Politics, Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2009-09-17

Swaziland: The Clock is Ticking

Crisis Group

This 16-page report warns that Swaziland risks instability if constitutional monarchy is not restored

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-07-19

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-07-08

Syria After Lebanon, Lebanon After Syria

Crisis Group

This 51-page report warns that outside actors must insulate Lebanon fron wider regional dynamics if a stable, sovereign Lebanon is to emerge

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-04-15

Syria and Lebanon: Diverging Paths of State Unsustainability

CEPS

This 20-page paper analyses the prospects for stability and sustainability in the states of Syria and Lebanon

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-06-23

Syria and Political Change II

United States Institute of Peace

A US briefing on the prospects for political change in Syria

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-03-07

Syria and the Arab League: Moral Censure and Identity Politics

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the political implications of the decision of the League of Arab States to suspend Syria from membership

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-18

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

Syrian Army Shows Growing Signs of Strain

Washington Institute

A 3-page US policy brief analyzing the strains currently besetting the Syrian army

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-08-03

Syrian Regime's Unsteady Hand

CFR

A US analysis of the Syrian government's reaction to demonstrations

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-07-11

Taiwan Elections: Foundation for the Future

Hoover Instiution

This 28-page US essay examines the implications of the result of the January 2008 Legislative Yuan elections in Taiwan

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-03-17

Taiwan: All Politics, All the Time

Hoover Institution

A 31-page paper on the influence of domestic Taiwanese politics on the U.S.-Taiwan-PRC triangular relationship

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-11-11

Taiwan: Sovereignty and Participation in International Organizations

FPRI

A 5-page US bulletin considering the question of Taiwan's statehood

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-07-11

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

Tajikistan: On the Road to Failure

Crisis Group

This 31-page report finds that Tajikistan is weak state that is suffering from a failure of leadership

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-02-12

Tajikistan: 'Revolutionary Situation' or a Resilient State?

CEPS

This 6-page policy brief assesses the extent to which the danger of state failure is in fact real by outlining developments in the key areas of economy and security, and examining the regime’s coping capacity to deal with emerging challenges

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-12-29

Tajikistan's Politics: Confrontation or Consolidation?

International Crisis Group

A 24-page briefing on the current political situation in Tajikistan

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2004-05-20

Taking Capitalism Seriously: Toward an Institutionalist Approach to Contemporary Political Economy

MPIfG

This 37-page German paper outlines an institutionalist political economy approach to capitalism as a specific type of social order

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-01-06

Taking Development Activities to Scale in Fragile and Low Capacity Environments

Brookings

A 93-page US working paper arguing that scaling up (i.e., the expansion, replication, adaption and sustaining of successful policies and programs in space and over time to reach a greater number of people) is highly relevant to fragile settings, both as an objective and as a strategic approach to development

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-09-06

Taking 'Constitutionalism' and 'Legitimacy' Seriously

This 19-page discussion paper focuses on issues of constitutionalism and democracy with special reference to the European Union

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-11-18

Taliban Propaganda: Winning the War of Words?

Crisis Grouo

This 47-page report examines how Taliban propaganda is tapping into strains of Afghan nationalism

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-07-25

Tanzania: Background and Current Conditions

CRS

A 5-page US report on the current situation in Tanzania

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-01-07

Tanzania’s Land Law Reform

DIIS

A 20-page Danish working paper providing an overview of the major land reform implementation projects carried out in Tanzania so far

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-01-07

Ten Consequences of Economic Freedom

National Center for Policy Analysis

A report using "Economic Freedom of the World" data to evaluate the benefits of economic freedom

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-08-20

Ten Russian Propositions

Chatham House

This 6-page UK programme paper summarizing the political and economic situation in Russia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-03-11

Test Case Belarus

DGAP

A 3-page German commentary on the political implications of the Belarusian presidential election

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2011-02-10

Thailand Under Thaksin: Another Malaysia?

Asia Research Centre

A 12-page working paper interpreting recent political developments in Thailand

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2004-10-12

Thailand: A Democratic Failure and Its Lessons for the Middle East

CFR

This US brief warns that initial, exuberant glimpses of democratic reform can prove a mirage, and toppling a dictator hardly guarantees a smooth path to consolidated democracy

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-01

Thailand: No Longer the Land of Smiles?

Chatham House

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

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-08-19

Thailand: The Calm Before Another Storm?

Crisis Group

A 20-page briefing on the political situation in Thailand

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-14

Thailand: The Calm Before Another Storm?

Crisis Group

A 20-page briefing on the political situation in Thailand

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-22

Thailand: Troubles in the South

Singapore Institute of International Affairs

A 3-page summary of two addresses by Thai experts on the causes and mishandling of the unrest in Southern Thailand

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-11-19

The 2004 Indonesian Elections: How the System Works and What the Parties Stand For

Centre for Democratic Institutions - ANU

This 44-page study outlines Indonesia's new constitutional process and analyses the effects that the new system may have on the future conduct of Indonesian politics

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2004-03-19

The 2005 Egyptian Elections: How Free? How Important?

Brookings Institution

A U.S. commentary on the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2005-08-31

The 2009 Afghan Elections and the Future of the International Community in Afghanistan

Brookings

A US article arguing that the Afghan elections need to be scrutinized for what they reveal about the international community as much as what they reveal about the situation in Afghanistan

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-08-16

The 2009 Elections to the European Parliament: Country Reports

EUI

This volume builds a coherent picture of European Parliament election development

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2010-04-27

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

The 9/11 Commission Report: Strengths and Weaknesses

Center for Strategic and International Studies

A 12-page analysis of the 9/11 Commission report, urging caution in implementing all of its recommendations

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-08-19

The Age of Constitutions? Reflecting on the New Faith in Federal Constitutions

National Europe Centre ANU

A 17-page Australian paper examining lessons in constitution-making and questioning whether the faith in constitutions needs qualification

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-08-31

The AKP and the Kurdish Issue; What Went Wrong?

SETA

This 6-page Turkish policy brief explains the AKP's volte face on the Kurdish issue

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2008-05-26

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

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-21

The Arab Democracy Paradox

Brookings

A US commentary on the progress of democracy in the Middle East

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-07

The Arab Regatta: A Half Year Report Card

CEPS

A 3-page commentary assessing the huge political transition taking place in the Arab world

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-07-20

The Arab Spring and Sub-Saharan Africa

Dayan Center

A 4-page Israeli analysis on the effect of the Arab Spring on sub-Saharan African (SSA) neighbours

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-26

The Arab uprising: Causes, prospects and Implications

FIIA

A 10-page Finnish briefing paper examining the Arab uprising

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-07-15

The Arab Uprisings of 2011: Ibn Khaldun Encounters Civil Society

FPRI

This 9-page US essay attempts to put the "Arab Spring" in perspective

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-07-11

The Arc: A Formal Structure for a Palestinian State

Rand Corporation

This recently re-released 105-page US volume examines options for strengthening the housing and transportation infrastructure of a potential future independent Palestinian state

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-06-06

The Argument Against a Government Resolution Authority

Pew

This 15-page US paper argues that the difficulties associated with identifying a systematically significant event in advance are so great as to render any new discretionary government resolution authority counterproductive

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-08-18

The Assassination of General Mohammed Suleiman: Looking for the Motive

INSS

An Israeli article speculating on the possible motivations for the recent assassination of a Syrian general

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-08-15

The Australian and American Senates: a comparison

Information and Research Dept. of the Parliamentary Library

This 28-page comparison of the two upper chambers analyses the major differences between the two, concluding that both are among the strongest upper houses in the world and demonstrate the value of bi-cameralism in democratic governance

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-02-05

The Australian Senate

Information and Research Services, Parliamentary Library

A concise 37-page document explaining the place of Australia's national upper house in the Australian political system.

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-02-11

The “Revolutionary Parliament” and the New Governmental Order in Egypt

INSS

This Israeli essay considers the challenges of governance and some of the leading issues on the national agenda awaiting the new Islamist-dominated government in Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-02-02

The Battle for Azerbaijan

Norwegian Institute of International Affairs

This 151-page paper offers an Azeri perspective on the election observation of the 2005 parliamentary elections and the post-election period

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-03-27

The Battle for Baghdad

Nixon Center

A US article highlighting the importance of continuing US commitment to Iraq's stability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-09-10

The Bertelsmann Transformation Index 2006

Center for Contemporary Conflict

A special edition of "Strategic Insights" devoted to the Bertelsmann Transformation Index 2006, the global ranking that analyses development and transformation processes in 119 countries. Single page with links to all articles

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-12-07

The Best Practice Regulation Handbook

OBPR - Australia

A 168-page handbook setting out the Australian government's enhanced framework for analyzing regulatory proposals

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-09-04

The Better Regulation Agenda: A ‘New Deal’ in the Building of Europe?

ETUI

An 8-page policy brief critically examining the Better Regulation agenda of the European Commission

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-10-14

The Bosnian Hiatus: A Story of Misinterpretations

CEPS

This 12-page policy brief presents an overview of the different opinions that have been blocking the closure of the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (OHR)

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-12-01

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-30

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-10

The Broader Middle East Initiative: Requirements for Success in the Gulf

Center for Contemporary Conflict

An 11-page article examining the Broader Middle East Initiative, considering in particular relalistic goals, key areas for reform and implementation problems

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-08-09

The Campaign Finance Guide August 2004

Pew Charitable Trusts

An 82-page practical explanation of the new U.S. campaign finance laws governing how money can be spent in federal elections

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-08-16

The Capacity of Central and East European Interest Groups to Participate in EU Governance

EU-NEWGOV

The 241-page report of a study examining the impact of EU Eastern enlargements on EU governance structures involving the participation of civil society organisations

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-11-14