Policy pointers

Governance & Politics

For Better, For Worse: Value for Money in Strategic Services Delivery Partnerships

Audit Commission - UK

This 68-page UK report examines the record of strategic services delivery partnerships in the UK

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-01-17

Seeing the Light

Audit Commission - UK

A 60-page UK report designed to encourage local authorities to consider innovation as one way to achieve sustained performance improvement

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-05-23

Improving Information to Support Decision-Making: Standards for Better Quality Data

Audit Commission-UK

This 21-page UK paper is to encourage public bodies to improve the quality of the data they use for decision-making

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-11-13

Evaluating Health Policy Capacity: Learning from International and Australian Experience

Australia and New Zealand Health Policy

This 37-page Australian paper examines the factors that contribute to policy capacity in the health sector

Health, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-02-27

Silencing Dissent: Non-Governmental Organisations and Australian Democracy

Australia Institute

An 80-page discussion paper examining the place of NGO's in Australian democracy

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-06-18

Government Initiatives to Develop the U.K. Social Economy

Australian Centre for Co-operative Research and Development

A 25-page Australian paper examing the initiatives taken by the U.K. government to develop the "social economy"

Governance & Politics, Social PolicyPosted: 2004-08-21

International Approaches to Audiovisual Content Regulation: A Comparative Analysis of the Rgulatory Frameworks

Australian Communications and Media Authority

This 34-page Australian paper identifies and analyses current international approaches to content regulation in a converged and digital media and communications environment. In focusing on the current status of content regulation in selected jurisdictions

Science & Technology, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-06-02

Effectiveness and Efficiency: Priorities for Reducing Red Tape

Australian Council of Social Service

This 9-page Australian briefing sets out priorities for improving the viability and effectiveness of community services by reducing the overly onerous and unnecessary burden of red tape

Social Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-02-24

Are Australian MPs in touch with constituents?

Australian Democratic Audit

This 12-page paper examines, using an international matrix, the strength of the linkage between Australian citizens and their elected representatives

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-04-21

Electoral Reform Green Paper: Donations, Funding and Expenditure

Australian Government

This 102-page Australian paper covers issues relating to the disclosure of political donations, and the funding and expenditure of political parties and others involved in the political process

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-01-22

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-20

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-08-16

The Interplay of Foreign Multinational Corporations and the State in Environmental Governance

Australian Political Studies Association

This 22-page paper is concerned by how multinational corporations influence policies at the global level and also at the national level within each of the countries where they operate. It explores the mechanisms through which this phenomenon takes place

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-11-17

Anti-Political Sentiment in Contemporary Liberal Democracies

Australian Review

An 18-page Australian paper asking whether there is an imminent threat to the survival of liberal democracies

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-09-10

Election 2004: How Democratic are Australia's Elections?

Australian Review of Public Affairs

An 8-page commentary on democratic shortcomings in Australia's electoral system, focusing on the regulation of political finance and government advertising

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-09-14

Anti-Political Sentiment in Contemporary Democracies

Australian Review of Public Affairs

An 18-page Australian paper examining whether there is an imminent threat to the survival of liberal democracy and identifying areas requiring reform

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-11-14

Political Parties Need to Differ - Within Reasonable Limits

Australian Review of Public Affairs

An Australian article examining the place of polarization in democratic government

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-03-03

Reshaping Australia's Federation: A New Contract for Federal-State Relations

BCA

This 183-page action plan highlights the costs of inefficiencies in Australia's federal system and maps a course to begin a reform process

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-12-23

Building Peace in the Absence of States: Challenging the Discourse on State Failure

Berghof Center

This 98-page German dialogue argues that historically well-informed analysis, which leads to a deeper contextualized understanding of the local and regional situation on the ground, has to be the bedrock of any attempts for external assistance aimed at peace and development

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-20

The KLA and the Kosovo War: From Intra-State Conflict to Independent Country

Berghof Conflict Research

This 46-page German study analyses the origins, development and post-war transformation of the Kosovo Liberation Army from the specific perspective of its members, who made the transition from opposing an oppressive state regime to participating in the construction of a new, more democratic system. In particular, it looks at commonalities between the KLA and other resistance/liberation movements across the globe, while also reflecting on distinct historical traits which make Kosovo’s transition to statehood quite unique and arguably unprecedented

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-09-22

Seeking State Power: The Communist Power of Nepal

Berghof Research Center

A 55-page case study of the transition from armed struggle to peace in Nepal

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-04-03

Understanding the Settlement Moratorium

BESA

A 6-page Israeli perspective on the Netanyahu government’s ten-month moratorium on new building in the West Bank

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-01-08

The Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan: Role Model for Civil-military Relations?

BICC

A 27-page German occasional paper focusing on providing a humanitarian perspective to the ongoing debate about PRTs as a role model for civil-military relation

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-12-02

Somalia after the Islamic Courts

Bitterlemons International

An analysis of the challenges facing Somalia since the overthrow of the Islamic Courts

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-01-04

Model Unmatched in a Volatile Region

Bitterlemons International

An article explaining Dubai's successful development

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-12-30

New Government in Beirut, Old Problems in the South

Bitterlemons-international.org

An Israeli commentary on the political situation in Lebanon

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-12-02

The Machinery of Democracy: Usability of Voting Systems

Brennan Center for Justice

A 38-page US report and policy proposals dealing with different types of electronic voting machines currently used in the US

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-10-08

Recommendations for Improving Reliability of Direct Recording Electronic Voting Systems

Brennan Center for Justice

A 14-page series of proposals to meet concerns about the vulnerability of direct recording electronic voting systems in the U.S. to security breaches and malfunctions

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-07-14

An Introduction to U.S. Foreign Policy Making

British American Security Information Council

This paper is the first of a three-part series designed to explain the world view of the neoconservatives in the U.S.

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-10-27

UK Political Developments and Likely Impact on US Relations

British American Security Information Council

A 3-page paper describing recent political developments in the UK and their likely impact on security relations with the US

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-06-03

After the Butler Report: Time to take on the Group Think in Washington and London

British-American Security Information Council

A paper criticising the "group think" held to be responsible for "stretching" intelligence prior to the Iraq war and recommending steps to prevent repetition

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-08-18

Elections and Violence in Nigeria: The Question of Citizenship in Sub-Saharan Africa

Brookings

A US article considering the ramifications of citizenship in sub-Saharan Africa

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-05-16

South Sudan: Avoiding State Failure

Brookings

This US article addresses the nation-building challenges faced by South Sudan

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-07-11

The Real Military Options in Libya

Brookings

A US article examining the military options open to the US in Libya

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-14

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 Arab Democracy Paradox

Brookings

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

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-07

Libya’s Startling Failure: Unforeseen or Ignored?

Brookings

A US blog arguing that political risk analysts and foreign aid agencies will need to pay closer attention to the importance of democratic governance in affecting a country’s political stability

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-28

Tunisia, Egypt and Beyond: Fewer Predictions, More Data and Aid Reform Needed

Brookings

A US commentary on the policy of the West towards the Middle East

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

Democracy in Latin America: Miles Traveled and Miles to Go

Brookings

A US essay commenting on the pace of democratization in Latin America

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-15

Greece: Time for Some New Ideas

Brookings

A US commentary on Europe's Greek crisis

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-06-29

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

Third One is the Charm: Will AKP's Victory Finally Lead to a New Constitution in Turkey?

Brookings

A US analysis of the results of Turkey's June elections

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-06-29

Averting Further Crisis in Malawi

Brookings

A US article arguing that timely intervention by the international community, and particularly the African Union, is necessary to resolve the situation in Malawi

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-08-22

The Foreign Policies of Emerging-Market Democracies: What Role for Human Rights and Democracy?

Brookings

A 43-page report of the proceedings of a US meeting held to examine the foreign policies of emerging-market democracies

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-06-09

Tunisia's Political Earthquake

Brookings

This US opinion piece argues that recent events in Tunisia indicate that the pressing question is no longer whether the status quo in the Arab world is sustainable but how fast it will crumble

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-24

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

Egypt’s Transition Six Months On: From Diversity to Divisiveness

Brookings

A series of observations made about the state of Egypt’s turbulent transition made by a recent visitor

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-08-15

Crisis in Honduras

Brookings

This US article analyses the political crisis in Honduras

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-06

The "Democratization" Process in Morocco: Progress, Obstacles and the Impact of the Islamist-Secularist Divide

Brookings

A 41-page US working paper questioning the adequacy of the political reform process within Morocco

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-08-15

Governance Matters 2009: Learning From Over a Decade of the Worldwide Governance Indicators

Brookings

A US article summarizing lessons drawn from the World Governance Indicators

Governance & Politics, CorruptionPosted: 2009-07-06

The Three Strategic Visions of Turkey

Brookings

This 5-page US analysis argues that a nuanced debate on Turkish foreign policy should take into consideration three different visions of Turkey’s place in the international order: (1) Neo-Ottomanism, (2) Kemalism and (3) Turkish Gaullism

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-14

South Sudan: Time to Focus on Challenges

Brookings

This US article describes the many challenges that lie ahead for South Sudan

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-14

Starting in Egypt: The Fourth Wave of Democratization?

Brookings

A US article considering possible implications of the collapse of the Mubarak regime

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-14

Brazil’s Executive-Legislative Relations under the New Coalition Government

Brookings

A 4-page US paper concluding that unified government in the multiparty coalitional-based presidential regime might not necessarily lead to an easier life for the newly-elected Brazilian president in regard to her relations with the Brazilian Congress

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-11-15

Reform of the Multilateral Development System: Call for a High-Level Commission

Brookings

A US article calling for a radical reform of the multilateral development system

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-10-10

A Dying Revolution? Polarization and Uncertainty in Egypt

Brookings

The report of a recent visit to Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-11-14

Catalysts for Rights: The Unique Contribution of the UN's Independent Experts on Human Rights

Brookings

This 103-page US report assesses how the UN's independent experts work to promote international human rights norms at the national level. He concludes that the system is one of the most effective tools for human rights promotion worldwide

Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-10-10

How Stable Is Jordan? King Abdullah’s Half-hearted Reforms and the Challenge of the Arab Spring

Brookings

This 11-page US policy briefing takes a closer look at Jordan’s changing political dynamics, with a focus on the role of the king, the royal court, and the feared security services

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-11-15

Iran's Presidential Election: What to Watch For

Brookings

A US article offering a background to the forthcoming presidential election in Iran

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-09

Pakistan’s Future: The Bellagio Papers

Brookings

A 157-page series of papers written by the participants in a conference in Bellagio, Italy in May 2010 that examined the future of Pakistan

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-09-20

Libyan Islamists Unpacked: Rise, Transformation, and Future

Brookings

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

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-05-07

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 Political Battle in Iraq

Brookings

A US report on the political situation in Iraq

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-07-14

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 PolicyPosted: 2010-06-27

The Elusive Myth of Democratic Egyptian Elections

Brookings

This 8-page US brief examines the extent of democracy in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-11-15

Changing the Channel

Brookings

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

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-31

The Crisis in Tunisia: Africa’s Youth Unemployment Time-Bomb

Brookings

This US article suuggests that high joblessness among youths was the primary cause of the Tunisian crisis

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-01

After the Election: Will Japan be Different?

Brookings

A US commentary on possible internal and external implications of the August 30 parliamentary election in Japan

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-09-20

Governance in Africa: Monitoring the Pulse of the Continent

Brookings

A US article highlighting the need for good governance in Africa

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-01

Fractionalized, Armed and Lethal: Why Somalia Matters

Brookings

A US article warning that the international community has grossly underestimated the capacity of Somalia to destabilize the region and to engage in extremely costly activities to the international community

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-02-19

Saving Syria: Assessing Options for Regime Change

Brookings

A 16-page US paper assessing the options for achieving regime change in Syria

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-19

Political Violence in North Africa: The Perils of Incomplete Liberalization

Brookings

This 43-page US study examines whether liberalizing regimes in the Maghreb are more or less vulnerable to the threat of political violence and terrorism than their more repressive counterparts

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-01-24

The Challenge of Reforming France

Brookings Institution

A 4-page analysis addressing the economic and social problems besetting France

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-05-02

What is Syrian President Bashar Assad Up To?

Brookings Institution

A US commentary on Bashar Assad's style of government

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-10-16

Upgrading Authoritarianism in the Arab World

Brookings Institution

This 40-page US analysis paper describes how Arab regimes have adapted to pressure for political change by developing strategies to contain and manage demands to democratize

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-10-16

Pragmatic Reform of Global Governance: Creating an L20 Summit Forum

Brookings Institution

An 8-page US policy brief arguing that the global challenges confronting political leaders today demand a new approach to global government, and proposing that the Group of 8 states be replaced by a group of 20.

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-04-25

Index of State Weakness in the Developing World

Brookings Institution

An index ranking 141 developing nations according to their vulnerability in 4 spheres

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2008-03-08

Is Latin America Going Radical?

Brookings Institution

A brief assessment of the strength of current radical tendencies in Latin American politics

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-03-06

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

Palestinian Politics After Arafat: What's Next?

Brookings Institution

A 38-page transcript of a Washington briefing to discuss the end of the Arafat era and its implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and peace process and American policy in the Middle East

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2004-11-15

The transformation of South Korean Politics: Implications for U.S.-Korea Relations

Brookings Institution

A 31-page paper tracing the democratisation of Korea, and the implications of the new political situation for U.S.-Korean relations

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2004-10-13

Cyclone Nargis: Catalyst for Change in Myanmar?

Brookings Institution

A US article assessing the likelihood of regime change in Myanmar

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2008-05-19

Global Governance for the 21st Century

Brookings Institution

A 29-page paper addressing the mismatch between 21st century global challenges and the current international institutional framework

Governance & Politics, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2005-11-11

Lebanon at the Crossroads: Rebuilding an Arab Democracy

Brookings Institution

An article examining the challenges faced by Lebanon following Syria's withdrawal

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2005-06-10

The Unspoken Power: Civil-Military Relations and the Prospects for Reform

Brookings Institution

A 50-page U.S. analysis paper examining the prospects for democratization in military-dominated Arab states and how other countries can assist the process

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2004-10-30

The Voting Rights of Internally Displaced Persons: The OSCE Region

Brookings Institution

This 100-page occasional paper examines the extent to which the 3 million internally displaced people in the OSCE region are able to vote

Immigration & Refugees, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-11-08

American Policy and Pakistan

Brookings Institution

This 3-page US House testimony reports on the situation in Pakistan and the implications for US policy

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-07-31

Better Regulation in Europe

Brookings Institution

A 71-page US paper analyzing the European programme of better regulation

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-10-10

Beijing and Washington Must Work Together for Long-Term Peace in the Taiwan Strait

Brookings Institution

A commentary proposing an agreed Washington-Beijing response to Pres. Chen's provocative stance over the Taiwan Strait

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-03-16

China’s Team of Rivals

Brookings Institution

A US article assessing the political implications of China's economic downturn

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2009-02-25

The G20 After Eight Years: How Effective a Vehicle for Developing-Country Influence?

Brookings Institution

This 31-page US paper examines the extent to which participation in the G20 has strengthened the influence of developing countries in global governance

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2007-10-23