Policy pointers

Governance & Politics

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

The Generals’ Secret: Egypt’s Ambivalent Market

CEIP

This US article details civil production facilities owned by Egypt's generals

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-02-10

Egypt’s Constitution: Conflicting Visions

CEIP

This US article raises the possibility that a new Egyptian constitution may produce a dysfunctional and undemocratic outcome

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-02-10

The State of Iraq

CEIP

A 30-page US paper arguing that the eventual outcome for Iraq depends on whether the political factions that dominate the country and tear it apart find it in their interest to forge a real compromise or conclude that they would benefit more from going in separate directions

Governance & Politics, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2012-02-12

Making Sense of the U.N. Impasse on Syria

USIP

A US perspective on the implications of the United Nations Security Council rejection of a resolution on the violence in Syria

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

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

Timor-Leste’s Elections: Leaving Behind a Violent Past?

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing provides a snapshot political briefing of Timor-Leste in advance of presidential polls to be held on 17 March and parliamentary elections due in late June, and examines potential security risks

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-02-21

Egypt’s Judges in a Revolutionary Age

CEIP

This 26-page US paper examines the possibilities for judicial independence in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-02-23

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

Russia's Looming Crisis

FPRI

This 56-page US essay asserts that Russia is facing a momentous political crisis

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-02-27

Indonesia: Averting Election Violence in Aceh

Crisis Group

This 12-page briefing proposes that election monitors should begin deployment to Aceh long before the 9 April election to deter intimidation

Governance & Politics, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2012-02-29

Putin's Platform

CEIP

A US commentary on Putin's approach to the forthcoming presidential election

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-02-29

Russia’s Election: Protests and Power

CEIP

A US Q&A dealing with major issues relevent to the presidential election

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-02-29

Sri Lanka: Government Promises, Ground Realities

Crisis Group

This release draws attention to misgovernment and human rights violations in Sri Lanka

Governance & Politics, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2012-03-01

European Foreign Policy and the Euro Crisis

CEIP

A US Q&A concluding that the euro crisis demonstrates the fundamental need for cooperation and in the long run EU member states will be drawn closer together

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-02

Mauritania’s Islamists

CEIP

A 30-page US paper assessing the challenges posed by Mauretanian Islamists

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-02

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Crisis

CESifo

This 18-page working paper investigates the effects of economic crises on the subsequent economic performance, economic reform, democratization and institutional change

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-07

The Rise of Qatar

INSS

This Israeli article explains how the upheavals in the Arab world have done much to highlight Qatar 's rising prominence and its policy of active involvement in most of the areas of regional unrest

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-07

Life After the Russian Presidential Election

CEIP

A US article examining the political implications of Russia's presidential election

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-09

The Kingdom Divided

CEIP

A US article assessing the stability of government in Saudi Arabia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-09

Is Kuwait Out of the Impasse?

CEIP

A US commentary on the political climate in Kuwait

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-09

Burma and the Road to Normality

"Inside Story"

An Australian report on the political transformation of Burma

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2012-03-12

The Underachiever: Ukraine's Economy Since 1991

CEIP

This 34-page US paper analyzes the reasons why Ukraine is seen as an underachiever, sometimes as a sick man of Europe, and perhaps even as a potentially failed state thanks to its geopolitical situation, historical burdens, and the mistakes made in institutional development and policy

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-03-13

Yemen: The Way Forward

Chatham House

The 8-page transcript of a UK event held to discuss the challenges faced by Yemen's transitional government, expected political developments, and the country's political and economic prospects

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-13

Macroeconomic Effects of Regulatory Changes in Economies with Large Output Gaps

EPI

This 13-page US working paper sketches out a macroeconomic framework for thinking about the impact of regulatory changes on jobs

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-14

Listening to Unfamiliar Voices – The Arab Democratic Wave

EUISS

This 132-page book assesses the democratic wave in the Arab world one year on, and what the options are for the EU in a post-Western international context

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-14

Back to Basics: Israel’s Arab Minority and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Crisis Group

This 55-page report examines the situation of Palestinian citizens of Israel, emphasising that beyond immediate government measures, Jews and Arabs must answer profound questions for a sustainable two-state solution

Governance & Politics, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2012-03-15

Greece’s Soft Budgets in Hard Times

CEPS

A 3-page commentary on Greece's core problems

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-15

Libya’s Transition

CEIP

A speech on Libya’s political transition and the future of U.S.-Libya relations

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-16

Gender Quotas and the Quality of Politicians

CESifo

This 42-page working paper analyzes the effect of the introduction of gender quotas in candidate lists on the quality of elected politicians

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-16

Moldova deserves more from the EU

FIIA

A 2-page Finnish commentary on political stability in Moldova

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2012-03-16

Algeria's Deceptive Quiet

FRIDE

A 4-page Spanish policy brief considering why the Arab spring has so far passed Algeria by

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-16

Religion and Politics in Arab Transitions

FRIDE

A Spanish policy brief examining the part that religion should play in the new political orders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, and how its involvement might be shaped in law and practice

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-16

Protest, Revolt and Regime Change in the Arab World

SWP

A 71-page German research paper spotlighting different dimensions of a process of dynamisation that has spread to touch all Arab countries in some way or other

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-16

Morocco: Towards a Cohabitation between the King and the Islamists?

Arab Reform Initiative

A 7-page commentary on the Moroccan political situation, with an Islamist-led government experimenting a form of ‘cohabitation’ with the King

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-17

Duma Elections and Protests

CCS et al.

This 18-page publication analyses the results of the December Duma elections and the subsequent mass protests

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2012-03-17

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

Iran after the 2012 Parliamentary Elections

Wilson Center

A US address assessing the outcomes of Iran’s parliamentary elections that took place on March 2 and the repercussions for the country’s political, economic, and social future

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-19

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

Sri Lanka’s North II: Rebuilding under the Military

Crisis Group

This report argues that international engagement with Sri Lanka should prioritise the reestablishment of civilian and democratic governance in the north, and the end of the military control over development activities

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-03-19

Burundi: A Deepening Corruption Crisis

Crisis Group

This 38-page report highlights the neopatrimonialist practices that undermine good governance and threaten development

Governance & Politics, CorruptionPosted: 2012-03-21

Sheikhdown: Why Tribes Aren’t the Answer in Yemen

CEIP

A US article examining the role of tribes in Yemen

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-22

Is China Edging Towards Political and Economic Uncertainty?

IDSA

This Indian commentary considers how China may cope with uncertainty both as regards economic policy as well as internal dissidence

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2012-03-22

The Crisis in Yemen: al-Qaeda, Saleh, and Governmental Instability

FPRI

This 5-page US essay explains the roots of the crisis in Yemen

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-23

The Hamas Split and the Future of the Palestinian Peace Talks

"Inside Story"

This Australian article describes how Hamas is undergoing an internal power struggle, which gives the West an opportunity to steer the organisation away from extremism

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-23

Post Occupation Iraq: The Brittleness of Political Institutions

Wilson Center

This 16-page US paper states that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is undermining Iraqi democracy and failing to deliver much-needed government services, such as electricity and infrastructure

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-24

Putting Mali Back on the Constitutional Track

Crisis Group

This ststement asserts that regional leaders and the wider international community must act quickly to help put Mali back on the path of constitutional order

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-26

Russia 2012: Increased Repression, Rampant Corruption, Assisting Rogue Regimes

AEI

A US House testimony on the chance of Russia becoming a free, democratic, stable, and prosperous country, at peace with its own people, its neighbors and the world

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2012-03-26

Burma’s Parliament Emerges from the Shadows

"Inside Story"

An Australian article describing how Burma's national legislature has begun flexing its muscles

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-03-27

Arab Public Opinion Aired on the Social Networks, March 2012

INSS

This Israeli article presents some of the prevalent ideas aired on the Arab social networks in recent weeks

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-03-27

Mubarak (1990-2011): The State of Corruption

Arab Reform Initiative

A 19-page US paper examining corruption in Egypt under Mubarak

Governance & Politics, CorruptionPosted: 2012-03-30

A Declining Technocratic Regime: Bureaucracy, Political Parties and Interest Groups in Japan, 1950-2000

UNRISD

A 39-page case study of the technocratic style of policy making in Japan

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-02

Mayors and the Fiscal Powers Needed to Deliver Change: Lessons From the United States

Institute for Government

An essay reflecting on the US experience of powerful cities and innovative mayors

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-02

The Damascus Puzzle

"The Jerusalem Report"

An Israeli article considering the likelihood of regime change in Syria

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-04

Green China: Chinese Insights on Environment and Development

IIED

This 220-page book, which brings together writings from China’s leading thinkers on sustainable development, reflects on experiences to date, such as experiments with Green GDP accounting, and implementation of Green for Grain, the world’s biggest reforestation programme, as well as China’s role in climate negotiations

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-04

Is Burma Democratizing?

CEIP

This US article compares the situation in Burma to other transitions away from authoritarian rule, highlighting major challenges but also reasons for hope

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-06

Egypt’s Transition in Crisis

CEIP

A US article claiming that Egypt risks following the wrong Turkish model, with the military, backed by other key institutions and secular political parties, acting against Islamist movements

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-06

Building a Better Yemen

CEIP

This 26-page US paper argues that it is Yemen’s contentious politics and its lack of institutional development that constitute the main obstacle to surmounting present economic difficulties

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

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

Egypt’s Transition in Crisis: Falling into the Wrong Turkish Model?

CEIP

A US commentary on the political situation in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-10

Salafis in Egypt’s New Politics: Ideological Adaptation or Compromise?

RSIS

A 2-page Singaporean commentary on the rise of the Salafi Nour party in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-14

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

Hizballah and the Arab Revolutions: The Contradiction Made Apparent?

MERIA

An Israeli article on the present status of Hizballah

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-19

Picking a Fight: Khairat al-Shater v. SCAF

CEIP

A US commentary on the tension between the Muslim Brotherhood and the military in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-19

The Coup in Mali: Background and Foreground

FPRI

A 2-page US article explaining the recent coup in Mali

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-04-21

Following Abbas' Letter to Netanyahu: Options Available to the Palestinian Authority

INSS

This Israeli article reviews a number of alternatives available to Abbas and the Fatah leadership, and the prospects of their realization

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2012-04-23

Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy

CRS

This 35-page US report studies the political and security situation in Bahrain and assesses the implications for US policy

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-26

Kuwait: Security, Reform, and U.S. Policy

CRS

This 26-page US study examines security and reform issues in Kuwait and the implications for US policy

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2012-04-26

Constitutional Reform Processes and Political Parties: Principles for Practice

NIMD

This 60-page Dutch publication provides a set of guiding principles for constitutional reform based on practical experiences of constitutional reform processes in a number of countries

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-04-30

Have the Palestinians Despaired of the Two-State Formula?

INSS

This Israeli article explains why more Palestinians seem increasingly doubtful that a two-state solution can be implemented, and against this backdrop, suggests what options are open to the Palestinians

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

Should Greenland Mine its Uranium?

DIIS

This 4-page Danish policy brief examines the domestic and foreign policy challenges of uranium exports by Greenland

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

The Muslim Brotherhood and Washington: Courtship and Its Discontents

FPRI

A US essay considering US policy policy toward the Muslim Brotherhood

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

Nigeria: The Generic Context of the Boko Haram Violence

ORG

A 5-page UK briefing focusing on the role of economic and political marginalisation in fostering violence in Nigeria

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

Pakistan on a Precipice?

ORG

The summary of an off-the-record discussion on the ongoing instability and declining security situation in Pakistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2012-05-03

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