Governance & Politics


Why Does Government Grow?

CIS

A 36-page Australiian paper examining some of the stylised facts in relation to the growth of government in the Western world generally, and Australia in particular

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-06-02

Crisis in the Congo

CFR

This contingency planning memorandum describes the Congo's vulnerability to electoral violence and renewed rebellion in the lead up to national elections in November

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-31

Learning to Walk without a Crutch: the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala

Crisis Group

This 27-page report examines the progress the CICIG, has made so far to support and assist domestic justice institutions in the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed by illegal security forces and clandestine security organisations (CIACS), to identify their structures, operations and financing and ultimately to dismantle them

Crime, Law & Order, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-31

Economic Constraint and Ukraine’s Security Policy

IFRI

This 24-page French paper examines the motivations for extending Russia's Crimean bas lease as well as the history of military reform in the country to find that economic interests rather than ideological issues have motivated decision making in this area

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-31

Does Morocco Have a Place in the GCC?

CEIP

A US article commenting on the GCC's invitation to Morocco to join the organisation

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-26

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

Thailand: The Calm Before Another Storm?

Crisis Group

A 20-page briefing on the political situation in Thailand

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-22

Palestinian Elections and the Hamas-Fatah Power Struggle

CEIP

A US article examining the prospects for Palestinian elections in the context of the Hamas-Fatah power struggle

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-22

Egyptian Democracy and the Sectarian Litmus Test

CEIP

A US commnentary on sectarian violence in Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-18

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

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

The Politics of India's Unfinished Economic Reforms

GMFUS

This 4-page US brief forecasts that future economic liberalization in India will likely be hesitant, episodic, and half-hearted

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-15

Kosovo's New Map of Power: Governance and Crime in the Wake of Independence,

Clingendael

A 62-page Dutch research essay examines how post-independence Kosovo is governed

Governance & Politics, CorruptionPosted: 2011-05-13

Arab Spring or Autumn?

ORG

This 4-page UK briefing assesses the state of the 'Arab Spring', principally in relation to Bahrain, Syria and Libya, and questions, whether the 'Spring' is already turning into 'Autumn'

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-13

Contribution of Behavioural Economics to Regulatory and Policy Impact Analysis

PRI

This 9-page Canadian brief explores how behavioral economics may contribute insights through analysis of the impact of regulations and policies

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-13

Uganda: Current Conditions and the Crisis in North Uganda

CRS

This 40-page US report discusses the origins and nature of the current crisis in Nothern Uganda

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-11

Jasmine in the Middle Kingdom

AEI

A 5-page US commentary on how China's version of the Arab world's "Jasmine Revolution" was a complete failure

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-05-08

A Palestinian Deal in the Season of Remarkable Change

The National

A US op-ed on the Fatah-Hamas agreement

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-05-05

The Politicization of Yemen’s Youth Revolution

CEIP

This US bulletin assesses the situation of Yemen's youth protesters

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-27

Turkey’s “Demonstrative Effect”and the Transformation of the Middle East

Insight Turkey

This 23-page Turkish article develops the concept of a “demonstrative effect” and argues that it is this “effect” that makes the Turkish political model of interest to the Middle East

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-20

Russia and its Western Neighbours: A Watershed Moment

Inside Story

This Australian essay examines how jostling between Vladimir Putin and Dimitry Medvedev and trouble with neighbours could play out in very significant ways for Russia and its region

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-04-20

The Future of al-Nahda in Tunisia

CEIP

This 2-page US article assesses the future prospects for Tunisia's leading Islamist party

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-20

Palestinian Elections and the Hamas-Fatah Power Struggle

CEIP

A US article examining the prospects for Palestinian elections in the context of the Hamas-Fatah power struggle

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-14

Thailand: The Calm Before Another Storm?

Crisis Group

A 20-page briefing on the political situation in Thailand

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-14

Understanding Chinese Society

FPRI

A 3-page US essay on the nature of Chinese society

Social Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-12

Turmoil in the Arabian Peninsula

FPRI

This 4-page US essay examines the current turmoil in the Arabian peninsula

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-12

The State of the Syrian Opposition

Dayan Center

A 5-page Israeli commentary on the state of the political opposition in Syria

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-12

Is the King’s Dilemma only for Presidents?

CEIP

A US article assessing the stability of Arab monarchies

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-12

Pivotal Elections for Emerging Peru

CFR

A US brief on political prospects in Peru

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-12

Russian Military Politics and Russia's 2010 Defense Doctrine

SSI

Three US papers (196 pages)illuminating the political struggles among the government and the military in Russia to forge a new defence doctrine

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-11

Europe's Flawed Arab Spring: Is the EU Really Willing to Support Arab Democracy?

FIIA

This 2-page Finnish commentary asserts that The EU’s proposal for a new partnership with the Mediterranean represents little more than a re-branding of existing policies and ignores the consequences of the Arab uprising

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2011-04-07

Meanwhile in the Maghreb

CFR

This US article considers how nervous the ruling regimes in Algeria and Morocco should be about their political futures

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-04-07

Breaking the Impasse: Constitutional Reform in Bosnia

FRIDE

This 5-page Spanish policy brief examines why efforts at constitutional reform in Bosnia have failed to date

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2011-04-07

Bangladesh: Successes in the Fight against Islamist Militancy

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on how the Bangladeshi government and judiciary have achieved remarkable successes in the fight against Islamist militancy

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-07

Libya after Qaddafi: State Formation or State Collapse?

SWP

This 8-page German commentary argues that scenarios for the post-Qaddafi era include a new deal among former regime elites that would lead to renewed instability in the medium-term, or a more protracted, but ultimately more sustainable, state-building process

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-07

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

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

Libya: Unrest and U.S. Policy

CRS

A 37-page US assessment of the security situation in Libya and its implications for US policy

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

Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

A 51-page US report on political tension in Yemen and the implications for US policy

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

The Status Quo Fatigue

AEI

This 9-page US brief argues that circumstances in Russia point to the gradual erosion of legitimacy and political institutions--or a sudden collapse of the regime, like the recent Egyptian antiauthoritarian revolt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-03

Egypt's Real Debates Begin

CFR

A US brief on the uncertainties facing Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-04-01

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

Obstacles on the Path of Tunisia’s Democratic Transformation

CEIP

A US analysis explaining how the absence of a unified voice for the revolution has led to a an incoherent and muddled transition process in Tunisia

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-31

Libya, Bahrain and NATO

ORG

This 4-page UK security briefing looks at the ongoing political protests across the Middle East, the aftermath of the fall of the Mubarak regime in Egypt and NATO's current role in Libya

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-31

West Censoring East: The Use of Western Technologies by Middle East Censors 2010-2011

OpenNet Initiative

This 21-page paper analyses the use of American- and Canadianmade software for the purpose of government-level filtering in the Middle East and North Africa

Governance & Politics, Science & TechnologyPosted: 2011-03-31

Reforming Pakistan’s Electoral System

Crisis Group

This 39-page report examines Pakiistan's electoral system with its troubled history of widespread rigging and fraud, facilitated by the civil-military bureaucracy, and identifies measures to make electoral institutions independent, impartial and effective

Governance & Politics, CorruptionPosted: 2011-03-30

Afghanistan: Situation Assessment, March 2011

INSS

An Israeli analysis of the security and political situation in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-30

Behind the Tensions in Syria : The Socio-Economic Dimension

Dayan Center

A 6-page Israeli analysis of the causes of unrest in Syria

Governance & Politics, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2011-03-30

Conflict Risk Alert: Syria

Crisis Group

A media release highlighting the options facing the Syrian leadership

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-25

Qaradawi's Return and Islamic Leadership in Egypt

FPRI

This 3-page US article explores both how Qaradawi’s actions injected an “Islamic” vision into the revolution, and why his actions were not perceived as reflecting theocratic ambitions

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-25

The Middle East in the Aftermath of Arab Revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt

Arab Reform Initiative

The 7-page summary of a conference address analysing the situation in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-24

Qaddafi's Tobruk

EWI

A commentary illustrating how the campaigns of WWII provide strategic insights on today’s conflict in Libya

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-03-24

The Limits of Endless Revolution

CEIP

This 4-page policy brief concludes that we should not exaggerate the possibility that the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya will set off a chain reaction throughout the Arab world or the wider Muslim world

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-23

The Deep Roots of Bahrain’s Unrest

CEIP

A US commentary on the roots of unrest in Bahrain

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-23

Rethinking Internal Security in Egypt

CEIP

This US commentary argues that there is no way for the country to make a transition to real democracy if its internal security services resume their pre-January 25 mode of operation

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-23

Spillovers from the Arab Revolts: Is Armenia next in line?

CEPS

A 5-page policy brief contemplating four possible scenarios for the country’s future development and suggests possible responses from the EU

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-23

Post-Revolutionary Georgia on the Edge?

Chatham House

A 16-page UK briefing paper arguing that there is reason to question the sustainability of Georgia's economic model and the stability of the post-war political situation

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2011-03-23

Crackdown in Bahrain

Chatham House

This UK commentary argues that Bahrain's internal problems will not be solved militarily, and the intervention of Sunni troops from overseas in a Shia-majority country will add to sectarian tensions in the wider Middle East.

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2011-03-23

Air Strikes, and Questions, Mount Over Libya

CFR

A US analysis of the objectives of the international air campaign in Libya

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-23

Will the Arab World Follow Ukraine’s Path?

ICPS

A Ukrainian article on applying the lessons of the Orange Revolution to Arab reform

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-22

The Chávez Model Threatens Ecuador

AEI

A 6-page US memorandum describing how Rafael Correa is imposing his own autocratic vision for his country's path to salvation, and, how in so doing, he has made common cause with rogue international actors and criminal groups

Governance & Politics, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2011-03-22

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

Cyberspace Governance: The Next Step

CFR

This 4-page US memorandum argues that by focusing on some of the norms of interstate cyberconflict, and on thresholds and legitimate targets in particular, the United States will be better able to begin shaping international cyberspace governance

Science & Technology, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-21

Sri Lanka: Forgotten Prisoners

Amnesty International

An 8-page report on how thousands of people are languishing in detention without charge or trial under Sri Lanka’s repressive anti-terrorism laws. Sometimes held in secret prisons, they are vulnerable to a whole range of abuses, including torture or being killed in custody

Human Rights, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-14

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 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

An Emergency Management Framework for Canada

Public Safety Canada

A 20-page second edition of Canada's framework designed to guide ministers responsible for emergency management to work together to improve and enhance the emergency response

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-11

Authoritarian State Building in the Middle East: From Durability to Revolution

CDDRL

A 40-page US working paper that explains the variation in the durability of authoritarian regimes in the post-colonial Middle East

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-11

The End of Quiet for the Palestinian Authority?

Dayan Center

A 4-page Israeli commentary considering the PA’s chances of maintaining social and political stability and further advancing the process of state-building

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-10

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

Civilian Capacity in the Aftermath of Conflict

UN Secretary-General

A48-page independent report considering how communities emerging from conflict can deal with a critical shortage of the capacities needed to secure a sustainable peace — the core capacities to run a government, to re-establish institutions of justice, to reintegrate demobilizing fighters, to revitalize the economy, to restore basic health and education, and many more

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-10

Why Syria Is Unlikely to be Next . . . for Now

CEIP

A US commentary assessing the likelihood of a popular uprising in Syria

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-10

Myanmar's Post-election Landscape

Crisis Group

This 20-page report argues the international community should seize the opportunity to encourage greater openness and reform in Myanmar

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-03-10

Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2010

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

This 160-page report highlights the International Narcotics Control Board's concerns about issues such as designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids and precursor chemicals and also presents regional developments and recommendations for governments

Drug Abuse, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-10

The Gulf and the "Arab Rage"

INSS

An Israeli commentary on the implications of Middle East unrest for the Gulf states

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-09

Turkey's Changing Foreign Policy and Its International Ramifications

FPRI

A 3-page US commentary on Turkey's new friendship with Iran

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-09

Democratization in Egypt: The Potential Role of Decentralization

Urban Institute

This 5-page US policy brief highlights the role decentralization can play in reforming Egypt's public sector to ensure its responsiveness to the needs of the people

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-09

Failed States, Vicious Cycles, and a Proposal

CGD

This 14-page US working paper examines the problems of failed states, including the repeated return to power of former warlords, which he argues causes institutions to become weaker and people to get poorer

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-03-08

The Arab Democracy Paradox

Brookings

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

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-03-07

Myanmar’s Post-Election Landscape

Crisis Group

This 20-page briefing examines the opportunities offered by the generational and political transitions under way following the elections, and encourages Western governments to urgently adopt a new approach towards the country

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2011-03-07

Iran's Secret Network: Major General Qassem Suleimani’s Inner Circle

AEI

This 10-page US bulletin identifies members of Suleimani's network within and outside the IRGC. It also argues that fluctuations in their careers could serve as indicators of Suleimani's authority in the Islamic Republic

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-04

Libya: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

This US report provides background information on Libya and U.S.-Libyan relations; discusses Libya’s political and economic reform efforts

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-04

Southern Sudan's Self-Determination Referendum: Two Narratives

Clingendael

A personal Dutch commentary on the recent vote on whether Southern Sudan will remain part of a united Sudan or found its own state

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-03-04

Iraq’s Petroleum Impasse

CEIP

A US article offering proposals for the optimization of Iraq's oil wealth

Governance & Politics, EnergyPosted: 2011-03-03

International Experiences on Government Land Development Companies: What Can Be Learned?

Urban Institute

This 87-page US working paper reviews ten case studies in which governments have experimented with government land development corporations

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-03

After Egypt

ORG

This 4-page UK security briefing seeks to assess the significance of the developments of the past four weeks across the Arab world and attempts to put this in a wider context

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

Libya in Crisis ... What's Next?

FPRI

A 5-page US bulletin examining Libya's future prospects

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-03-03

Breaking the Cycle of North Korean Provocations

Committee on Foreign Relations - US Senate

A 10-page US testimony on the economy and governance of North Korea

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-03-02

Cairo Viewed from Gaza: Too Soon to Celebrate

INSS

An Israeli article assessing possible Hamas reactions to recent events in Egypt

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-02-28

Iraq’s Day of Anger: Democracy for Arabs, Electricity for Iraqis

Dayan Center

A 15-page Israeli essay that examines the "Egypt effect" through the prism of Iraq and its discourse on democracy may provide insights regarding regional turmoil in the Middle East

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-28

Libya's Leadership Crossroads

CFR

This US brief explaining that the elements that would allow for a smooth and peaceful transition of power in Libya are absent

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-02-28

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

The Next Supreme Leader: Succession in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Rand Corporation

This 120-page US book identifies three key factors that will shape succession of the next Supreme Leader and outlines five alternative scenarios for the post-Khamenei era. It situates all of this within the context of the June 2009 election

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-28

Is Uganda Ready for Oil Revenues?

SAIIA

This 4-page South African policy briefing considers Uganda's ability to cope with expected oil revenues

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-28

Beyond Cairo: Prospects for Change in the Middle East

"The Hill"

A US article assessing the implications of the momentous events in Tunisia and Egypt

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-25

China’s Worried Response to the Uprisings in the Middle East

IDSA

An Indian commentary on the reaction of the Chinese Communist Party to the success of popular movements in the Middle East

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-25

Jordan's Future Challenges

Gloria Center

This 13-page Israeli commentary asserts that the Jordanian king will have to institute greater and more fundamental reforms in order to maintain the basic pact between the monarchy and the people and to prevent Jordanians from beginning to question the legitimacy of his rule

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-24

Prospects for a New Lebanese Government

CEIP

This US commentary argues that Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati may not be able to deliver on his promise to create a national unity government

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2011-02-24

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

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