Policy pointers

This 19-page working paper seeks to examine how and why the military has had persistent influence on Thai politics since the 1990s, as well as to demonstrate a causal explanation of the specific episodes of intervention in 1991 and 2006

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-07-11

Small Steps, Big Outcome: A Historical Institutional Analysis of Malaysia’s Political Economy

ARC

This 34-page Australian working paper analyzes Malaysia’s consociational political and economic arrangement

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-07-11

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

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

Improving Security Policy in Colombia

Crisis Group

This 16-page briefing analyses FARC’s response to government military pressure during the past eight years and the emergence of alliances between the insurgents and other illegal armed groups

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-29

Russian Economic Report 2010

World Bank

This 29-page report looks at Russia's economic progress and prospects

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-28

Defusing the Bomb: Overcoming Pakistan's Population Challenge

Wilson Center

The report of a US conference held to discuss the challenges posed by Pakistan's explosive population growth

Governance & Politics, Social PolicyPosted: 2010-06-28

The G-20 Summit in Toronto: What Does it Mean for Development?

ODI

A UK article assessing the implications of the Toronto G-20 summit for international development

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-28

Modernize or Marginalize

Moscow Times

An Op-ed on the policy challenges facing Russia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-27

Ever More or Ever Better Scrutiny? Analysing the Conditions of Effective National Parliamentary Involvement in EU Affairs

EIoP

This 25-page paper argues that it is not the sheer level of scrutiny activities, but the quality of national parliamentary involvement that contributes to the accountability of EU politics

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-27

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

Determinants of Constitutional Change: Why Do Countries Change Their Form of Government?

CESifo

A country’s form of government has important economic and political consequences, but the determinants that lead countries to choose either parliamentary or presidential systems are largely unexplored. This paper studies this choice by analyzing the factors that make countries switch from parliamentary to presidential systems (or vice versa)

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-24

Indonesia: Obama Must Go There

FPRI

A US essay outlining the development of democracy in Indonesia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-24

Cameroon: The Dangers of a Fracturing Regime

Crisis Group

The executive summary and recommendations of a report examining Cameroon’s situation after 28 years under President Paul Biya

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-24

Jordan's New Electoral Law Disappoints Reformers

CEIP

A US critique of Jordan's new electoral law

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-24

Europe is Failing to Shape the Global Governance Debate

"Europe's World"

An article claiming that the EU’s enthusiasm for reshaping global governance has dwindled, and now looks more like indifference

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-20

Iraq's Slow, Steady Political Progress

CFR

A US brief assessing Iraq's political progress

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-06-20

Alternatives to Consensus at the WTO

Vox EU

A US article examining the alternatives to consensus at the WTO

Globalisation & International Trade, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-20

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

Crime, Violence, and the Crisis in Guatemala: A Case Study in the Erosion of the State

SSI

This 70-page US monograph discusses the various criminal groups active in Guatamala and outlines a strategy for improving public order, strengthening government institutions, and combating the root causes that inform criminal activity.

Crime, Law & Order, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-16

Getting Past the Blame Game on Afghan Corruption

University of Liverpool

An op-ed on dealing with Afghan corruption

Corruption, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-16

Fiscal Responsibility: What Exactly Does It Mean?

Levy Economics Institute

This 19-page US working paper considers the concept of sustainable government debt and the role of deficits in the economy

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-15

Too Big to Fail in Financial Crisis: Motives, Countermeasures and Prospects

Levy Economics Institute

This 31-page US working paper argues that a better understanding of why too-big-to-fail policies have persisted will provide a stronger basis for developing effective reforms

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-15

Kyrgyz Provisional Government Must Intensify Stabilisation Efforts in South

Crisis Group

A media release offering proposals to Kyrgyzstan's Provisional Government and the international community for ameliorating stabilisation in the South of the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-15

Critical Connections: Islamic Politics and Political Economy in Indonesia and Malaysia

IDE

A 38-page Japanes discussion paper exploring Islamic politics in two Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia, by linking their trajectories, from late colonial emergence to recent upsurge, to broad concerns of political economy, including changing social bases, capitalist transformation, state policies, and economic crises

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-06-13

No Insulation: Politics and Technocracy’s Troubled Trajectory

IDE

This 43-page Japanese paper traces the trajectories of technocracy in conditions of rapid social transformation, severe economic restructuring, or political crises – when the technocratic was unavoidably political

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-13

Nepal’s Two Boulders

CFR

A US article considering the future political stability of Nepal

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-06-09

Ukrainian Democracy on Hold?

FRIDE

This 5-page Spanish policy brief considers the performance of the new Ukrainian government

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-09

Old Players and New in the Bahraini Elections

CEIP

A background article on the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Bahrain

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-06-03

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

Unpacking the Black Box of Institutional Reform

CIPE, INDEM

This 8-page US article presents a Russian perspective on the role of institutional reform in development

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-06-01

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 Challenges of Global Health Governance

CFR

This 32-page US working paper examines the complicated landscape of global health governance, assesses the capabilities of existing institutions, and recommends more effective strategies for policy implementation

Health, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-28

Are the Kurds Still Kingmakers in Iraq?

CEIP

A US article describing the political situation of the Kurds in Iraq

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-28

The Myanmar Elections

Crisis Group

This 24-page briefing updates recent developments in Burma and includes an analysis of the electoral legislation issued in March 2010

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2010-05-28

Lebanon’s Politics: The Sunni Community and Hariri’s Future Current

Crisis Group

This 39-page report examines the momentous changes that have affected Lebanon’s Sunni community, in terms of both its internal organisation and its relations to others

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-28

Cameroon: Fragile State?

Crisis Group

A report studying Camaroon's history, its contemporary politics and the relations between its main social groups

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-28

Think Twice Before Engaging in Yemen

DIIS

A 4-page Danish policy brief warning Western governments of the risks of engaging in Yemen

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-28

Parties, Movements and Prospects for Change in Egypt

Arab Reform Bulletin

A US analysis of the political situation in Egypt

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-20

Bangkok: How Did it Come to This?

Inside Story

An Australian analysis of the events leading to the recent violence in Bangkok

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-19

Pakistan: Can the United States Secure an Insecure State?

Rand Corporation

A 260-page US book providing an empirical analysis of developments in Pakistan and seeking to inform U.S. efforts to achieve an effective foreign policy strategy toward the country

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-19

The Rule of Law in Independent Kosovo

Crisis Group

This report reviews the state of the police and courts in the Kosovo and recommends that the government, the European Union rule of law mission (EULEX) and the wider international community work to fight corruption, adopt needed legal reforms, recruit more judges and prosecutors and improve training

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-19

The West's Hollow Talk of Arab Democracy

Europe's World

An article arguing that the non-democratisation of the Arab region results from an unholy alliance between Western interests, local autocrats and what is claimed to be its ‘cultural specificity

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-05-18

Somalia’s Divided Islamists

Crisis Group

A report on the growing internal schisms and factionalism within Somalia’s Islamist movement

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-17

Joblessness and Perceptions about the Effectiveness of Democracy

IZA

A discussion paper analyzing the extent to which joblessness of individuals and the prevailing unemployment rate in a country impact perceptions of the effectiveness of democracy

Governance & Politics, Employment, Industrial Relations & Training Posted: 2010-05-16

Global Governance Could Take a Leaf from the EU's Book

Europe's World

An article looking at some of the EU devices that could help shape global governance thinking

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-16

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

ISAS

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

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

Decentralization and Foreign Aid Effectiveness: Do Aid Modality and Federal Design Matter in Poverty Alleviation?

CESifo

This 27-page working paper empirically studies the impact of decentralization on foreign aid effectiveness

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-13

Regime and Periphery in Northern Yemen: The Huthi Phenomenon

Rand Corporation

This 410-page US monograph presents an in-depth look at the Northern Yemeni conflict in all its sociocultural, political, and military aspects

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-10

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 Link Between DDR and SSR in Conflict-Affected Countries

USIP

A 13-page US report arguing that disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reform (SSR) processes should be interrelated and mutually reinforcing

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-09

Kirkuk in Transition: Confidence Building in Northern Iraq

Washington Institute

This 68-page US policy paper draws attention to near-term strategic opportunities in Kirkuk, focusing on bottom-up (local) approaches that the United States can facilitate in parallel with support of top-down (national) initiatives

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-05-09

Growth and Equity in Fragile States

Clingendael

This 33-page Dutch study takes a long-term perspective on economic development in fragile countries to discuss structural causes of fragility

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-05-05

Guinea’s New Transitional Government: Emerging Issues for U.S. Policy

CRS

A US background report on the political situation in Guinea

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-04

Jordan: Background and U.S. Relations

CRS

This US report provides an overview of Jordanian politics and current issues in U.S.-Jordaniarelations. It provides a brief discussion of Jordan’s government and economy and of its cooperation in promoting Arab-Israeli peace and other U.S. policy objectives in the Middle East

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2010-05-04

Bangladesh: Political and Strategic Developments and U.S. Interests

CRS

This 20-page US report deals with political and strategic developments concerning Bangladesh

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-05-04

What’s Happened To Democracy In China?: Elections, Law And Political Reform

FPRI

A US article considering the progress of democracy in China

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-05-03

The Performance Governance System in the Philippines: Building the Capacity of Local Institutions

CIPE

This 9-page US paper describes ISA’s Performace Governance System (PGS), a successful management tool for local governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together on improving governance, service delivery, and community living standards

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-05-03

How Insurgencies End

Rand Corporation

A US study of 89 modern insurgency cases to test conventional understanding about how insurgencies end

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-29

Lebanese Municipal Elections On Time, But Reform Delayed

Arab Reform Bulletin

A US commentary on the forthcoming Lebanese elections points out that the issue of reform in Lebanon has been raised before and after each of the elections held since 1990 without ever being translated into concrete measures, and the same is true this time around

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-28

The Effectiveness of the State, Intergovernmental Relations, and the Success or Failure of the International Strategy in Afghanistan

Urban Institute

This 8-page US policy brief describes the characteristics of the current intergovernmental system in Afghanistan and the burden it places on the delivery of citizen-focused services

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-28

Changes in the South Caucasus Since August 2008: Regional Perspectives for the World’s Superpower

ADA

This Azerbaijani backgrounder explains how the three countries of the South Caucasus (sometimes referred to as the Transcaucasus)—Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia—form the most complex, combustible and unstable region in the former Soviet Union

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-27

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

Kyrgyzstan: A Hollow Regime Collapses

Crisis Group

This 15-page briefing explains and analyses the events of the past five years in Kyrgystan, in an effort to provide context and background to the recent uprising

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-27

The Greek Fiscal Adjustment Programme: An Evaluation

CEPS

This 3-page commentary argues that the growth hoped for on the part of the Greek government for recovery will not be achieved. The necessary fiscal adjustment to bring Greek pubic finances into a viable situation is due to be more difficult than initially announced

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-04-26

Obama's Presidency Bolstered by Political Success

IISS

A commentary on the current status of the Obama presidency

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-22

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

Likely Impact of Current Developments on the Pakistani State and its Army

IDSA

A 7-page Indian issue brief envisaging the possibility that Pakistani society, fearful of being left behind, may force a change in the state’s policy orientation

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-04-21

Identity, Politics and Public Policy

IPPR

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

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-21

Integration Reloaded: Streamlining Moldova's European course

FIIA

A 10-page Finnish brief concluding that the EU has to assist Moldova in solidifying nascent pluralism and improving its long-term ability to implement reforms

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2010-04-20

Is There a New Autocracy Promotion?

FRIDE

A 24-page Spanish working paper arguing that although the export of autocracy should not be exaggerated, other ways in which authoritarian rule and values are being spread do merit serious attention

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-20

Post-Election Iraq: From Sectarianism to Democratic Governance?

ISS

An opinion piece assessing political progress in Iraq

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-19

Sudan: Elections and Beyond

Chatham House

This UK article examines the prospects for stability in Sudan

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

Jerusalem: A Modern Vision

Chatham House

The 20-page transcript of a UK address on the future of Jerusalem by the city's mayor

Urban Issues, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-18

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

Madagascar: Ending the Crisis

Crisis Group

The executive summary of a report analysing the underlying causes of the crisis in Madagascar and offering a new approach to unlock the negotiation stalemate

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-13

North Korea under Tightening Sanctions

Crisis Group

A 15-page report warning that the recent tightening of economic sanctions, compounded with domestic problems, could trigger North Korean instability as the country’s human security tragedy continues to deteriorate

Governance & Politics, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2010-04-13

Making Multilateralism Work:

Stanley Foundation: How the G-20 Can Help the United Nations

This US paper asks whether the G-20 could play useful roles in broader institutional reform

Governance & Politics, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2010-04-11

Congo: A Stalled Democratic Agenda

Crisis Group

This overview of a French briefing examines the failure of the Congo leaders elected in 2006 to radically change governance and to fulfil the democratic aspirations of their citizens

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-08

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

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

Economic Crime and Punishment in North Korea

Peterson Institute

A 24-page US working paper describing how the North Korean regime disproportionately targets politically suspect groups, particularly those involved in market-oriented economic activities

Governance & Politics, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2010-04-08

Shifts in U.S. Assistance to Egypt Alarm Democracy Advocates

CEIP

A US article assessing the Administration's approach toward democracy in the Arab world

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-04-07

De-Radicalizing Jihadists the Libyan Way

CEIP

A US article describing the Libyan de-radicalization process

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-07

Internal and External Impact of Russia’s Economic Crisis

IFRI

This 25-page French paper assesses the impacts of Russia's economic crisis

Economic Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-07

Harnessing International Institutions to Address Climate Change

CFR

This 27-page US working paper examines the existing climate-related efforts and capabilities, as well as the future potential, of a variety of international institutions

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-04-05

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

Private Sector Development is Key to Political Development in Ethiopia

CIPE

An 8-page US article arguing that good democratic governance and economic development in Ethiopia are intertwined and can only be realized in a competitive business environment

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-03-30

Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations

CRS

This 17-page US report provides a brief historical background of Chile, examines recent political and economic developments, and addresses issues in U.S.-Chilean relations

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-03-29

The Middle East: Well-intentioned Conciliatory Policy Meets Revolutionary Islamist Threat

Gloria Center

This 9-page Israeli article discusses the nature of the central conflict in Middle East Politics including the identity of the Islamist side and the balance of forces

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-03-28

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

IZA

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

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2010-03-25

Ukraine: Moving Beyond Stalemate?

Peterson Institute

A US testimony proposing an economic reform path for Ukraine

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-03-25

Trends in Electoral Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

USIP

This 5-page US brief seeks to provide an overview of some characteristics of electoral violence in sub-Saharan Africa and identify responses taken by national governments and the international community to address electoral violence

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2010-03-22

Traditional Dispute Resolution and Stability in Afghanistan

USIP

This 6-page US brief discusses the problem of dispute resolution in Afghanistan and its relevance to stability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-03-22

How Do Electoral Systems Affect Fiscal Policy?

CESifo

This 50-page working paper analyzes how the adoption of proportional representation affects fiscal policy. It shows that proportional systems shift spending toward broad goods (e.g. education and welfare benefits) but decrease spending on targetable goods

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2010-03-19

Somalia: A New Approach

CFR

A 60-page US report proposing a strategy to combat terrorism and promote development and stability in Somalia

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2010-03-18