Governance & Politics


Democracy Support: A Fresh Start?

FES

This 8-page briefing paper analyses the challenges of the financial crisis and shifts in global power structures - notably towards China - to democracy support

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-19

Burma's Forgotten Conflicts: A Risk for the Region's Security

SWP

This 8-page German commentary deals with the huge potential for violence that is contained in the conflicts that are coming to a head between the central government in Burma and the ethnic minorities

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-18

Chasing the Tigers: Can Fragile States Copy the Asian Miracle?

FRIDE

This 32-page Spanish report, based on a seminar of experts from four continents held in Madrid, asks what lessons can be salvaged from the developmental state for today’s poor and fragmented nations

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-07-17

Crimea in the European Neighbourhood.

FRIDE

This 5-page Spanish policy brief explores how the EU must develop a long-term conflict prevention strategy based on dialogue, aid, investments and prospective Ukrainian accession

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-17

Elections in Latin America: The Problematic Use of a Democratic Institution

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on certain states in Latin America,where elections not only serve as a source of democratic legitimation and a form of political oversight, but are also used by both ruling parties and opposition forces in certain situations as a means to extend their own power

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-17

The Iranian Elections and the Aftermath

EUISS

This 2-page analysis looks at the implications of the recent unrest in Iran

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-07-16

Parties in Russia: From a Pseudo-system towards Fragmentation

FIIA

An 8-page Finnish briefing paper on the political situation within Russia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-16

Islamist Radicalisation: The Challenge for Euro-Mediterranean Relations

CEPS

In this 181-page book, Arab and European authors ask whether the EU's current policies are contributing to the radicalisation of Islamist movements in the Middle East and North Africa, and argue in favour of an EU policy based on inclusion

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-14

Policy-Making in the EU: Achievements, Challenges and Proposals for Reform

CEPS

The 120-page report on the findings of a number of expert groups formed to analyse the major issues and challenges facing the European Union today and to put forward recommendations for reform that can realistically be implemented in the short and medium term

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-14

The Gaza Strip after Operation Cast Lead

IICC

This 46-page updated Israeli report describes the rebuilding of the civilian and military infrastructure in the Gaza Strip carried out by Hamas. At the same time, it details how Hamas continues entrenching its control of the Gaza Strip

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-13

Palestinian Security Reform: A Moment of Truth

FPRI

A US analysis of the Palestinian security situation and its consequences for negotiating with Israel

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-10

The PRI Makes a Comeback in Mexico

FPRI

A US commentary on the results of Mexico’s July 5 congressional and state elections

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-10

Congo: A Comprehensive Strategy to Disarm the FDLR

Crisis Group

This report examines the failed attempts of the past to dismantle the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an insurgency with roots that go back to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. It recommends a new approach to help end great civilian suffering and restore state authority in the eastern Congo. Executive summary and recommendations only

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-09

Reconstruction Under Fire: Unifying Civil and Military Counterinsurgency

Rand Corporation

This 158-page US report describes how civilian counterinsurgency (civil COIN) (essential human services, political reform, physical reconstruction, economic development, and indigenous capacity-building) could be conducted more safely in the face of active insurgency

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-09

Sri Lanka: Politicised Courts, Compromised Rights

Crisis Group

This 46-page report warns that the Sri Lankan judiciary is not working in a fair and impartial way that secures justice and human rights for everyone regardless of ethnicity

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2009-07-09

The Perils of Peace

Inside Story

An Australian article on the challenges facing Aceh's new government

Governance & Politics, CorruptionPosted: 2009-07-08

Crisis in Honduras

Brookings

This US article analyses the political crisis in Honduras

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-07-06

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

Côte d’Ivoire: What’s Needed to End the Crisis

Crisis Group

This policy briefing overview examines the fragile 2007 Ouagadougou Peace Agreement, which ended five years of fighting and territorial partition between the government and the rebel “Forces Nouvelles"

Governance & Politics, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2009-07-06

US$147/B One Year On: Political Winners and Strategic Losers

CSS

This 4-page Swiss paper examines the political implications of oil prices as high as $147/b in 2008 or as low as $33/b in 2009 on oil producing countries

Energy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-06

Innovative Approaches to Building Market-Based Democratic Values

CIPE

A 7-page article describing innovative approaches to democracy promotion used in Belarus

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-05

Government Decentralization as a Disincentive for Transnational Terror? An Empirical Analysis

IZA

This 42-page discussion paper analyzes the impact of decentralization on the occurrence of transnational terror

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-05

Guide to Rebuilding Governance in Stability Operations: A Role for the Military?

SSI

This 83-page US paper is designed to further military understanding of the critical nation-state building role that forces play during stability operations

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-05

Preliminary Analysis of the Voting Figures in Iran’s 2009 Presidential Election

Chatham House

This 19-page UK paper offers some observations about the official data and the debates surrounding the 2009 Iranian Presidential Election

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-04

What Will the World Look Like in the Obama Era?

Chatham House

A 16-page UK speech on the shifts in global power

Foreign Policy, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-07-04

Iran’s 2009 Presidential Elections

CRS

This 15-page US report considers how the current stand-off between the government and opponents of the election outcome in Iran might mean for U.S. efforts to resolve the issue of Iran’s nuclear weapons program, its support for terrorism, and other national security concerns

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-07-02

The Dilemmas of Engagement: The Role of Consultation in Governance

ANU

This 98-page Australian book maps out the principal approaches used by governments to consult with and engage affected communities of interest

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-25

The Internal Conflict in Iran

INSS

An Israeli perspective on the internal conflict in Iran

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-06-25

Afghanistan’s Election Challenges

Crisis Group

This 40-page report evaluates the challenges of the Afghan presidential and provincial council elections in August 2009 and suggests ways to strengthen processes and institutions in the run-up to National Assembly and district elections in 2010

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-06-24

Guinea-Bissau: Beyond Rule of the Gun

Crisis Group

This 20-page policy briefing warns that the killings of General Tagme (the chief of defence staff) and President Vieira in March, as well as the recent assassinations of opposition leaders and former ministers, are an indication the democratic process in Guinea-Bissau cannot cope

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-24

Election Campaign with the Taste of Blood

IFIMES

A Slovene analysis of the current political situation in Albania

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-06-23

The European Institutions as an Interest Group

IEA

This 57-page UK study explores the economic incentives that drive forward EU integration. The author sets out a series of reforms designed to counteract the centralising tendency and to ensure that the role of EU bodies is more closely aligned with the preferences of citizens

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-23

Lebanon's Parliamentary Elections

INSS

An Israeli commentary on Lebanon's parliamentary elections

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-23

The Outcome of Iran's Presidential Elections

INSS

An Israeli perspective on the outcome of Iran's presidential elections

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-21

The Gaza Strip after Operation Cast Lead

IICC

A 6-page Israeli report on Hamas activities in Gaza since the cease fire

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-18

Iceland on Course for the EU: Accession as a Last Resort

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on the likelihood of Iceland acceding to the EU

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-16

Indonesian Politics: Prospects for the Coming Presidential Election

JIIA

A 4-page Japanese assessment of trends in Indonesian politics

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-06-16

After the European election: A more conservative EU

CEPS

A brief assessment of the outcome for Europe and for the European Parliament itself in the aftermath of the European parliamentary elections

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-14

Shaping Georgia's Future After the Russian Invasion

Cicero Foundation

This 8-page paper assesses the future development of Georgia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-14

Saudi Arabia’s King Changes the Guard

Jane's

This 3-page article examines the impact of recent governmental changes in Saudi Arabia and considers whether they could lead to reform in the kingdom

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-13

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

Socialist Alliance for Integration: The Key to Composing the New Government

IFIMES

A Slovene analysis of the current political situation in Albania in the light of the forthcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 28 June 2009.

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-08

The Long March: Building an Afghan National Army

Rand Corporation

This 85-page US monograph assesses the ANA's progress in the areas of recruitment, training, facilities, and operational capability

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-08

State and Nonstate Associated Gangs: Credible "Midwives of New Social Orders"

SSI

This 78-page US monograph examines contemporary populism and neopopulism, 21st century socialism, and a nonstate actor (al-Qaeda) seeking regional and global hegemony

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-05

From Promises to Action in Kenya: How to Make Democracy Work

CIPE

A 9-page article on improving democratic government in Kenya

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-06-05

Pakistan’s IDP Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities

Crisis Group

This 16-page policy briefing examines the operations against religious militants in Malakand Division and their impact on internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local communities

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-05

Governance and Citizenship from Below: Views of Poor and Excluded groups and Their Vision for a New Nepal

ODI

This 51-page report is the first community level participatory research endeavour with poor and excluded groups in Nepal since the peace process. It focuses on grassroots experiences and understandings of governance and citizenship, and the implications thereof for state building in post-conflict Nepal

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-05

Turkey's March 2009 Elections: Loss Without Defeat, Gain Without Victory

Meria Journal

An Israeli article on the implications of the March 2009 local elections in Turkey

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-06-04

China and Asian Regionalism: Pragmatism Hinders Leadership

RSIS

This 44-page Singaporean working paper examines China's role in regional multilateralism

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-28

Indonesian Politics: Prospects for the Coming Presidential Election

JIIA

A 4-page Japanese analysis of the recent parliamentary elections held in Indonesia

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-27

Governance Components in Peace Agreements: Fundamental Elements of State and Peace Building?

Clingendael

This 113-page Dutch study addresses the design and implementation phases of peace agreements, in an attempt to establish whether certain governance components can be regarded as essential elements in the reconstruction of stable post-conflict societies, or whether they play a functional role in the resurgence of violent competition and conflict

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-27

The European Commission 2004-09: A Politically Weakened Institution? Views from the National Capitals

EPIN

A 21-page working paper offering disparate national views on the current European Commission

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-27

Internet Voting

CRS

A 6-page US report discussing issues surrounding the use of the Internet for voting

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-26

Putting the President into Presidency

SWP

This 8-page German commentary examines the likely European repercussions of the Czech political situation

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-26

The Modernization of European Cohesion Policy

SWP

A 34-page research paper providing a German perspective on the modernization of the EU Cohesion Policy

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-26

The Virtuous Twins: Protecting Human Rights and Improving Security in Colombia

Crisis Group

This 20-page policy briefing examines the security gains made by the Uribe administration in Colombia over seven years and warns that immediate steps are needed to address human rights concerns

Governance & Politics, Human RightsPosted: 2009-05-25

Will Spain Remain a Small Country?

CER

A 3-page briefing note commenting on Spain's influence within the EU

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-25

An Alternative Afghanistan Strategy

CEIP

A 114-page US report arguing that a long-term commitment to building an effective Afghan state is the only way to achieve victory and defend U.S. national security objectives.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-20

Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security and U.S. Policy

CRS

An 83-page US report provides a background to the status of governance and security in Afghanistan

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-19

Improving Access to Government Through Better Use of the Web

W3C

Recognizing that governments throughout the world need assistance and guidance in achieving the promises of electronic government through technology and the Web, this document seeks to define the variety of issues and challenges faced by governments

Governance & Politics, Science & TechnologyPosted: 2009-05-13

Serb Integration in Kosovo: Taking the Plunge

Crisis Group

This 37-page report argues that a major effort is needed to persuade the Serbian minority that it has a future in Kosovo if the new state is to consolidate its controversial independence

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-05-12

The Long-Delayed Hope for Fatah’s Rebirth

CEIP

An article assessing the prospects for a Fatah revival

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-05-06

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

SAIIA

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

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-05-05

The More Things Change: What Zuma's Presidency Means for the Rest of Africa

SAIIA

A 3-page South African article considering the implications of Jacob Zuma's political victory for regional affairs

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-05

Lebanon in Advance of Elections

INSS

An Israeli article assessing the issues and parties in the forthcoming Lebanese parliamentary elections

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-05-05

Not Your Grandfather’s Eastern Bloc: The EU New Member States as Agenda Setters in the Enlarged European Union

OSI

This 69-page study analyses the positions of the 10 new Member States in Central and Eastern Europe in seven key areas including energy, foreign policy and economy

European Union, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-05-05

Governance for Sustainable Development: Meeting the Challenge Ahead

PRI

A 34-page Canadian scoping paper drawing on theoretical literature and practical experience to explore the challenges that sustainable development poses for established governance practices

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-29

Pakistan: Dealing with the Taliban

Chatham House

A UK article commenting on the apparent capitulation of the Pakistani government to the 'Pakistani Taliban'

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-29

More than "Shiites" and "Sunnis"

NUPI

This 32-page Norwegian policy report presents the consensus view of a group of distinguished Iraqi academics and professionals brought together to discuss a strategy to achieve sustainable political reform in Iraq

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-28

“Oil-for-Food” When Oil Is Down (and the Ruble Is Weak)

AEI

A 7-page US brief on Russia's dependence on food imports

Governance & Politics, Economic PolicyPosted: 2009-04-26

Traditional Leaders In Modern Africa: Can Democracy And The Chief Co-Exist?

GSDRC

This 35-page US study analyses survey data to explore popular perceptions of elected and traditional leaders in Africa

Regional, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-22

Turkey’s Local Elections of 2009: Winners and Losers

Insight Turkey

This 18-page Turkish article presents a descriptive account of the March 2009 local elections in Turkey and offers a nation-wide and regional evaluation of trends in Turkish elections since 2004

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-04-22

Zimbabwe: Engaging the Inclusive Government

Crisis Group

This 16-page policy briefing examines the opportunity for recovery in Zimbabwe from a disastrous decade with the entry of the opposition into government

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-04-20

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 Day After II: Reconstructing a Reunited Cyprus

PRIO

An 80-page Norwegian report examining a range of scenaria for a reunited Cyprus, and attempting to answer some of the key questions uppermost in Cypriotsʼ minds: “How much will the solution cost? How can it be financed? What will be the impact on jobs and growth?”

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-04-15

Post-Conflict Power Sharing: The Nepal Case

PRIO

A 17-page Norwegian briefing paper examining the consequences of post-conflict power-sharing in Nepal

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-15

Bahrain: Reaching a Threshold

FRIDE

This 40-page Spanish working paper argues that Bahrain has reached an impasse in its reform process

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-04-14

Making Kosovo Work

FRIDE

This 5-page policy brief explores how making Kosovo work requires the EU to reassess its current policies on the ground in Kosovo and towards Serbia.

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-04-14

Ethnicity and Elections under Authoritarianism: The Case of Kazakhstan

IDE

This 35-page Japanese discussion paper examines Khazak government strategy to avoid ethnic voting in an attempt to explain why ethnic divisions were rarely reflected in the struggle for power in the republic

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-14

Constitutional Review and Democratic Consolidation: A Literature Review

IDE

This 26-page Japanese discussion paper reviews the literature on the prevalence of constitutional review across the world, and particularly in emerging democracies, during the last two decades

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-14

Pakistan: Change in Mindset Needed to Counter Threats from Within

JIIA

This 4-page Japanese article argues that to avoid the "Afghanistanization" of Pakistan, a change in the mindset and strategy of the army and the ISI is of crucial importance

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-14

Turkey's Evolving Dynamics:

CSIS

This 129-page US report offers a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the uncertain state of Turkey’s domestic political and social dynamics and the complexity of its relations with its neighbors

Governance & Politics, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2009-04-13

A People’s Peace in Cyprus: Testing Public Opinion on the Options for a Comprehensive Settlement

CEPS

A 118-page book containing the results of a survey, conducted simultaneously in the Southern and Northern parts of the island in January and February 2009. It delves into the Cypriots’ views on the thorniest questions of the conflict

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-04-13

Brazil in the Global Economy: Measuring the Gains From Trade

CEIP

This 136-page US paper analyzes how Brazilian policy makers face complicated challenges as they try to grow the economy in ways that will generate better livelihoods and incomes

Globalisation & International Trade, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-11

Sustainable Development

Research Service, Parliament of New South Wales

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

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

Climate Policy Integration, Coherence and Governance

PEER

This report assesses the degree to which climate change issues need to be considered and integrated into tax policies, transportation policies, land use planning, etc.

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-07

The Palestinian Uprisings: War with Israel, War at Home

INSS

A 104-page Israeli study of the two popular Palestinian uprisings

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-04-06

International Terrorism, Political Instability and the Escalation Effect

IZA

This 43-page paper presents a new rationale (the escalation effect) stressing domestic political instability as the main reason for international terrorism

Defence, Terrorism & Security, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-05

The New Global Crisis Makers: Economic Intervention and the Loss of Strategic Leadership

Global Dynamic Systems Centre

This 29-page Australian working paper argues that modern governments have lost the age-old art of strategic leadership, which once facilitated the effective operation of humanity's dynamic life-system

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-04-01

More Democracy in the European Elections

CRPE

An 8-page Romanian brief on how to make European elections more democratic

Governance & Politics, European UnionPosted: 2009-03-30

Will the Chinese Communist Party Survive the Crisis?

CFR

This 2-page US article explains how Beijing's shrinking economy may threaten one-party rule in China

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-03-27

Letter From Johannesburg: The ANC’s Party Crashers

CFR

This 2-page US article considers the future of South African opposition politics

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-03-27

Haiti: The Sour Grapes of Corruption

FRIDE

This 12-page Spanish paper analyses the phenomenon of corruption, showing how this practice affects Haitian society as a whole and causes complete lethargy in the application of the rule of law

Corruption, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-03-27

Pakistan State-Society Analysis

IFP/Clingendael

This 47-page Dutch study aims to identify the underlying causes of weak interaction between state institutions and citizens, and to achieve a thorough understanding of the complex power dynamics that characterise state-society relations. The picture emerging from the exploration of how deep structures, formal and informal institutions, and the current context, shape the nature of the Pakistani state and its interaction with society

Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-03-27

Democracy & the Environment

Evatt Foundation

An Australian paper analyzing how democratic governments have responded to the challenge of climate change

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-03-24

Indonesia: Deep Distrust in Aceh as Elections Approach

Crisis Group

This 20-page briefing reports that unless the underlying cause of tensions between the thye GAM and the Indonesian military is addressed, those tensions are likely to continue

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-03-24

Promoting Better Environmental Outcomes

Productivity Commission - Australia

The 240-page report of an Australian roundtable held to discuss under what conditions can governments improve environmental outcomes, and how governments should intervene to ensure effective and efficient results

Climate Change & Environment, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2009-03-24

Afghanistan: New U.S. Administration, New Directions

Crisis Group

This 20-page briefing examines the situation in Afghanistan after seven years of U.S.-led intervention and highlights what should be done and what should not be done for the country to find a path to stability

Governance & Politics, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2009-03-22

20 Years of Milo Dukanovic's Regime?

IFIMES

A Slovene update on the political situation in Montenegro

Governance & Politics, RegionalPosted: 2009-03-18