Brookings: Series - Up Front Blog

How the Recession’s Affecting Immigration

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With U.S. unemployment at a 26-year high Americans will be feeling the economic downturn for some time. Jill Wilson and Audrey Singer identify the major shifts in U.S. immigration trends that have been impacted by the economic recession.

Should Government Policies Favor Owners Over Renters?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market, thought to finally be stabilizing, took a surprising tumble with new-home starts dropping 10.6% in October from the previous month. Ted Gayer writes that those expecting the recently extended and expanded homebuyer tax credit to improve this situation are likely to be disappointed, and that the credit may be unintentionally weakening the rental market.

Corruption Index Today, Election Tomorrow, Aid Revamp the Day After?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In reaction to news of brazen corruption in Afghanistan and the release of the new Corruption Perceptions Index, Daniel Kaufmann asks tough questions about the relationship between aid and corruption and suggests improvements in how development aid effectiveness is reviewed.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Metro Areas and the Uneven Economic Recovery

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What stands in the way of recovery? On Wednesday, November 18, Alan Berube and Politico Senior Editor David Mark answered questions in a live web chat about how the nation’s large metropolitan areas—including Washington, DC—have fared in the downturn.

A Recessionary Mirror Across the Pond

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A United Kingdom based organization Centre for Cities released a new interactive map that follows the downturn and recovery of the UK’s major urban areas over the last 20 months. Alan Berube identifies that what a U.K. metro area did before the downturn had a big impact on its performance during the downturn.

Innovation’s Conference Committee Hurdle

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

America continues to grope toward the development of an effective innovation strategy as part of a credible push toward economic reinvention. Mark Muro and Andrew Reamer urge Congress to implement and test an important new strategy - a regional industry clusters program. This program would play a critical role in the nation’s economic recovery and longer-term revitalization at the metropolitan and rural levels ultimately stimulating innovation and job-creation.

Can We Build Our Way to Reduced Carbon Emissions?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's climate change bill ignores the demand side of the equation which focuses on changing the built environment—the nations’ buildings and transportation systems, says Christopher Leinberger. He calls for policy that promotes demand mitigation measures so more Americans will use less energy and emit less greenhouse gases where they live, work and recreate.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's $22 Billion Deficit

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), which protects the pensions of 44 million workers, announced a $22 billion deficit for fiscal year ending September 2009. Douglas Elliott analyzes the three main reasons for the PBGC’s financial troubles, and cautions that there are serious structural problems within PBGC that cannot be blamed on the financial crisis.

Building Bridges between China and the United States

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:07:00 GMT

As part of a multi-nation Asia trip that began last week, President Obama, now in China, met with Chinese Premier Hu Jintao to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and China. Kenneth Lieberthal discusses the importance of the meeting between the two leaders.

Previewing President Obama's Trip to Asia and the APEC Forum

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:35:00 GMT

As President Obama prepares for his trip to China and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore, Richard Bush says that the APEC meetings will help the United States fortify its relationships with Asian countries.

Protecting Putin's Protection Racket

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Putin took power in 2000, he established a protection deal among powerful business owners. Clifford Gaddy and Barry Ickes discuss the intricacies of this arrangement and what message a recent suit against one of the country’s leading business newspapers is meant to send.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, November 11, Ted Gayer and Fred Barbash participated in a live web chat on the extended homebuyer tax credit, debating whether or not President Obama should have let it expire.

Dodd’s Single Banking Regulator Proposal Promising

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd is introducing legislation to consolidate banking regulation into one federal agency. Doug Elliott says having one regulator for “safety and soundness” and another focused on consumer protection is promising, should help avoid regulatory arbitrage and could hopefully prevent another financial crisis.

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

November 9 marks the twenty-year anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall. With protests in the week prior totaling over one million, refugees were allowed to exit directly through crossing points between East Berlin and West Berlin and all along the border. In the days and weeks to follow the Wall would continue to fall, leading the way for Germany’s reunification. Experts from around the halls of Brookings respond to this historic anniversary.

The Four Who Ended the Cold War

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Monday has become for many a celebration of Ronald Reagan’s starring role in the demise of the Evil Empire, writes Brookings President Strobe Talbott. But, he says, it was a group of four who ended the Cold War peacefully: Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin and the calm—and calming—"air traffic controller" George H.W. Bush.

Census Dodges a Bullet but the Immigration Issue Remains

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Senate voted 60-39 to approve cloture on the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill, effectively blocking the controversial amendment that would bar the 2010 Census, unless it collected data on citizenship and immigration status. Audrey Singer responds to this news, and shows that though the Census will continue, the issue still remains.

New Unemployment and Productivity Numbers are Bad News for Job Seekers

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The latest employment and unemployment statistics confirm that, at least in the job market, this is the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, says Gary Burtless. These jobs numbers followed on the heels on new stronger productivity numbers, showing truly bad news for job seekers.

Political Polarization in Latin America

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of the values measured in the 2005 World Values Survey was political ideology. Mauricio Cárdenas discusses the concept of political cohesion in Latin America and how ideology and political polarization can impact economic growth.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama will make his first trip to China from November 15-18, where he will address a multitude of issues ranging from climate change to trade and the economy to military ties between the two nations. On November 4, Kenneth Lieberthal took questions in a live web chat with Politico senior editor Fred Barbash about President Obama's first trip to China.

The Iran Hostage Crisis: 30 Years Later

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Three decades after Iran seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, igniting a 14-month hostage crisis, Suzanne Maloney examines the current state of power in the Islamic Republic. Maloney says that the recent demonstrations in Iran are an extension of the country's unanswered conversation of legitimate ruling authority, and that responses by hard-liners indicate a belief that any reform would beget revolution.

Tackling HIV/AIDS in Africa: From Knowledge to Behavior Change

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On October 29 President Zuma surprised the South African Parliament by announcing the need to "respond with urgency and resolve" to the "devastating impact of HIV and AIDS" on the nation. Richard Joseph discusses recent efforts to combat this disease in Africa and what can be done to facilitate further effective and humane action.

Education in the Obama Administration

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Given a choice between the status quo in American education and change, the Obama administration has been bold in pursuit of change. The president and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have used the bully pulpit and the powerful lever of $5 billion in discretionary stimulus funds to push a catalog of initiatives, writes Brookings senior fellow, Russ Whitehurst. Whitehurst gives the administration an A+ for motive, effort and reach, but he writes the administration has made some questionable bets and ignored surer ones, most specifically improvements in curriculum and instruction.

Feds Pony Up Toward Great Lakes Water ‘Magic’

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During a recent visit to Milwaukee, John Austin explored the economic revitalization of the Great Lakes region. Austin writes that these efforts have been given a major boost by President Obama, signing a bill that provided $475 million in Great Lakes cleanup dollars, a down-payment on a long term multi-billion dollar federal-state-local plan to clean water and reboot municipal waste systems. The empirical data shows that the clean up is creating jobs and is an economic engine throughout the Great Lakes region.

Cap-and-Trade Costs: Place Matters

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Much is in question today as Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chairman Barbara Boxer tries to push ahead with work on climate-change legislation, with Republicans threatening a boycott of the markup. Mark Muro and Jonathan Rothwell examine the costs of cap-and-trade regulations for the U.S. economy and families.

The U.S. Should Encourage Structural Transformation Strategies in Africa

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury Neal Wolin's visit to three African nations demonstrates the commitment by the current administration to African development issues. Ernest Aryeetey urges Deputy Secretary Wolin to focus on sustainable development and encourage countries to establish frameworks for long-term growth.

India and a Carbon Deal

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There is an emerging consensus among governments that aggressive climate change mitigation would be desirable, though they remain divided about how the associated burden should be shared. Urjit Patel argues that a burden sharing criterion which involves emissions permit allocation to each developing country would be a fair deal and discusses how this would affect India.

Abdullah's Withdrawal from the Runoff Election in Afghanistan

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon discusses Abdullah Abdullah's withdrawal from Afghanistan's presidential election runoff that was scheduled for November 7. O'Hanlon argues that while Afghan President Karzai can now be viewed as legitimate, although tainted, he is hardly out of the woods.

Putting the Expected Strength of the Recovery into Historical Context

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday's GDP figures may show that growth has returned to the US economy, but 3.5 percent isn't a strong rebound compared to past recession bounce-backs, writes Karen Dynan. She says the recovery will likely be long, and that means the economy is unlikely to see full employment for many years.

Around the Halls: Is the Recession Over?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The nation appears to have entered a fragile state of recovery, with the worst recession since the 1930s at an end. After four straight quarters of contracting economic activity, the Commerce Department reported this morning that the economy grew in the third quarter of 2009, fueled by government spending on cars and homes. Experts from around the halls of Brookings responded to this news.

Faith in Common Standards Not Enough

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Russ Whitehurst and Michelle Croft find no association between state scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and ratings of the quality of state standards. Moreover, their analyses suggest that the creation of common standards will have little impact on our future in and of itself.

The Costs of Containing H1N1

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:39:10 GMT

The Center on Social and Economic Dynamics at Brookings has released a comprehensive report on the economic impact of closing schools and day care centers to help mitigate the infection rate of the H1N1 virus. Center director Joshua Epstein highlights some of the study’s findings and notes that the cost for such closures could be substantial.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Expanding Opportunity in America

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent decades have seen sharply rising incomes for the rich, modest progress for the middle class, and little or no progress for the poor. How can more people achieve the American Dream? To address the question, Ron Haskins and Politico senior editor Fred Barbash conducted a live web chat about expanding economic opportunity in America.

Behavioral Economics and the Conservative Critique of VAT

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some economists and policymakers are discussing the idea of a value added tax (VAT) as a way to solve our deficit problems. Ted Gayer looks at the VAT through the prism of behavioral economics and warns that policymakers could use insights gleaned from this field of economics to deliberately temper healthy economic and political constraints on the growth of government.

President Obama and the Smart Grid

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Charles Ebinger and Lea Rosenbohm say President Obama's decision to use $3.4 billion dollars of stimulus money to begin developing a smart grid is a welcome development. Ebinger and Rosenbohm look to how the smart grid will help benefit providers and consumers while noting additional steps that will be required moving forward.

The United Nations Denounces the U.S. Embargo on Cuba … Again

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For the 18th year in a row, the United Nations General Assembly unequivocally calls for the end of the U.S. embargo against Cuba. Ted Piccone examines the long-running dispute between the international community and the United States and offers suggestions for the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.

1000 Days to the 7th Billion Human: What Do We Tell Her?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 1,000 days, the seventh billion human being joins the rest of us on Planet Earth. Hakan Altinay poses the question, "What would we tell her?" and reflects on the advances the world has made and critical risks that still exist. He proposes that this occasion offers us a chance to reflect on the human condition and implicit responsibilities we have toward other human beings and future generations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, U.S. President Obama and the Baghdad Bombings

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack says the massive bombings in Baghdad on October 25 that killed over 150 people are a problem for both Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki and U.S. President Obama. Pollack concludes the bombing calls Maliki's claims of keeping Iraq secure into question while also bringing forward the idea that U.S. troops may need to return to Baghdad – despite previous U.S. plans – back into consideration.

Stock Market Crash, 80 Years Later

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The “Black Tuesday” stock market crash of 1929 still haunts us on its 80th anniversary this Thursday. William Galston describes the actions taken over this past year to avert a second Great Depression and suggests that the flap over Wall Street bonuses signals a return to business as usual. Our political system has a duty to act against the obvious abuses, he writes.

Pay Limits: Not Smart

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration’s pay czar imposed limits on executive compensation for bailed-out Wall Street firms. Doug Elliott says the actions are not smart, sending the message to those employees that their pay will not be determined the same way as on the rest of Wall Street and will be considerably lower and more volatile. This risks losing the best people, since the ones that move are always those who have the best options elsewhere.

Metropolitans in the Middle

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some say there’s little that can be done to promote metro areas’ status in U.S. federalism but actually there’s a ton that can and should be done. Mark Muro outlines remedies for the absence of middle-tier (metro or regional) government in the context of the U.S. federalism debate.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Flu Contagion in Schools

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the nation and the world continue to grapple with H1N1, and while delivery of the vaccine in the United States faces delays, school closures are one policy tool under consideration to slow spread of the pandemic. Ross Hammond, co-author of a recent report that quantified the economic effects of school closures, and Fred Barbash, Politico senior editor, took questions in a live web chat about the implications and potential costs of this approach.

Vice President Biden Travels to Central Europe

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vice President Biden left Washington early on October 20 for a quick trip to Central Europe, where he will reassure the region of continued U.S. interest and support. Steven Pifer examines the concerns of several NATO member states and offers suggestions for the future of U.S. engagement in the area.

U.S. Private Philanthropy

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A striking gap has emerged in the United States between official government aid and private aid. As the U.S. government reviews its external development assistance, some believe the deliberations will not reflect how those outside Washington think about development. Homi Kharas discusses what motivates private aid donors and the impact they make.

A Response to Ken Lieberthal's Report on the Intelligence Community

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Federal Executive Fellow Matthew Frankel explores Ken Lieberthal's recent report, "The U.S. Intelligence Community and Foreign Policy: Getting Analysis Right." While Frankel argues the paper makes excellent points throughout, he examines several which he feels deserve rebuttal.

Presidents Obama and George H.W. Bush: Building Bridges Through Service

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By highlighting the critical role of volunteerism in addressing challenges at home and abroad, President Obama spoke to American community service participation at a forum Friday hosted by former President George H. W. Bush and the Points of Light Institute. David Caprara says the bipartisan nature of America’s vibrant service movement is urgently needed.

"Coping" with the G-20: Italy and the Challenge of Global Governance

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Replacing the G8 with the G-20 poses a delicate issue for smaller G8 countries, such as Italy. Some fear this move will dilute their perceived role and influence in the world stage. Domenico Lombardi discusses the dynamics of the G-20's more diverse membership and what role Italy can realistically pursue in an "enlarged" global governance setting.

California’s Work-to-Welfare Policy

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Haskins argues that California's recent decision to allow a substantial number of its welfare recipients to avoid work requirements will reverse nearly a decade and a half of hard-won progress against parental idleness and child poverty.

Africa's (Large)⁴ Problem

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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There is wide agreement that the African developmental problem is largely rooted in its institutions. Mwangi Kimenyi discusses the link between size and the quality of governance in African countries.

Nobel Prize in Economics: Illusions From Tinbergen to Keynes

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Kaufmann provides a different outlook on the Nobel Prize in Economics and illustrates that today’s economy—including the large stimulus plans, social welfare, and infrastructure investment—relate closely to the ideas of John Maynard Keynes. This prompts Kaufmann to ask, should he win the Nobel Prize?

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Creating Opportunity in America

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, October 14, Sawhill, a Brookings expert and co-author of the recent book Creating an Opportunity Society, answered your questions during a live web chat about what Americans can do to get ahead in today’s turbulent economy. Fred Barbash, senior editor at Politico, moderated the discussion.

More on the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ted Gayer addresses the potential cost of a home buyer tax credit in light of the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation’s cost estimate and still concludes that the credit would be a poorly targeted subsidy, even if the program is smaller and shorter in duration.

Global Macroeconomic Imbalances: G-20 Leaders Must Back up Their Rhetoric with Deeds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The financial crisis has taught us a painful lesson that global macroeconomic imbalances can wreak enormous damage on the world economy. At the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit, leaders committed to a framework that would prevent further damage. Eswar Prasad proposes a Special Drawing Rights scheme that allows G-20 countries to make enforceable policy commitments.

America's Image Rebounds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over recent years, politicians and analysts inside and outside the United States contended that America’s popularity was in terminal decline. Michael Fullilove and Fergus Hanson explore new public opinion data showing quite the opposite – a quick return to a positive image of the United States around the world.

Pakistan: The Next Nuclear Nightmare?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel says this weekend’s attack on the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, the military center of Pakistan, underscores the volatility and fragility in the world’s second largest Muslim country. Riedel argues that the United States must encourage Pakistan too keep moving against extremists while assuring them we will not abandon the fight in the region.

Secretary Clinton in Moscow

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Moscow this week to meet with her counterpart, Foreign Minister Lavrov. Steven Pifer previews the major issues at the top of their agenda: arms control, the broader Middle East and the work of the U.S.-Russia presidential commission.

Changing the Census? Don’t Even Think about It

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Preparations for April’s 2010 census are well underway but a last-minute amendment introduced by Sens. David Vitter (R-LA) and Robert Bennett (R-UT) threatens to derail it. In order to exclude unauthorized immigrants from the apportionment process, the Senators want to bar the Census Bureau from moving ahead unless it adds questions on citizenship and immigration status. Audrey Singer and Andrew Reamer say that the Senate should reject this amendment because it would result in inaccuracy, increased costs, and ironically disrupt the apportionment process.

It's All or Nothing in Afghanistan

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Afghanistan strategy debate continues, Vanda Felbab-Brown says policymakers should not be fooled by options that lie “in the middle” of a beefed-up counterinsurgency mission and a scaled-back counterterrorism operation. Felbab-Brown believes the United States and NATO must decide how important the stakes are, and either properly resource the current mission or cut losses now rather than later.

Smarter Dumb Tax Policy

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers nears expiration, congressional leaders are considering an extension and an expansion of the program. However, Alan Berube argues that this is not only poor tax policy but also, because of regional variations in housing prices, potentially inflationary.

President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk says President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize should be seen as an acknowledgment of the promise his presidency holds for a new era of international cooperation. But Indyk also notes that Obama is still left with numerous foreign policy challenges requiring tangible progress.

Extending and Expanding the Homebuyer Tax Credit Is a Bad Idea

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The housing market, while showing some signs of recovery, is still weak, which is why policymakers are considering more ways to support it. One idea is to extend and expand the homebuyers tax credit. Ted Gayer says the proposal is misguided, poorly targeted and very expensive.

The G-20, the "Istanbul Decisions" and the Way Forward

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The fall global economic agenda is well underway with the completion of the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit and the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Istanbul. Kemal Derviş discusses the key themes coming out of these “historic” meetings, highlighting the essential roles of both the informal and formal channels of global economic governance and the way forward after the crisis.

Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, October 7, Peter W. Singer and Fred Barbash answered your questions about defense in a high-tech world during a live web chat.

Natural Disasters: Thinking Beyond Immediate Response

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The tragic earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in Samoa and the typhoon that hit the Philippines are just the latest in an increasing number of natural disasters. Last year alone natural disasters affected over 200 million people, killing 16,000 and displacing close to 50 million. Elizabeth Ferris evaluates the international capacity to respond to major disasters and argues that more should be done to reduce their impact.

The Iran Talks in Geneva: Too Soon to Tell

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack says recent discussions between the P5-plus-one and Iran were not earth-shaking, with several questions remaining unanswered in the aftermath. However, Pollack does find it interesting that the Iranians demonstrated some willingness to compromise on small interests and there was no attempt to grandstand at the meeting.

The Senate Climate Wrangle Begins

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Senators Kerry and Boxer recently unveiled their climate bill calling for the creation and funding of a string of energy innovation hubs that are dedicated to clean energy technology development and deployment. Mark Muro and Sarah Rahman reviewed the bill—especially as it impacts metro and regional areas—and noted its similarities and differences with the House of Representative's climate bill, Waxman-Markey.

What Role Can Health Care Reform Play in Restoring Middle Class Prosperity?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Isabel Sawhill examines the effect of the proposed health care reform legislation on the middle class. She concludes that the reform will be a false victory if all it does is expand coverage and increase choice, without substantially affecting what our health care dollars buy.

Too Big to Fail: “Systemic Importance” and Moral Hazard

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Gary Burtless examines the events of the past eighteen months and concludes that the status quo poses great risk to the U.S. finanical system and thus the current regulatory regime cannot be left unchanged.

The G-20 Governments Should Look at Their Own Governance

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh was considered successful, Daniel Kaufmann discusses the need for greater emphasis on governance issues. He urges G-20 countries to address governance within their own borders before the group can effectively start to engage in concrete collective action for the public global good.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: The U.S. Budget Deficit

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The soaring U.S. budget deficit is projected to total more than $1 trillion for the fiscal year that ends September 30. Brookings guest scholar and former Member of Congress William Frenzel, along with Politico’s Fred Barbash, answered your questions about the danger of the increasing U.S. budget deficit and its link to health care reform and economic growth.

R.I.P. Public Option

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Henry Aaron discusses the likely demise of the public option and laments that such a minor issue has continually diverted attention from reform issues that really count - how to create health insurance exchanges, what powers to give them, how much insurance people should have, what subsidies low-income households need to make that insurance affordable, and how to change health care delivery to realize the full potential of modern medicine.

State of Siege in Honduras

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday, the de facto president of Honduras, Roberto Micheletti, declared a state of siege in the country for 45 days. Kevin Casas-Zamora believes this move diminishes the hope that elections in November will be viewed as legitimate and says Micheletti should lift the siege and show restraint if he wants the crisis to end.

Al Qaeda's New Charm Offensive in Europe

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Osama bin Laden and Mullah Omar recently delivered messages warning Europe about the perils of staying in Afghanistan. After speaking with French officials while in Paris, Bruce Riedel concludes that NATO ally France understands the stakes and will stay in Afghanistan if America stays.

Replacing the G-7, Not Enlarging It, is a Historic Shift toward Global Inclusion

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following the announcement from Pittsburgh that the G-20 Summit will “permanently replace” the G7, thus bringing countries such as Brazil, India and China into that global body, Colin Bradford reflects on the historic significance of this event and what it will mean for continued efforts of cooperation among the international community.

Obama's Announcement About Iran's Secret Enrichment Facility

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney writes that Friday’s announcement by President Barack Obama and his French and British counterparts about Iran’s covert nuclear activities had all the ingredients of a blockbuster. Maloney explores the likelihood that the announcement will force Iran's hand and outlines the potential impact on the stances of Russia and China.

Reducing Demand for Poppy Inside and Outside Afghanistan

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Afghanistan's drug economy needs urgent attention, but it also needs a smart policy. Emphasizing rural development and legal livelihoods while interdicting drug traffickers and reducing demand worldwide are the best options, says Vanda Felbab-Brown.

Universal Education is an Investment for America

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama's speech at the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22 stressed the importance of international development in a globalized world. Rebecca Winthrop outlines the benefits to Americans of supporting international development causes, with particular attention to universal education.

Should Congress Extend the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today’s existing-home sales numbers, which were below expectations, show that the housing market is still soft. Moves by the Fed to phase out its mortgage-backed security program may lead to increased mortgage interest rates, says Economic Studies Co-Director Ted Gayer. But he says the first-time homebuyer tax credit is expensive, poorly targeted and should not be extended.

Climate Change at the G-20 Summit

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:37:00 GMT

Crafting global policy to address climate change is a priority for leaders attending the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. Nonresident Senior Fellow Warwick McKibbin previews the talks, noting the complexities the leaders face in finding the common ground necessary to tackle this consuming issue.

The 0.85 Percent Solution for Low-Income Countries

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A topic of discussion at previous G-20 summits, IBRD resources are central to helping poor countries survive this economic crisis. Homi Kharas discusses the importance of making IBRD resources much more widely available to promote development and urges G-20 leaders to continue talks about this issue at the summit in Pittsburgh.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At 12:30 on September 23, Colin Bradford, former chief economist at the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Fred Barbash, senior editor at Politico, answered your questions about the G-20 Summit and global economic recovery.

President Obama and the Spirit of Global Development Partnership

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The key feature of President Obama's speech on September 22 at the Clinton Global Initiative was a call for a new spirit of global partnership, with respect to aiding the world's poor and countering transnational treats. Noam Unger discusses steps the U.S. government could take to advance global development efforts.

The Threat to Work

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Haskins states that one of the few government strategies that has proven successful in reducing poverty is encouraging or demanding that adults on welfare work, even at low wage jobs, and then subsidizing their earnings but with employment, income, and earnings stagnant or in decline for nearly a decade now, it is time to worry.

Is the Stimulus Working?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

William Gale examines whether or not the stimulus is working, concluding that a number of key factors suggest that the stimulus is positively affecting the economy.

Party Polarization in the Health Care Debate

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite months of negotiations, Senate Finance Committee chair Max Baucus was forced to introduce his long-awaited health reform bill without gaining the support of even one Republican senator. At first glance this outcome seems puzzling, but party polarization—the ideological gap in Congress between Democrats and Republicans–is at its highest level in more than a century, writes William Galston.

Needed: Less Drift, More Mastery

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When President Barack Obama addresses foreign leaders at the UN General Assembly and the G-20 Summit later this week, it’s a safe prediction that no one will boo or shout insults at him, at least within the halls, says Strobe Talbott. The hearing he gets in New York and Pittsburgh will reflect the astronomical popularity and hopes for his success that Obama enjoys around the globe.

FCC Chairman Proposes New Net Neutrality Plans

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced his plan to expand “net neutrality” rules for Internet providers. The chairman advocated an anti-discrimination rule that would prevent Internet providers from blocking or slowing the utilization of competing services, and a transparency rule that would require providers disclose how they manage traffic, writes Darrell West.

Brookings: Series - Up Front Blog

How the Recession’s Affecting Immigration

Should Government Policies Favor Owners Over Renters?

Corruption Index Today, Election Tomorrow, Aid Revamp the Day After?

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Metro Areas and the Uneven Economic Recovery

A Recessionary Mirror Across the Pond

Innovation’s Conference Committee Hurdle

Can We Build Our Way to Reduced Carbon Emissions?

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's $22 Billion Deficit

Building Bridges between China and the United States

Previewing President Obama's Trip to Asia and the APEC Forum

Protecting Putin's Protection Racket

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Dodd’s Single Banking Regulator Proposal Promising

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

The Four Who Ended the Cold War

Census Dodges a Bullet but the Immigration Issue Remains

New Unemployment and Productivity Numbers are Bad News for Job Seekers

Political Polarization in Latin America

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

The Iran Hostage Crisis: 30 Years Later

Tackling HIV/AIDS in Africa: From Knowledge to Behavior Change

Education in the Obama Administration

Feds Pony Up Toward Great Lakes Water ‘Magic’

Cap-and-Trade Costs: Place Matters

The U.S. Should Encourage Structural Transformation Strategies in Africa

India and a Carbon Deal

Abdullah's Withdrawal from the Runoff Election in Afghanistan

Putting the Expected Strength of the Recovery into Historical Context

Around the Halls: Is the Recession Over?

Faith in Common Standards Not Enough

The Costs of Containing H1N1

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Expanding Opportunity in America

Behavioral Economics and the Conservative Critique of VAT

President Obama and the Smart Grid

The United Nations Denounces the U.S. Embargo on Cuba … Again

1000 Days to the 7th Billion Human: What Do We Tell Her?

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, U.S. President Obama and the Baghdad Bombings

Stock Market Crash, 80 Years Later

Pay Limits: Not Smart

Metropolitans in the Middle

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Flu Contagion in Schools

Vice President Biden Travels to Central Europe

U.S. Private Philanthropy

A Response to Ken Lieberthal's Report on the Intelligence Community

Presidents Obama and George H.W. Bush: Building Bridges Through Service

"Coping" with the G-20: Italy and the Challenge of Global Governance

California’s Work-to-Welfare Policy

Africa's (Large)4 Problem

Nobel Prize in Economics: Illusions From Tinbergen to Keynes

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Creating Opportunity in America

More on the Homebuyer Tax Credit

Global Macroeconomic Imbalances: G-20 Leaders Must Back up Their Rhetoric with Deeds

America's Image Rebounds

Pakistan: The Next Nuclear Nightmare?

Secretary Clinton in Moscow

Changing the Census? Don’t Even Think about It

It's All or Nothing in Afghanistan

Smarter Dumb Tax Policy

President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

Extending and Expanding the Homebuyer Tax Credit Is a Bad Idea

The G-20, the "Istanbul Decisions" and the Way Forward

Future U.S. Defense Needs in a High Technology Present

Natural Disasters: Thinking Beyond Immediate Response

The Iran Talks in Geneva: Too Soon to Tell

The Senate Climate Wrangle Begins

What Role Can Health Care Reform Play in Restoring Middle Class Prosperity?

Too Big to Fail: “Systemic Importance” and Moral Hazard

The G-20 Governments Should Look at Their Own Governance

The Scouting Report Web Chat: The U.S. Budget Deficit

R.I.P. Public Option

State of Siege in Honduras

Al Qaeda's New Charm Offensive in Europe

Replacing the G-7, Not Enlarging It, is a Historic Shift toward Global Inclusion

Obama's Announcement About Iran's Secret Enrichment Facility

Reducing Demand for Poppy Inside and Outside Afghanistan

Universal Education is an Investment for America

Should Congress Extend the First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit?

Climate Change at the G-20 Summit

The 0.85 Percent Solution for Low-Income Countries

Africa's (Large)⁴ Problem