Brookings: Topics - Civil Liberties

The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 10, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On November 10, Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Kongdan Oh and Ralph Hassig, adjunct associate professor of psychology at the University of Maryland University College, discussed their new book The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom (Rowman & Littlefield, 2009). For decades, the people of North Korea have lived in extreme isolation under a closed and repressive regime, where individual rights are restricted and the regime exercises complete control over the political class and legal systems.

After Kim Jong-il: Can We Hope for Better Human Rights Protection in North Korea?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 27, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On October 27, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies hosted a presentation by Kim Kwangjin of his report on North Korean succession and human rights issues. Mr. Kim defected from North Korea in 2003, and was previously manager of North Korea’s Northeast Asia Bank in Singapore and representative of the Korea National Insurance Corporation. This discussion also featured Roberta Cohen of Brookings and Bruce Klingner of the Heritage Foundation.

The Future of China's Legal System

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

China’s legal system has recently come under close scrutiny after the controversial detainment of famous lawyer Xu Zhiyong in July of 2009. Cheng Li and Jordan Lee argue that while the Chinese government does fall short in its acceptance of politically sensitive cases, the nation’s strong foundation in law-based policies and recent incremental legal system developments could pave the way for advanced reform.

Iran: Recent Developments and Implications for U.S. Policy

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on recent developments in Iran after the June 12 election and resulting protests across the country. Maloney addressed the current internal political crisis, the efficiency of additional international sanctions against Iran and offered suggestions for U.S. policy going forward.

Democracy Gaining Momentum in China

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though many believe China's drive toward democracy stagnated after the People's Liberation Army put down the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations, Cheng Li argues otherwise. Li notes that while the political system is still constrained by party monopoly on power, lack of an independent judiciary and media censorship, China is making significant progress on the democratic front.

The Damning Paradox of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" forces soldiers to lie about or hide their sexual orientation to keep from being discharged. Peter Singer believes it is time for President Obama to fulfill his campaign pledge to end the policy so that patriotic and capable military members can focus on national security instead social politics.

Obama's Guantánamo Blueprint and America's Enemies

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last week, President Obama outlined his approach to closing the Guantánamo Bay detention center on the heels of Congress voting overwhelmingly to block the $80 million he requested to close the the prison. The speech was forward-looking, writes Brookings expert Ben Wittes, in that he maintained the need for a preventative detention system created by Congress and overseen by the courts.

Justice Souter and the Supreme Court’s Church-State Balance

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama will soon make his first Supreme Court nomination. It seems unlikely that the addition of President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court will change the outcome in church-state cases, writes Rogers, but the views and voice of his nominee will certainly affect the debate at the Court and shape decisions long after Obama leaves the White House.

The Future of Liberalism

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:30:00 GMT

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April 16, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

On April 16, William Galston moderated a discussion with Alan Wolfe, author of The Future of Liberalism (Knopf, 2009), on how the liberal tradition can influence and illuminate contemporary debates on issues such as immigration, abortion, executive power, religious freedom and free speech. E.J. Dionne, Jr. and Ross Douthat offered their thoughts on liberalism’s roots and how it can be applied to today’s problems.

Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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March 13, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

In a recent New York Times op-ed, Brookings scholar Jonathan Rauch and co-author David Blankenhorn argue that linking federal civil unions to guarantees of religious freedom is a way to head off a long-term, scorched-earth debate over gay marriage and religious liberty. On March 13, Rauch and Blankenhorn discussed their proposal at a forum moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow William Galston.

Arriving at a Compromise on Gay Marriage

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings expert Jonathan Rauch and David Blankenhorn of the Institute of American Values joined Neal Conan on Talk of the Nation to discuss a federal compromise on the issue of same-sex marriage.

China: Trumping Human Rights

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Saleem Ali writes that China is a great nation from which the U.S., and indeed Pakistan, have much to learn. However, as friends we must engage in a relationship that builds on our common humanity.

A Reconciliation on Gay Marriage

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In their New York Times opinion, Brookings expert Jonathan Rauch and David Blankenhorn of the Institute of American Values offer a federal compromise on the debatable issue of same-sex marriage.

President Obama's Plan to Close Guantánamo

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:40:53 GMT

Ben Wittes says that President Obama’s three executive orders on closing Guantanamo Bay and detainee treatment are more of a process than a solution for the problem. In reality, he says, it does less than many expected.

The Challenges of Closing Guantánamo

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President-elect Barack Obama plans to fulfill his campaign promise and issue an executive order next Wednesday directing the closing of the Guantánamo Bay detention camp in Cuba. Benjamin Wittes joined experts in a New York Times running commentary to discuss the challenges the new administration will face in closing Guantánamo.

The Scouting Report: Guantanamo Bay and Detainees

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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November 19, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

The incoming administration has indicated that one of its first priorities will be to close Guantanamo Bay. The Scouting Report continued its weekly web chat with Brookings expert Benjamin Wittes, who answered questions about how President Obama can put a legal framework in place to end the clash over detainee rights. Politico's David Mark moderated.

Closing Guantanamo

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with CBS News, Benjamin Wittes discusses three possible ways the Obama administration could close the prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Legal Policy in the Obama Administration

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT

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November 12, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Key legal and constitutional policy issues from the Bush administration will no doubt carry over to the Obama administration: protecting national security with due regard for civil liberties, achieving an immigration policy that secures the nation's borders and treats lawful immigrants fairly, and identifying the proper extent and limits of presidential authority. On November 12, Brookings Visiting Fellow Russell Wheeler moderated a panel of experts to discuss what this will mean for the Justice Department and other law enforcement agencies.

Campaigns For and Against Same-Sex Marriage

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Same sex couples are missing from the advertising wars over Proposition 8, the constitutional ballot initiative on whether to retain or reject same-sex marriage in California. As Brookings scholar Jonathan Rauch, the absence of same sex couples from California's same-sex marriage debate makes for an oddly hollow discussion.

The United States and the Democracy Delusion

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Khalil Al-Anani tackles the question of America’s commitment to democracy promotion, and he questions the strength of that commitment, especially when it comes in conflict with American strategic interests.

How The Real World Ended “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer analyzes the history of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy which allows gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve in the U.S. military as long as they stay quiet about their sexuality. Singer argues a world shaped by reality television has created a new generation of troops more open to allowing homosexuals in the military, and that during this difficult time for recruiting and retaining talent, the military should embrace those willing to serve.

An Olympic Lift to U.S.-China Relations

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings China expert Cheng Li and author Frank Wu believe the Beijing Olympics can be a means to foster better U.S.-China relations. They contend that is now time for constructive engagement and strategic dialogue in areas, among others, of trade, the environment, energy, as well as human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

Crime in Latin America

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings expert Kevin Casas-Zamora writes that Latin American democracies must deal seriously with the mounting casualties of violence across the continent. He believes a comprehensive policy of reform among police forces, and the introduction of modern technology as well as more investment in civil society, can create lasting and sustainable solutions to crime.

American Interrogation Policy in the War Against Terrorism

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The interrogation programs of both the military and the intelligence community have been criticized at great length for being inconsistent with American values. In testimony before the House Committee on the Judiciary, Benjamin Wittes examined America's interrogation policy in the war against terrorism and offered steps towards a healthier statutory environment.

The Future of Justice in the Age of Terror

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Benjamin Wittes discusses recent legal developments in the war on terror with Josh Patashnik of The New Republic and Andrew McCarthy, director of the Center for Law and Counterterrorism at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Law and the Long War: The Future of Justice in the Age of Terror

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Six years after the September 11 attacks, America is losing a crucial front in the ongoing war on terror. It is losing not to Al Qaeda but to its own failure to construct a set of laws that will protect the American people. Now, in the twilight of President Bush’s administration, Benjamin Wittes offers an analysis of the troubling legal legacy of the Bush administration, the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Court.

Law and the Long War: The Future of Justice in the Age of Terror

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 23, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Benjamin Wittes, Brookings fellow and research director in public law, offered a vigorous analysis of how America came to its current impasse in the debate over liberty, human rights and counterterrorism and drew a road map for how the country and the next president might move forward.

Gay Marriage Is Good for America

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Rauch argues the importance of same sex marriages in America. He writes that marriage stabilizes communities by formalizing responsibilities and creating kin networks, thereby cementing the foundation of civilization.

State of Civil Unions: California Court Strikes Down Marriage Ban

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, and ruled that civil unions are not a legally adequate substitution for marriage. Are then civil union supporters the legal equivalent of segregationists? The California court thinks so, writes Benjamin Wittes.

Unusual Nonsense: Supreme Court's Decision about "Cruel and Unusual Punishment"

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Supreme Court recently handed down a decision upholding as constitutional the specific mixture of drugs by which thirty states put condemned prisoners to death. In this piece, Ben Wittes writes about the Supreme Court's failure to rationalize its decisions about cruel and unusual punishment.

Toward a Cohesive Cuban Civil Society

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:30:00 GMT

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April 16, 2008, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

In conjunction with the University of Miami, the Brookings Institution’s project on “U.S. Policy toward a Cuba in Transition” held its third simulation exercise on April 16, 2008, focusing on the dynamics, motivations, and decision-making processes of Cuban civil society groups.

John Yoo Interrogation Memo

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Justice Department recently released John Yoo's 2003 "torture" memo to Congress. Questions remain on what to do with the people the military and the CIA interrogated brutally in 2002 and 2003, writes Ben Wittes, and how the CIA should handle such people in the future.