Brookings: Topics - Civil Society

Can Civil Society Help Bridge Divides between the United States and a Diverse Muslim World?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr presents research on past efforts to bridge the gap between the United States and a diverse Muslim world. In a wide survey of various initiatives, many of which developed post-9/11, Amr attempts to evaluate the level of success that different programs have experienced so far. Amr then offers several recommendations on ways civil society can be the most effective in bringing people together for meaningful dialogue and progress.

Center on Social and Economic Dynamics

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:12:24 GMT

CSED applies the study of complexity to public policy, mainly through computational modeling and simulation.

Initiative on International Volunteering and Service

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:53:25 GMT

Velvet Revolutions from Prague to Tehran: What, if Anything, Should We Do about Them?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 06, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution, countries such as Iran, Russia, China and Cuba are trying to learn how to prevent similar "velvet revolutions" in their own countries. On October 6, the Brookings Institution hosted a discussion on the challenges and opportunities posed by nonviolent civic movements for political change around the world.

IMF Governance Reform and Civil Society

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Governance reform at the IMF is one of the most critical tasks facing the institution. In early 2009, the IMF Managing Director, for the first time in the Fund's history, called for global consultations with civil society to gather its input in the current reform process. In a presentation before IMF Executive Directors, Domenico Lombardi shared the main points of the final report of the Fourth Pillar (civil society) consultations on IMF governance reform.

Civil Society and Public Freedom in Jordan

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a Saban Center Working Paper, former Todd G. Patkin Visiting Fellow Sameer Jarrah analyzes public freedoms in Jordan and points to the combination of state action and internal deficiencies within civic groups as the reasons for the stalled reform process. Jarrah argues that it is in the security interest of the Jordanian government to enable civic organizations because they can provide a counterbalance to extremist groups and serve as a productive outlet for citizen discontent.

The Two Faces of Twitter: Revolution in a Digital Age for Iran

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The role of Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter in recent Iranian street demonstrations shows the power of digital technologies. At the same time that these technologies facilitate grass-roots communications, they also sow the seeds for future political repression, writes Darrell West.

Democracy Promotion Under Obama: Lessons from the Middle East Partnership Initiative

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tamara Cofman Wittes and Andrew Masloski argue that the Obama administration should invest in the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to advance America’s interests in a more stable, progressive and prosperous Middle East. By examining the record of MEPI, Wittes and Masloski show how it has overcome early deficits to create a small-scale, successful model of “democracy diplomacy” that integrates foreign assistance with foreign policy.

Strengthening America's Global Development Partnerships

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Obama administration and Congress work to reform an outdated foreign assistance system, they have an opportunity to adapt official U.S. efforts to more effectively and efficiently support global development in partnership with businesses and civil society. Jane Nelson and Noam Unger recommend ways the U.S. government can better position itself within the 21st century global development ecosystem.

Understanding China’s "Angry Youth": What Does the Future Hold?

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 29, 2009, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

On April 29, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted an event on China’s "angry youth" to explore the characteristics of this unique segment of Chinese society – their views, values and behavior.

In Defense of Partisan Politics

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The year 2009 was supposed to mark the dawn of a post-partisan era. However, America’s partisan politics have remained as stubbornly intense and polarized as ever. Yet, as Pietro Nivola writes, increased partisanship has an upside: party unity, accountability, civic engagement and voter turnout have all increased with partisan politics.

One and a Half Cheers for Bipartisanship

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

William Galston warns that partisan polarization means that parties are less likely to seek common ground or to make compromises. Its negative consequences include a dysfunctional judicial confirmation process, the difficulty of maintaining a steady foreign policy and the depression of public trust in government.

China's Religious (Re)Awakening: The Impact of Religion on Chinese Society

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 06, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

On April 6, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted a panel discussion on the re-emergence of religion in Chinese society. The panelists specifically addressed the role of Christian, Muslim and Tibetan Buddhist groups within China.

The Kennedy Serve America Act: A New Boost for Service

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will double the size of AmeriCorps and increase volunteer opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. David Caprara discusses the significance of the new legislation.

The Violent Drug Market in Mexico and Lessons from Colombia

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Drug-related violence and the breakdown in security in Mexico have escalated to extraordinary levels over the past two years. Vanda Felbab-Brown examines this growing threat to civil society in Mexico, the spillover of crime into the U.S., how the situation compares to similar struggles in Colombia, and offers recommendations for a new strategy in the region.

Renewing America through National Service and Volunteerism

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor, David Caprara spoke to the effectiveness of international volunteering and how it is an essential element of the U.S. response to critical challenges at home and abroad.

International Service and the Obama Administration

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has stated his commitment to enhancing service and volunteer opportunities for Americans both at home and abroad. David Caprara, the director of Brookings’s Initiative on International Volunteering and Service, explores the administration’s agenda in this Q&A.

Intelligent Design: How to Change America

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

William Galston examines what’s wrong with our current political institutions, given the current financial crisis and lack of coherent governance, and proposes how to create a better government.

A Better Place for the Peace Corps

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Peace Corps, although the standard of excellence for international volunteering, remains constrained by budget issues and low numbers of volunteers. In a recent World View article, Lex Rieffel proposes the creation of a Corporation for International Study and Service that includes the Peace Corps as one solution and outlines potential benefits.

Ten Times the Peace Corps: A Smart Investment in Soft Power

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Reversing the negative attitudes toward the United States that prevail in many parts of the world will require a mix of hard power and soft power instruments. Brookings Fellow Lex Rieffel and National Peace Corps Association President Kevin F. F. Quigley provide recommendations for scaling up the Peace Corps and argue that such an effort could contribute measurably to strengthening America’s relations with the rest of the world.

State and Federal Electronic Government in the United States, 2008

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Darrell West assesses the nature of American state and federal electronic government in 2008 by examining whether e-government effectively capitalizes on the interactive features available on the Internet to improve service delivery and public outreach.

Musharraf’s Departure Is Good for Pakistan but Is It Too Late?

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Brookings South Asia expert Bruce Riedel explores the former Pakistani leader's role as a U.S. ally in the fight against Al Qaeda and other extremists. Riedel examines the future of Pakistan without Musharraf at the helm.

Improving Technology Utilization in Electronic Government around the World, 2008

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Few developments have had broader consequences for the public sector than the introduction of the Internet and digital technology. In this Brookings report, Darrell West assesses the current conditions of electronic government around the world and offers practical suggestions for improving the delivery of information and services over the Internet.

Islamist Movements: The Uses of Democracy

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Khalil Al-Anani considers the question of the internal practice of democracy among Islamist groups in the Arab world. He concludes that Islamist parties often demonstrate a greater respect for democratic practice than secular and liberal parties.

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.

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.

Tools to Improve the Quality of Public Expenditures and the Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Process

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 19, 2008, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Over the past 30 years, the World Bank and IMF have developed a variety of tools to analyze public spending policies. With the development in low- and middle-income countries of democratic institutions and civil society organizations like think tanks and advocacy groups, we may soon be at a tipping point at which use of these tools along with domestic advocacy pushes countries to stronger reform agendas. On June 19, the Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP) hosted a forum that brings these elements together.

Is It Possible to Fix Government? - A NewTalk discussion

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thomas Mann joined a distinguished panel, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York and Congressman Jim Cooper of Tennessee, to address the problems within U.S. government and possible solutions.

How Can We Restore Americans' Sense of Optimism?

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Some have suggested that optimism has faded because Americans have lost confidence in the country’s ability to steer the country in the right direction. Gregg Easterbrook joins a panel of experts on NewTalk to engage in a running discussion about restoring Americans' sense of optimism.

Reexamining American Exceptionalism

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 23, 2008, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

During the nation’s infancy, Alexis de Tocqueville meticulously studied America’s democratic experiment and defined the contours of American exceptionalism. Nearly 200 years later, scholars James Q. Wilson and Peter Schuck reconsider what defines the United States and its role in our rapidly changing world in Understanding America: The Anatomy of an Exceptional Nation (Public Affairs, 2008). William Galston moderated a discussion with Wilson, Schuck and Brookings scholars Don Kettl and Ron Haskins.

Toward a Cohesive Cuban Civil Society

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

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.

The Role of Civil Society in Ending Displacement and Peacebuilding

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though few civil society organizations explicitly characterize their work with IDPs as peacebuilding, their efforts often influence whether IDPs are able to achieve lasting solutions and contribute to sustainable peace.

Corporate Philanthropy 2.0

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

As corporations have become more global, so have their philanthropic efforts. International corporate volunteering is one of the newest ways corporations are reaching out and in a new op-ed, David Caprara, director of Brookings’ Initiative on International Volunteering and Service, discusses the trend and shares best practices from a recent study.

Ministries of Finance and Civil Society Organizations: Friends or Foes?

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 18, 2007, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On October 18, Brookings hosted Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, distinguished visiting fellow with Global Economy and Development, who has just been named Managing Director of the World Bank, for a presentation of her paper titled The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Supporting Fiscal Transparency in African Countries.

Global Service Fellowships: Building Bridges through American Volunteers

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

David L. Caprara, John Bridgeland, and Harris Wofford argue that as policy-makers search for ways to share the best of America with the world, they should start with our international volunteers, who embody this country's spirit of generosity, resourcefulness and hope. With the support of Congress and the Bush Administration, volunteers can become the first face of America to communities in many nations, while advancing concrete initiatives that lift up the lives of the poor throughout the world.

The Best Diplomats: American Volunteers

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Editorial by David Caprara in the Washington Post, advocating volunteerism as effective public diplomacy.

Enhancing Development through Better Use of Public Resources: How Independent Watchdog Groups Can Help

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

To improve developing countries' effectiveness in utilizing scarce public funds, efforts to achieve greater transparency and accountability in budget processes must be strengthened. This brief argues specifically for expanded initiatives to strengthen domestic civil society capacity - independent of governments - to provide substantive analysis of budget choices and the distribution and effectiveness of public spending, and to make the results accessible to the general population both directly and via intermediaries such as the media.

Initiative on International Volunteering and Service Working Group Meeting

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 14, 2006 at 12:00 AM

International Volunteering: Smart Power

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Lex Rieffel and Sarah Zalud argue that Americans engaging in volunteer work in other countries encourage more favorable attitudes among foreigners toward America and generate greater understanding among Americans of foreign perspectives. A more robust cross-cultural dialogue could make the United States less dependent on hard power, which has high budget costs.

The Voice of Civil Society and the Internally Displaced in Turkey

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

In addition to a national government, civil society and the internally displaced themselves are major stakeholders in the search for durable solutions for the displaced. Indeed, as Walter Kälin points out, the most effective way of ensuring that governmental policies are well founded, well informed, and also sustainable is through close consultation with these other actors.

The Causes and Consequences of Civic Engagement

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

December 14, 2005, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Democracy at Risk: How Political Choices Undermine Citizen Participation

Wed, 07 Sep 2005 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 07, 2005, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Faith and Youth in the iPod Era

Mon, 11 Apr 2005 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 11, 2005, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

To Give or Not to Give: The Crisis of Confidence in Charities

Mon, 01 Dec 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Reform Watch #7 by Paul C. Light. (December 2003)

Reconsidering the Peace Corps

Mon, 01 Dec 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #127: ""Reconsidering the Peace Corps"" by Lex Rieffel. (December 2003)

The Peace Corps in a Turbulent World

Wed, 15 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Working Paper by Lex Rieffel, Global Poverty Reduction Initiative (10/15/03)

United We Serve: National Service and the Future of Citizenship

Wed, 30 Jul 2003 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 30, 2003, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Pride and Perseverance

Thu, 10 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Paul C. Light, Government Executive (7/10/03)

Answering the Call to Service

Fri, 06 Jun 2003 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 06, 2003, 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Next Steps in Human Capital Reform

Wed, 04 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Paul C. Light, Senate Governmental Affairs Committee (6/4/03)

The Promise of National Service: A (Very) Brief History of an Idea

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #120 by E.J. Dionne, Jr. and Kayla Meltzer Drogosz. (June 2003)

United We Serve : National Service and the Future of Citizenship

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

This book gathers many diverse voices on civic life and civic obligation to explore the idea of national service as it relates to citizenship. The discussion about service is a debate over how Americans think of themselves and their nationandabout w

In Search of Public Service

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Report by Paul Light, June 2003

Trust in Charitable Organizations

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Reform Watch Brief #6, by Paul Light (December 2002)

The Politics of Service: How a Nation Got behind AmeriCorps

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Harris Wofford (Fall 2002)

A Bad Idea Whose Time is Past: The Case Against Universal Service

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Bruce Chapman (Fall 2002)

Volunteering Then and Now: Civic Innovation and Public Policy for Democracy

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Carmen Sirianni (Fall 2002)

9/11/2001: The Case for Universal Service

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Robert E. Litan (Fall 2002)

Doing Well and Doing Good: The Business Community and National Service

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Jeff Swartz (Fall 2002)

A New Citizenship for a New Century

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Alan Khazei (Fall 2002)

A Generation to Be Proud Of: Young Americans Volunteer to Make a Difference

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Peter D. Hart and Mario A. Brossard (Fall 2002)

The Volunteering Decision: What Prompts It? What Sustains It?

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

George W. Bush is not the first president to ask Americans to give more of themselves to volunteering, writes Paul Light. Besides Gerald Ford, every president since John F. Kennedy has called for greater volunteerism. Some calls have been resonant, others barely audible; some have produced new federal agencies; others, private initiatives. But whatever the form, volunteering has been a staple of presidential agendas since 1961.

Military Service

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Louis Caldera (Fall 2002)

On Receiving the Elliot Richardson Prize for Public Service

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Alice Rivlin (Fall 2002)

At Work for America's Workers: The Labor Community and National Service

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Andrew L. Stern (Fall 2002)

United We Serve?: The Debate over National Service

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by E.J. Dionne, Jr. and Kayla Meltzer Drogosz (Fall 2002)

Service and the State: Politicizing the Need for Social Connection

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Tod Lindberg (Fall 2002)

Sacred Places, Civic Purposes : Should Government Help Faith-Based Charity?

Wed, 28 Nov 2001 00:00:00 GMT

This collaboration of the Brookings Institution and the Pew Charitable Trusts explores the issue of &faith-based& social programs and organizations, their historical role in society, and the promise and potential dangers of church-state cooperation.

Renewing Citizen Service: A Considered Opinion

Thu, 01 Mar 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Nancy Kassebaum Baker and Franklin D. Raines (Spring 2001)

Community Works: American Civic Life at the Turn of the Century

Wed, 01 Jul 1998 16:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 01, 1998, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Not a Cure-All: Civil Society Creates Citizens; It Does Not Solve Problems

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Jean Bethke Elshtain (Fall 1997)

Beyond Theory: Civil Society in Action

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Pam Solo (Fall 1997)

No Paint Brushes, No Paint: The Realities of Volunteer Work

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Jean Eisner (Fall 1997)

Why Civil Society? Why Now?

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by E.J. Dionne, Jr. (Fall 1997)

In America's Cities, The Lord's Work: The Church and the "Civil Society Sector"

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by John J. DiIulio, Jr. and Bruce Katz (Fall 1997)

Is Civil Society Obsolete?: Revisiting Predictions of the Decline of Civil Society in ""Whose Keeper?""

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Alan Wolfe (Fall 1997)

America's Civic Condition: A Glance at the Evidence

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by William Galston and Peter Levine (Fall 1997)

Recreating the Civil Society--One Child at a Time

Mon, 01 Sep 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Colin Powell (Fall 1997)