Brookings: Topics - Elections

Financing the 2008 Election : Assessing Reform

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The latest installment of a series that dates back nearly half a century, Financing the 2008 Election is the definitive analysis of how campaign finance and spending shaped the historic presidential and congressional races of 2008.

Election Boycotts Don't Work

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Matthew Frankel compares Abdullah Abdullah's withdrawal from Afghanistan's runoff election to other electoral boycotts over the years. Based on independent research of 100 boycotts since 1990, Frankel concludes that they rarely work and often fracture the party involved.

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.

Presidential Candidates and the Nominating System

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 09, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On October 9, the Brookings Institution will host Harvard Public Policy Lecturer Elaine Kamarck for a discussion of her new book, Primary Politics: How Presidential Candidates Have Shaped the Modern Nominating System (Brookings Institution Press, 2009), which explains how the presidential nomination process became the often bewildering system we have today.

After the Election: Will Japan be Different?

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Japan’s August 30 general election, in which the long ruling Liberal Democratic Party was swept from power by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), was a watershed event in that nation’s post-War history, writes CNAPS Visiting Fellow Shoichi Itoh. Will the DPJ’s victory lead to substantial changes in Japan’s policy-making process and outcomes?

Afghanistan’s Election Matters as Much for the Country as for the World

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel writes that Afghanistan’s presidential election could provide a critical update on the progress of the war in that country. He argues the U.S. and NATO appear to have the upper hand given the Taliban's failure to have a major influence on the election, but says questions on the electoral process and regional impact still need to be answered.

The Scouting Report: Afghanistan's Elections

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

August 26, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

On August 20, Afghans headed to the polls for the first contested national elections in Afghanistan’s history. On Wednesday, August 26, Brookings expert Michael O’Hanlon returned from a trip to Afghanistan and answered your questions about that country’s presidential election in a live web chat with Fred Barbash, senior editor of Politico.

Prospects for Afghanistan's Future: Assessing the Outcome of the Afghan Presidential Election

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

August 25, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

The outcome of Afghanistan's presidential election remains in doubt, but most agree that it doesn't matter who wins as much as how the victory occurs. Brookings hosted a panel of experts, moderated by Martin Indyk, to discuss the outcome of the Afghan election. The panel analyzed the result of the election and examined its impact on the future of the country and the conflict.

Afghanistan Elections: President Obama's Afghan Test

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Seen as a test of the United States’ new strategy in Afghanistan and the Taliban's influence in the country, Bruce Riedel believes the stakes in the August 20 Afghanistan elections are higher than who will be elected president for the next five years. He writes that if the elections are successful, the NATO mission and Afghan government will get a boost of confidence and legitimacy that has been badly needed.

Afghanistan's Elections and Accountable Governance

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The August 20 elections in Afghanistan represent a crucial opportunity to give Afghans a sense of at least some control over their future. Vanda Felbab-Brown examines the leading candidates and argues the international community needs to make it clear to the next Afghan president that assistance is conditioned on improved and accountable governance.

A Crucial Election for Afghanistan's Future

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:48:11 GMT

On August 20, Afghanistan holds a presidential election that many observers feel is a critical component of that country's continued fight against Taliban insurgents along a path to stable governance. Vanda Felbab-Brown says the outcome must be seen as legitimate for the future of the country's development and government's legitimacy.

The 2009 Afghanistan Elections and the Future of Governance

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vanda Felbab-Brown believes the August 20 Afghanistan elections represent a test for at least three critical issues in that country – accountability, military strength and governance. Felbab-Brown argues that ushering in more effective and responsible governance is critical, and she concludes it must be built by Afghan hands rather than forced by international actors.

The 2009 Afghan Elections and the Future of the International Community in Afghanistan

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Shapiro argues pundits should focus more on what the elections in Afghanistan say about the international community than what they mean for the country. He cautions that actions by international actors are often seen from the inside as rigging elections to a pre-determined outcome and concludes that if these efforts to build a democracy fail it may help Afghanistan become a terrorist state once again.

The Taliban and the Afghan Elections

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel writes that elections in Afghanistan on August 20 are both an opportunity and a challenge for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Though statistics have recently been on the Taliban's side, the ability for NATO and the Afghan government to pull off a credible election could be an important initial milestone in turning things around.

Successful Afghan Election Is Only Part of the Fight against the Taliban

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:19:35 GMT

Afghans voted on August 20 in the second presidential election since the Taliban were ousted by U.S.-led forces in late 2001. Despite a resurgent Taliban, Bruce Riedel says that victory in Afghanistan is attainable and that a clean election is absolutely critical to the legitimacy of the government.

Iran and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Second Term

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Two months after a landslide election that was widely viewed as fraudulent, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, will be inaugurated this week for a second term as president of Iran. Suzanne Maloney examines both what has happened in Iran since the election and new questions regarding the stability of the regime moving forward.

Political and Economic Woes Thwart Return to Normalcy in Iran

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following his return from Tehran, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani speaks to NPR’s Marketplace about festering political and economic discontent in Iran following the June elections. Bringing the country’s economy in for a soft landing will pose a significant challenge to the government, he notes, as Iranian citizens struggle to get back to their daily lives.

The Changing Roles of Media in Taiwan's Democratization Process

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Senior journalist and CNAPS Visiting Fellow Huang Ching-Lung writes that Taiwan’s media, despite major contributions to democratization, has come to play a controversial and often negative role in the democratization process. Factors such as market competition, lack of professional organization, and ties to political parties have lowered the quality social benefit of journalism in Taiwan, Mr. Huang writes.

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.

After the Iranian Uprising

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Looking past Iran’s recent election crisis, growing trade and budget deficits will hamper Ahmadinejad’s second term and his penchant for redistributionist policies, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani warns. While the administration will face pressure to continue expansionist policies, Salehi-Isfahani predicts that Iranians will pay the price through high inflation and low growth.

The Many Crises of Iranian Youth

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With Iran at a political impasse, Navtej Dhillon and Daniel Egel write that the youth of Iran, who account for nearly 40 percent of the voting age population, have been profoundly disappointed by the promises of the Islamic Republic and are yearning for opportunities for economic advancement.

How the Economy Plays into Iran's Turmoil

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview on NPR’s Marketplace, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani reports from Iran that the post-election political stalemate has put a halt to much economic and social activity in Tehran. Winning back the full participation and confidence of Iran’s “technical elite”—its doctors, engineers, and lawyers—will be a grave challenge for the new government.

Iran's Election: Economic Fears and Discontents

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Djavad Salehi-Isfahani continues to monitor post-election unrest from Tehran. He writes that deep social and economic divisions will continue to weaken the fabric of Iranian society, and will present a challenge for the next government as it attempts to reverse growing inequality in the country.

The Lebanese Elections and the Middle East: An Opportunity for Change?

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 23, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On June 23, the Brookings Doha Center hosted a policy discussion to examine the elections in Lebanon, to shed some light on the technical aspects of the elections and the monitoring process, and to explore potential reforms to the Lebanese electoral law and its underlying sectarian political system.

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.

Morocco: Local Elections Bring Victory to Vote-Buyers and a Royal Friend

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Moroccans voted in local elections on June 12 and the leading newspaper Almassae characterized it as a "sweeping electoral tsunami" for the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), founded only a few months ago. Patkin visiting fellow Maati Monjib says that while on the surface the elections were a successful exercise in procedural democracy, a deeper look reveals troubling trends for Morocco’s political liberalization.

Can Iran’s Reformers Exploit Fissures in the Regime?

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney writes that no matter who emerges victorious in Iran's current struggle for political power, the future of the Islamic Republic will look nothing like the country the world has known for the last 30 years.

Is Iran Ripe for Revolution?

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Byman explores the massive demonstrations that have swept parts of Iran since the election on June 12 and what they might mean for the clerical regime. He argues that while there is reason to believe there is growing interest in reform in the country, this period of unrest is fairly unlikely to bring it.

What if Ahmadinejad Really Won?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As demonstrations continue in the wake of the Iranian election, Djavad Salehi-Isfahani writes from Tehran that the concentration of protests in Iran's large urban areas is not a coincidence: rural and small town voters may prioritize different social and political issues than their young, urban counterparts.

Reacting to Iran's Disputed Presidential Election Outcome

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was proclaimed the landslide winner in Iran's presidential contest amid accusations of widespread election fraud. Suzanne Maloney argues that although the election has poisoned the atmosphere for diplomacy, it has not changed the fact that negotiations represent the best of a range of unappealing options available to Washington.

An Absurd Outcome to Iran's Presidential Election

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney explores the main questions left after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s win in Iran. Among these questions, Maloney addresses how much the vote was manipulated and whether Obama can still pursue diplomacy as an option with a fractured Iran.

Lebanon: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lebanon’s electoral system, like Iran’s, should be confined to the dustbin of history, says Hady Amr. It’s disturbing. And worse, it actively reinforces the divisions which spark civil and sectarian strife. A new system can emerge if Lebanese civil society calls for it, and the international community supports these calls. The outcome would ultimately be a truly democratic Lebanon with less sectarianism, less violence, and more unity.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in Lebanon's Elections

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr discusses the good and bad news related to Lebanon's recent elections in which a pro-American coalition won. Amr notes that while there are many positives, the electoral system, in which parliament is seated on sectarian lines needs to go.

Why Race Will Matter in Presidential Elections

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At an American Enterprise Institute and Brookings event William H. Frey discussed the importance of race-specific voting blocs and their increasing significance in upcoming presidential elections.

Democratic Elections and Coalition Government? A View from Kenya

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 12, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

On June 12, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings hosted Dr. Constance Freeman, regional director for East and Southern Africa of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Nairobi who led a roundtable discussion on the recent elections in Kenya.

After the Elections: U.S. Policy and Political Stability in Lebanon

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

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

On June 10, Tamara Wittes, senior fellow and director of the Middle East Democracy and Development Project at the Saban Center at Brookings, and Daniel Brumberg, acting director of the Muslim World Initiative at USIP and director of Democracy and Governance Studies at Georgetown University analyzed the significance of the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections in Lebanon and their impact on U.S. policy in that country and the region.

Iran's Presidential Elections: A Surge of Reformists in Politics

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The highly anticipated Iranian presidential election marks a major turning point in Iranian politics. With over 30 million expected voters, Djavad Salehi-Isfanani analyzes the campaign, what’s at stake and states that this election demonstrates Iranian political progress.

The Scouting Report: Iran's Presidential Election

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 10, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

To examine the outlook for and implications of Iran’s presidential election on June 12, Brookings expert Suzanne Maloney and Senior Politico Editor Fred Barbash took questions in the June 10 edition of the Scouting Report.

Lebanon on the Brink of Elections: Key Public Opinion Findings

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this Saban Center Middle East Memo, Shibley Telhami presents data from his March-May public opinion poll in Lebanon. Telhami examines the attitudes of the Lebanese public on core foreign and domestic issues that will be critical to the type of government that could emerge following the June 7 parliamentary elections. Many of the issues addressed in the poll are of great interest to the United States as it implements its policy in the region.

Iran's Presidential Election: What to Watch For

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Iranians go to the polls in their hotly contested presidential election, Suzanne Maloney analyzes the vote as being both a referendum on the polarizing first term of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and an opportunity for the reformist movement to revive itself after crushing defeats in recent years. She also cautions the Obama administration against making public statements in favor of any outcome, for fear of stoking a hardliner backlash.

Japanese Politics Today and the Impact on U.S.-Japan Relations

Thu, 14 May 2009 14:15:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 14, 2009, 2:15 PM to 4:00 PM

On May 14, CNAPS hosted Robert “Skipp” Orr, chairman of the board of the Panasonic Foundation, for a presentation entitled “Japanese Politics Today and the Impact on U.S.-Japan Relations.” Dr. Orr discussed the current state of affairs in Japanese politics, the upcoming general elections, and the economic climate in Japan.

Nigeria: Could Ekiti Voting Debacle Be Turning Point?

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Marred by violence and intimidation, recent voting in the Ekiti state of Nigeria ended with Segun Oni of the Peoples Democratic Party emerging as the winner of the rerun governorship polls. Richard Joseph argues that if Nigeria is to establish its democracy on a firm basis, a major non-partisan national movement may be needed.

Panama at the Polls: A Study in Political Weakness

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On May 3, Panama will elect a new president. Kevin Casas-Zamora explores the campaigns of the incumbent and challenger and examines why Panama can be viewed as one of the better functioning and most stable polities in Latin America.

Current Political and Economic Developments in Ukraine

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 22, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

On April 22, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosted Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Hryhoriy Nemyria for a discussion of the current political and economic developments in Ukraine.

Netanyahu Redux: Prospects for the New Israeli Government

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 15, 2009, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

On April 15, the Saban Center at Brookings hosted Nahum Barnea, Israel's leading political columnist and former Kreiz Fellow at the Saban Center. Barnea discussed Binyamin Netanyahu's second term as Prime Minister of Israel and was joined by Martin Indyk, Director of the Saban Center.

Fixing the U.S. Election System: Is a Democracy Index the Answer?

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 07, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On April 7, the AEI-Brookings Election Reform Project, in cooperation with Yale Law School, hosted a discussion with Professor Heather Gerken on her recent book, The Democracy Index: Why Our Election System is Failing and How to Fix It (Princeton University Press, 2008).

The Future of Turkish Democracy: Assessing Local Election Outcomes

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 01, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On April 1, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) hosted a discussion of Turkey's local election results and the future of Turkey’s policies at home and abroad featuring two experts on Turkish politics, Soli Ozel and Murat Yetkin.

El Salvador’s Democratic Test

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora analyzes the election of Mauricio Funes as El Salvador's new president. Casas-Zamora argues Funes faces an uphill battle in preaching moderation, but that the U.S. would do well to welcome his election and offer him tangible support for key social reforms.

How to Improve Governance : A New Framework for Analysis and Action

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This perceptive book emphasizes the need for an overall analytical framework that can be applied to different countries to help analyze the current situation, identify potential areas for improvement, and assess their relative feasibility and the steps needed to promote them.

Iraq’s Year of Living Dangerously

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama has announced plans to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010, while leaving between 35,000 to 50,000 troops through the end of 2011. Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, who recently returned from Iraq, note the country continues to make tremendous strides even if the war is not over. O'Hanlon and Pollack point to numerous challenges that could strain the situation and worsen conditions, but they argue this could be a final crucial test of our mission to stabilize Iraq enough for U.S. troop withdrawals.

Now What? The Path Forward for Israel’s New Government

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 19, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

After voters split over who should lead Israel following parliamentary elections, Benjamin Netanyahu and Tzipi Livni continue to woo smaller parties to build a coalition government. On February 19, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy hosted a discussion analyzing the results of the elections.

Israel's Elections: Can This Batch Do Peace?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following parliamentary elections in Israel, Martin Indyk writes that even though the right-wing bloc won a majority and a hard-liner has become the kingmaker, it is premature to declare the end of the two-state solution and the death of the Middle East peace process.

What the 2008 Election Meant: Politics and Governance

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 14, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

How do election outcomes shape the course of public policy? Do past performance, platforms and campaign rhetoric provide a reliable basis for predicting the winners' behavior in office? On November 14, Brookings hosted a panel to explore how the 2008 election results can shape the new Congress and the first term of a new presidency.

Foreign Policy Challenges for Barack Obama

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:39:10 GMT

While the outcome of the U.S. presidential election was largely shaped by the U.S. and global financial crisis, Brookings Visiting Fellow Michael Fullilove discusses several urgent foreign policy matters facing President-elect Barack Obama.

Memo to the President: Lead With Confidence

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The president-elect faces enormous challenges, but comes into office buoyed by an electorate hungry for change. Effective leadership, both at home and abroad, will require mobilizing grass-roots support and repositioning government as a solution rather than as a problem.

A Demographic Breakthrough for Democrats

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Democrats pushed out of their demographic rut during Tuesday’s election, according to new analysis by William Frey and Ruy Teixeira. The authors of ongoing political demographics reports on the “battleground states” write that the party’s appeal has extended to new growth regions and to demographic segments that eluded the party’s grasp in the last two presidential elections. America’s growing metropolitan identity, they found, is especially potent within the fast-growing battleground states.

Le leadership moral retrouvé

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse explains why the election of Barack Obama allows America to recover the moral high ground it had lost during the Bush era: not because of changes in foreign policy, but by leading the way in integrating minorities and turning a page from a difficult racial past, something European countries have not yet achieved. (French)

The 2008 Presidential and Congressional Elections

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:11:12 GMT

Darrell West and Thomas Mann offer insights on the just-elected executive and legislative branches of government. Their goal in January, says West, is to bring change to American politics. But things will not go smoothly, warns Mann; “Conflict is natural, especially when you’re doing important things.”

The Results of the U.S. Election

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 05, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM

On November 5, the Brookings Doha Center organized an informal in-house lunchtime event to discuss the results of the U.S. elections for the House, Senate and Presidency, in which Senator Barack Obama was voted first African American President of the United States.

U.S. Elections and Iran

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney writes that Iran will loom large on the agenda of the next American president. Maloney believes Barack Obama's willingness to talk to Tehran represents a promising start, and that history suggests engagement is appropriate, but also notes Tehran will need to demonstrate it is prepared to rejoin the international community.

A World of Policy Differences Between John McCain and Barack Obama

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove analyzes the differences between the foreign policies of U.S. presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama.

Campaign 2008: The Final Weeks

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 31, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Senators McCain and Obama are making a final push to identify themselves with voters before November 4. In the campaign's final days, what tactics have proven to be the most successful? Will their efforts pay off? On October 31, Brookings's Opportunity 08 project and Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs examined key questions on the role of money, advertising and mobilization in the 2008 campaign.

Reproductive Freedom and the Next President

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prior presidential election campaigns once focused on abortion as the primary element of "reproductive freedom." However, during the 2008 presidential election, candidates now find themselves addressing a broader array of arguably related issues, including the use of human embryos for stem-cell research and whether such research should receive federal funding, writes Eli Y. Adashi and Darrell M. West. Judging by Senator Barack Obama's and John McCain's voting records and positions articulated on the Senate floor, the primaries trail, and their campaign Web sites, the 2008 presidential candidates differ substantially in their views on "reproductive freedom."

Why Kissinger Should Support Obama

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove assesses the differences between the foreign policy of John McCain and Barack Obama. Fullilove argues that a President Obama would maintain the return to realism that has been seen as the second Bush administration comes to a close.

Taxes under Obama and McCain

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

William Gale and Benjamin Harris discuss the tax proposals set forth by the presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.

The U.S. Elections: How Americans Will Vote

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 29, 2008, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

On October 29, the Brookings Doha Center hosted its first videoconference policy discussion, bringing together Dr. Thomas Mann and Dr. Jerry Leach. The discussion included details about what made this election unique, some of the key differences between the candidates, and what the proposed policies could mean for the future of the Middle East. Hady Amr moderated the discussion.

Early Voters Deluge States

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Well over ten million people have already cast their ballots for this November’s much-anticipated presidential election, marking a dramatic change in how Americans vote. Michael McDonald writes that Barack Obama’s campaign has successfully turned out supporters in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. In Georgia, for instance, more people have voted early for 2008 than all who voted early there in 2004.

Smart Aid and Accelerated Growth: What an Obama Victory Can Mean for Africa

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a speech delivered before the Department of Political Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria prior to the U.S. presidential election, Richard Joseph reflects on what a win by Barack Obama could mean for Africa, with regard to aid and smart growth.

Hope or Glory? The Presidential Election and U.S. Foreign Policy

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The contest between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States is being followed intently around the world. Michael Fullilove examines the foreign policy differences between the two candidates and explores how international perceptions of the U.S. may shift following the election.

Picking the U.S. Winner: A Question of Hope or Glory

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove analyzes the foreign policy stances of Senator’s John McCain and Barack Obama in relation to Australia's interests throughout the world.

The U.S. Presidential Election: Observations from the Outside Looking In

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

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

On October 23, the Brookings Institution will host a panel discussion on the U.S. presidential election featuring the observations of political analysts from around the world. Along with their analysis of the election in the closing weeks of the campaign, the discussion will feature the perspectives from Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Why Do Terrorists Love To Strike Around Elections?

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Benjamin analyzes the trend for jihadists to act in the run-up to or months following an election. Benjamin argues that organizations like al-Qaeda want to leave their fingerprints on big historical events, because they want to be seen as a central player in determining the outcome.

Demographic Keys to the 2008 Election

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 20, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 20, Brookings hosted a discussion of the key demographic trends that are decisively reshaping the political landscape of the United States and their impact on the 2008 election. A new book from Brookings Press, Red, Blue and Purple America: The Future of Election Demographics (2008), edited by Brookings Visiting Fellow Ruy Teixeira, puts these trends in context.

Issues, Ideology, Gender and Race in the 2008 Election

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 17, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

A troubled economy, an unpopular president and a costly war are among the issues shaping the presidential race—but what about other factors, such as race, gender and the ideological extremes of each party's base? Brookings expert Thomas Mann and Princeton University's Larry Bartels led an Opportunity 08 panel discussion on the fundamentals of the presidential contest.

The Waning Days of the 2008 Presidential Election

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:13:12 GMT

Thomas Mann says that, with the presidential debates and months of campaigning behind us, the electorate has largely made their decision. In the waning days before the election, Mann suggests that the candidates should focus on mobilizing voters and underscoring the messages.

Energy and the Environment: National Security Implications

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For decades, energy has been an economic and national security flash point; and more recently scientists have warned of catastrophic climate change. Today, both presidential candidates list energy security and climate change as top priorities. In an interview with Politico’s David Mark, William Antholis described some energy security worse case scenarios, discussed where the candidates agree and disagree, and also where both are silent.

What the Presidential Candidates Aren’t Talking About

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 14, 2008, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Opportunity 08 hosted a discussion to examine some of the important policy concerns that the candidates and the debates have left unexamined. The discussion included such critical issues as education, immigration, North Korea’s nuclear program and U.S. relations with China.

Our Enemies are Watching the Presidential Election

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr and Ariel Kastner write that many throughout the world are watching the U.S. presidential election, including enemies like al-Qaeda. Rather than succumbing to fear, Amr and Kastner believe the U.S. must end torture, close Guantanamo Bay, and engage allies in order to drain the swamp from which al-Qaeda attracts its members.

The Political Geography of Virginia and Florida: Bookends of the New South

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this analysis of what they term “the battleground states,” William Frey and Ruy Teixeira crunch the demographic and voting numbers to determine which voters will decide the 2008 presidential contest in Virginia and Florida.

The Political Geography of Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri: Battlegrounds in the Heartland

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Political Geography of America’s Purple States: Five Trends That Will Decide the 2008 Election

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 10, 2008, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

A briefing on a new series of reports on the political demography of "purple" states in the 2008 election. Authors William Frey and Ruy Teixeira highlighted the political and demographic trends in the 10 battleground states: Virginia, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

A Small-town or Metro Nation?

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jennifer Bradley and Bruce Katz examine the notion that America is still nation of small towns. Taking cues from Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin about her hometown of Wasilla, Bradley and Katz's metro area analysis shows that even so-called “small towns” like Wasilla are in fact part of larger metro areas, like Anchorage that contribute greatly to their state’s economy.

Obama, McCain Camps Impact on Taiwan

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Liu Shih-Chung analyzes the similarities and differences between the Taiwan policies of John McCain and Barack Obama.

Debate Casts No Change

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the past week, Barack Obama made substantial gains in both national surveys and the key battleground states. Surveys indicated that Obama had bested McCain in the first presidential debate. Rather than reversing the impression Obama made in the first debate, he reinforced it, writes William Galston. McCain talked extensively about his own experience but did not make a strong case that Obama lacked the experience to be president. The town hall format made it more difficult for McCain to mount a sustained attack against Obama. As a result, Obama is one step closer to the presidency.

After the Vice Presidential Debate

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:57:42 GMT

The vice presidential face-off is behind us, but two more presidential debates lie ahead. Brookings presidential expert Stephen Hess says that televised debates are entertainment, providing voters a glimpse into the candidates’ demeanor, but little of their substance. Governor Sarah Palin showed viewers that she could stay in the ring with Senator Joe Biden, but it wasn't a changer in the race.

What the Candidates Said During the Foreign Policy Debate

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Washington Post asked a group of foreign affairs analysts and other experts for their take on what the candidates should discuss in the first presidential debate. Following the debate, these experts discussed what was actually said. Brookings Senior Fellows Stephen Cohen and Michael O'Hanlon offered their thoughts.

McCain and Obama Face Off

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In their first presidential debate, Barack Obama placed an economic jab and John McCain swung back with foreign policy savvy. Darrell West writes that "with no gaffes on either side, no knockout punches, and no memorable lines, the debate did not alter a political landscape that has grown more favorable to Barack Obama this month."

The Debate on Foreign Policy We Want to Hear

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Washington Post asked a group of foreign affairs analysts and other experts for their take on what the candidates should discuss in the first presidential debate. Brookings Senior Fellows Stephen Cohen and Michael O'Hanlon offered their thoughts.

Keeping North Korea in Mind

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon writes that Korea has been the forgotten nuclear crisis, but the presidential candidates need to talk about—and show understanding of—the issues. O'Hanlon believes North Korea should be offered a roadmap to much improved economic and political relations if it gives up nuclear weapons and makes gradual reforms in its conventional military, its economy and its human rights behavior.

Election Fundamentals: The Economy, the War and the President

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 26, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The Opportunity 08 project at Brookings, in partnership with the Center for the Study of Democratic Politics at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, examined key questions about American electoral politics in the 2008 campaign.

“Change” or Plus Ça Change…? Pondering Presidential Politics and Policy after Bush

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

President-elect Obama faces daunting challenges when he assumes office in January. Pietro Nivola and Charles O. Jones examine these and the probable policy outcomes, at home and abroad, of an Obama presidency.

The Election of the Century

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The impending presidential election may be the election of a century, writes Michael McDonald. Record primary voting, floods of new registrations, more small campaign donors and highly rated political conventions show that people are intensely interested in the upcoming election. However, will we have a record voter turnout?

The Age of Photo Op Politics

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 18, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

In Picture Perfect: Life in the Age of the Photo Op (Princeton University Press, 2008), Kiku Adatto explored the expressions and problems of America’s photo op culture. William Galston moderated a discussion with Diana Walker, photojournalist and photographer for Time magazine; Gloria Borger, CNN senior political analyst and political columnist with U.S. News & World Report; and Bill Kovach, former Washington bureau chief of The New York Times and senior counselor for the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism.

2008 Campaign Attack Ads Hit an All-Time Low

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Negative attacks are as American as apple pie, writes Darrell West. However, the 2008 presidential campaign has reached all-time lows in the use of misleading and inaccurate political appeals. As a result, voters need to pay serious attention to the facts in order to make a wise choice.

Obama's Foreign Policy Options

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Philip Gordon assesses Barack Obama's foreign policy options should he be elected president in November. Gordon believes that the world today is more dangerous than it was 8 years ago, and that Obama offers not just an opportunity for change, but for strategic intellectual coherence.

The American Electorate in 2008

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

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

As the presidential campaign enters its final phase, it’s clear that political polarization remains strong in the United States. But is polarization increasing? And will it change the electoral map? On September 12, the Opportunity 08 project, in partnership with the Center for the Study of Democratic Politics at Princeton University, hosted a panel discussion on how partisan politics will affect the 2008 election.

Testing the Candidates on Foreign Policy

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon believes that both the Republicans and Democrats had good conventions. Now, he states, the candidates need to share more thoughts on critical foreign policy matters like energy security and describe how they will address difficult diplomatic issues so that voters can better draw conclusions.

Restore Civility to the Selection of Federal Judges

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hot-button social topics often dominate voters' views of where presidential candidates stand on judicial appointments. Plus, as in much of U.S. politics, the process of getting judges on the bench has become cantankerous and divided. Russell Wheeler says that the next president should try to work with the Senate to restore civility.

Pakistan: Asif Zardari's Moment, And America's

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Riedel writes that the election of Asif Zardari as president of Pakistan creates an opportunity for the U.S. to rethink its policy toward that nation and the surrounding region. Riedel argues that Zardari may be Pakistan’s last best hope to build a free and stable country and that, given those circumstances, the United States should offer the new Pakistani government both increased economic aid and other means of support during the period of political transition.

The McCain Paradox

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, Republicans wrapped up their convention in St. Paul, Minnesota with John McCain’s acceptance speech. He delivered an honorable but paradoxical acceptance speech, writes William Galston, pledging to end bipartisanship rancor in Washington while allowing his campaign to choreograph a convention filled with highly charged personal attacks against the Democratic nominee.