Brookings: Topics - Politics

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.

The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Economic Recovery and a New Government in Lebanon

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tarik Yousef and the Middle East Youth Initiative speak with Jad Chaaban about recent economic and political developments in Lebanon, where Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri ended months of negotiations by announcing a new unity cabinet earlier this week. With impressive overall growth projected for 2009, Lebanon’s economy may emerge stronger from the global crisis if the new government can agree on needed reforms.

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.

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.

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.

Obama's Kenya: A Potential Political Minefield

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On October 26 Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, announced that the U.S. was revoking the visa of a top Kenyan official because of his role in blocking reforms in the country. Mwangi Kimenyi discusses this approach and urges that the focus should be on overhauling institutions, not targeting individuals.

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.

Polarized Post-Partisan Politics? (Or Just Politics?)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Post-partisan politics is seen as providing a cure for whatever currently ails American politics. Charles Jones explores post-partisanship and the various forms of partisanship that currently exist in Washington. Although conventional wisdom tells us that we must move beyond partisanship, Jones concludes that partisanship continues to serve as the basis for the workings of American politics. Simply put, partisanship is the way lawmaking works in representative government.

Three Keys to Understanding Japan’s New Diplomacy

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The election of the new DPJ government is thought by many to herald a new approach to foreign policy in Tokyo. Former CNAPS Visiting Fellow Keiko Iizuka identifies and explains three keys to help understand the diplomacy that the Hatoyama government will conduct.

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.

Obama’s China Trip: Forging Middle Class Ties

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Prior to President Obama's visit to Beijing in November, Cheng Li and Jordan Lee wrote that the president should recognize that China is becoming a middle class country like the United States. Li and Lee believe focusing on China’s middle class may be a way to find more common ground in U.S.-China relations that will become more important as time goes on.

Taiwan: The DPP’s Future Lies in Itself, Not in the KMT

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) recent landslide victory in Yunlin County’s legislative by-election has several implications for Taiwanese politics, writes Shih-chung Liu. He argues that while the victory is significant, a strengthened policy of reaching out to the world community and refining the party’s policies on future cross-strait and international relations is of utmost importance.

Iran Sanctions: Who Really Wins?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iranian officials agreed in principle with the United States and five other international powers in Geneva to export their uranium enrichment program in exchange for a halt in UN sanctions action. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani argues that sanctions would be the wrong choice anyway. Existing sanctions have had no discernible effect on Iran's nuclear policy, and harsher sanctions may actually strengthen President Ahmadinejad's populist control of the economy.

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.

U.S. and the G-20 Summit: Perspectives on Global Leadership

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Pittsburgh G-20 Summit was a significant milestone for President Obama's leadership role in the international community. Colin Bradford reflects on what the Summit meant for the United States and how it was shaped by the president's involvement.

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.

Was Irving Kristol a Neoconservative?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Irving Kristol, regarded by many as the "godfather" of neoconservativism, passed away on September 18 at the age of 89. Justin Vaïsse examines the history of the movement and explains why Kristol was not a neocon in the modern sense of the word – partly because of Kristol’s consistently realist foreign policy approach.

Courting Disaster in Honduras

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When the deposed president of Honduras, Manual Zelaya, returned to Tequcigalpa this week, he dramatically altered the ongoing political crisis in the country, writes Kevin Casas-Zamora. Casas-Zamora believes this new development makes reaching a political settlement more difficult, and says negotiated solutions should be expanded so that the November elections can be carried out as scheduled.

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.

China on the Road to Prosperity

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

60 years after its founding, the People's Republic of China has achieved significant progress toward becoming a major and global power. Nonresident Senior Fellow David Shambaugh examines the contours of the nation's economic, social, political, and military development and considers some of the implications for China and the world.

Are Obama's Czars Un-American?

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The current controversy over the number of "czars" in the Obama administration enjoys the rare distinction of being a political fight in Washington that everybody wants to have. However, Stephen Hess is confounded by the controversy since presidents have always had close advisers with powerful portfolios who did not require Senate confirmation.

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.

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?

America's Top Political Dynasty?

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The United States Constitution states that "no title of nobility shall be granted by the United States," yet it seems political nobility is as American as apple pie, writes Stephen Hess. In developing a robust ranking of the country’s most prominent political families, Hess tracks the constant shift in America’s long history of dynastic politics.

De l'infériorité des régimes démocratiques dans la conduite des affaires extérieures : une relecture contemporaine de Tocqueville

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaïsse challenges Tocqueville's judgment that "Foreign policy demands scarcely any of those qualities which are peculiar to a democracy; they require, on the contrary, the use of almost all those in which it is deficient." But Tocqueville himself, Vaisse points out, had identified some of the strengths that explained the success of democracies in the past century. And contrary to Tocqueville, who feared the tyranny of the majority and the feckless character of the people being imposed to a weak president, Vaïsse points out that the major dangers for democracies reside in the tyranny of minorities and the excessive reach of the Executive branch.

Should Democrats Worry About President Obama’s Declining Approval Ratings?

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although President Obama’s approval ratings are declining, there is nothing inexorable about this drop or the larger swing against him among Independents, writes Thomas Mann. However, if the economic downturn persists a year from now and President Obama’s approval ratings have sunk well below 50 percent, Mann predicts, Democrats are likely to lose 20 or more seats in the House and a few in the Senate.

Senator Kennedy's Legacy and Impact

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:28:15 GMT

Senator Edward Kennedy served in the U.S. Senate for nearly 50 years and left behind a legacy of service and commitment. Senior Fellow Emeritus Stephen Hess observes that Kennedy was one of the most noted figures in the U.S. Senate and will likely be the last member of his family to leave such an indelible mark on politics.

One Party, Two Coalitions in China’s Politics

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

China has been the fastest growing major economy for the last two decades and its future prospects are bright, but China’s political future is less clear according to Cheng Li. He writes that even though the Chinese Communist Party will continue to hold power for the near-term, it is unlikely they will remain as dominant in the future.

China’s New Think Tanks

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Chinese think tanks begin to acquire qualities that have long described their peers in other countries, business leaders from major state-owned companies private companies now play a crucial role in the management. Cheng Li takes a close look at the formation of prominent think tanks in the country and adds new analysis to the long-standing and complicated relationship between power, wealth and knowledge.

Congress Takes Health Care Reform Home

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:40:09 GMT

Back in their states and districts for the summer recess, Members of Congress are hearing from their constituents on health care reform legislation. Sarah Binder says trying to pass a health care reform bill is a gamble for legislators, who fear they could lose votes in the 2010 election if the bill is perceived as too costly.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI: 10 Years and Counting

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On July 30, notables from all corners of Morocco gathered at the Royal Palace in Tangier to celebrate the tenth anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascendance to the throne. Maati Monjib and James Liddell investigate what has changed in the country since King Mohammed first took power with a commitment to an open and democratically ruled society.

Advice and Consent During the Bush Years: The Politics of Confirming Federal Judges

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The judicial appointment process – for both the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts – has been increasingly characterized by senatorial foot-dragging, declining confirmation rates, and protestations by both political parties. Sarah Binder and Forrest Maltzman explore the politics of judicial selection, focusing on partisan, institutional, and temporal forces that shape the fate of presidential appointments to the federal trial and appellate courts. Analyzing historical patterns from over the past 60 years, they find that the polarization of advice and consent worsened over the Bush years, but was broadly consistent with the deterioration of judicial selection over the past several decades.

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.

How Egypt’s Changing Media Landscape is Influencing Domestic Politics

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 28, 2009, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

On July 28, the Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World was pleased to host Ford Foundation Visiting Fellow Mirette Mabrouk in a discussion about the changing landscape of Arab media and its effect on Egypt’s domestic politics.

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.

Ghana: Obama Visits a Hopeful Nation on a Troubled Continent

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ghanaians welcomed President Obama’s visit in July, making it the only African stop after his European trip. Ghana, regarded as a “beacon of democracy” in Africa, still has room for growth with 40 percent of its people living in poverty. Richard Joseph argues that Ghana could lead a new wave of accelerated and sustainable development and that Obama's support could inspire a transformation across the continent.

Preserving Our Institutions: The Continuity of the Presidency

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new report by the AEI-Brookings Continuity of Government Commission examines vulnerabilities in the U.S. presidential succession. It has long been assumed that prospects for a smooth transfer of presidential power in the event of a terrorist attack are assured, as there is already a clear line of succession to the nation's highest office. However, as the report's authors point out, the existing presidential succession could be rendered useless by a catastrophic attack because everyone in line to succeed the president lives and works in Washington, D.C.

Islam, Jihadism, and Depoliticization in France and Germany

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pressures from within, Islam, and without, globalization and European integration, have made Germans and the French feel apprehensive about their national identity and culture. Anouar Boukhard analyzes the challenges both nations face today: defining what kinds of values are essential for their countries’ secular model of society and what kinds are negotiable.

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.

Crisis in Honduras

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The June 28 military ousting of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya capped weeks of tension brought about by his attempt to amend the constitution to enable reelection. Kevin Casas-Zamora says this coup is a step backward for democracy in Latin America and he urges the United States to both pay close attention to the situation and to show friends and foes in the hemisphere that Washington sides with democracy.

Misreading Tehran

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the wake of post-election unrest in Iran, Suzanne Maloney writes that many of America’s Iran watchers failed in their assessments. She says to make sure we aren’t caught by surprise with Tehran’s politics again we need to understand the deep republican streak of the Iranian people—and the lengths to which their leaders will go to stifle it.

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 Political Crisis in Georgia: Prospects for Resolution

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:15:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 17, 2009, 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM

On June 17, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings will host Irakli Alasania, former Georgian permanent representative to the United Nations and currently the head of the Alliance for Georgia opposition group, for a discussion on the political crisis in Georgia and the prospects for resolution.

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.

What to Read on Iranian Politics

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney examines Iran’s internal and international relations by offering an annotated syllabus on Iranian politics. Focusing on serious analysis, Maloney offers suggestions ranging from the formation of the Islamic Republic to the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

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.

Obama’s Cairo Speech: A New Foreign Policy Agenda

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:18:52 GMT

President Obama’s address to the Muslim world was largely well received by the Islamic community, the public and world leaders. William Galston says the speech covered many issues but hard work must follow the president’s eloquent words.

A New Beginning: President Obama’s Cairo Speech

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The explicit theme of President Obama’s speech in Cairo, was "A New Beginning," writes William Galston. President Obama has wagered his presidency on the premise that the U.S. have entered new chapter. If he is right, he will be a transformative president of historic stature.

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.

Obama’s Challenge in Cairo

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As President Obama prepared for his historic speech in Cairo, he faced a dual challenge–not only to redefine the troubled relations between the U.S. and the Muslim world, but also to clarify the place of democracy and human rights in his administration's foreign policy. Brookings expert William Galston previewed Obama’s major address.

Will the Singh Government Transform India Into a Modern Economy?

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As Manmohan Singh begins his second term as India's Prime Minister, many challenges lay ahead. Arvind Panagariya recommends that to push vital economic reforms ahead, Mr. Singh's government must focus on both the business and rural sectors.

How Obama Divides—and Conquers

Sat, 16 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove writes that President Obama has gotten off to a remarkably sure-footed start on foreign policy, while confusing both his foreign and domestic opponents. Fullilove examines and debunks the conservative arguments that have surfaced against Obama during his first months in office.

Global Economic Crisis: Prosperity and Politics in Lebanon

Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Navtej Dhillon speaks with Jad Chaaban, author of “The Costs of Youth Exclusion in the Middle East,” about the resilience of Lebanon’s economy during the global recession. With elections approaching, policymakers must protect recent fiscal gains, avoid debt increases, and ensure diverse jobs are available for Lebanon’s youthful electorate. An edited transcript follows.

The Best Judges Obama Can't Pick

Sun, 03 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As President Obama considers his pick to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter, several supporters insist on getting more diversity on the bench. As Benjamin Wittes cautions, Democrats have less latitude for bucking these expectations in judicial nominations than Republicans do, as the conservative talent pool on the federal courts is larger and deeper than the liberal one.

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.

Does the 100 Day Presidential Benchmark Matter?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:18:51 GMT

Brookings presidential scholar Stephen Hess discusses the relevance of the 100-day benchmark moment to gauging a president's ability to fit the shoes and the office of his many notable predecessors. The comparisons, he notes, are not easy to make.

From Campaigning to Governing: Politics and Policymaking in the New Obama Administration

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Since taking the oath of office, President Barack Obama has faced a daunting set of immediate policy challenges and has had high expectations for significant changes in politics and policymaking. Nearing President Obama's first hundred days in office, Thomas Mann assesses his achievements and setbacks in a lecture given to the University of Melbourne Law School.

Truth and Reconciliation: Sidestepping the Filibuster

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama and most Democrats in Congress hope to include health and education reform in reconciliation instructions as part of the budget process. Republicans are outraged by what they argue is an egregious partisan power grab, one that tramples on Senate rules permitting extended debate and amendment. Thomas Mann, Norman Ornstein and Molly Reynolds examine the use of reconciliation bills in Congress and say that it is perfectly reasonable for Democrats to use the process.

The Future of President Obama's Agenda

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although many commentators believe that President Obama will be forced, or at least well advised, to focus his agenda on the economy, President Obama has wagered his presidency on the proposition that the U.S. budget and political system can simultaneously absorb an economic stimulus, bail-outs of financial institutions, the housing sector and the automobile industry, and a social-democratic programme not seen since the days of Lyndon B. Johnson writes William Galston.

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.

The Healthy Americans Act is No Laughing Matter

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Of all the major items on President Obama's agenda, health reform has the best chance of passage during the current Congress, writes William Galston. Yet, the strategic question before Congress is whether health reform will proceed on a bipartisan or Democrats-only basis.

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.

Center-Left America?

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pietro Nivola examines public attitudes toward the economic crisis, health care, the environment, immigration and foreign affairs. He argues that Americans appear to have tilted toward the Democrats only on some matters and that much of the public remains divided or doubtful about the capacity of government to meet the nation’s greatest challenges.

India's Political Economy: High Growth, Low Votes

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Political parties in India who have delivered high economic growth have lost elections in the past. Arvind Panagariya discusses how the state of the economy impacts voting behaviour in the country.

The G-20 London Summit 2009

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leaders of the Group of 20 (G-20) countries met in London on April 2 for their second summit on the global financial crisis. In a new set of articles, Brookings experts addressed the critical issues for policy-makers and offered guidelines for more effective global coordination.

The Logic of Authoritarian Bargains

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How do authoritarian regimes stay in power? Scholars Raj Desai and Tarik Yousef, of Brookings, and Georgetown University professor Anders Olofsgård discuss the logic of authoritarian bargains in the March 2009 issue of Economics and Politics.

A Cap And Trade Calamity?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A strong cap-and-trade program seems unlikely to pass given the economic downturn, writes William Galston. Since a majority of Americans say economic growth should be given the priority and Midwestern states depend more heavily on coal-fired power plants, President Obama’s options for cap-and-trade legislation are limited.

The End of Bipartisanship for Obama's Big Initiatives?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration is considering seeking passage of its health reform and climate change initiatives with a legislative strategy that would require only 51 senators to vote yes, rather than the usual 60 of 100. Sarah Binder joined a featured discussion in the Washington Post to discuss her views on amending the majority rule in the Senate.

Earmark Reform

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama promised to change how Washington works but the omnibus spending bill he just signed contained more than eight thousand earmarks. Thomas Mann joined Norman Ornstein and Melanie Sloan on the Diane Rehm Show to look at how members of congress set aside money for projects in their districts and how the new administration hopes to reform the process.

Put Earmarks in Perspective

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The $410 billion omnibus spending bill has about 9,000 earmarks, constituting less than one percent of the federal budget. Thomas Mann argues that abolishing earmarks would have a trivial effect on the level of spending and budget deficits. Instead, he says attention needs to be placed on the critical decisions that we face in the months and years ahead, including making sure new funds are expended in the most responsible way possible.

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.

The Chinese Growth Experience: A Golden Tapestry

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a book review of "China’s Great Economic Transformation," edited by Loren Brandt and Thomas Rawski, Eswar Prasad focuses on critical questions about China's growth rates in recent years, including whether China has changed the laws of economics.

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.

Assurance to the Nation: Obama Delivers First Address to Congress

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With an unflinching speech, President Obama went before Congress Tuesday night with ambitious plans to rebuild the weakening economy and achieve goals ranging from energy diversification and emission reductions to health care and education reform. William Galston writes that public reaction is likely to be favorable in the short term. But his bolds words may end up producing more doubt than hope if the president’s reach exceeds his grasp.

The Scouting Report: Obama's Speech to Congress

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 25, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

The stakes are high as President Obama makes his first address to a joint session of Congress, with the nation looking for leadership at a time of tremendous economic uncertainty. Brookings expert Bill Galston and Politico Senior Editor Fred Barbash conducted a live web chat to assess the impact of the speech.

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.

Hugo Chavez: A Lame Duck no More

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Having just celebrated his first decade in power to the tune of a national holiday, Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez is here to stay, writes Kevin Casas-Zamora. Though Chavez remains a formidable tactician and a better-than-average strategist, Casas-Zamora notes there are obstacles ahead like oil prices that have plummeted, crime, and an anti-Chavez opposition that is less marginalized than in the past.

China’s Team of Rivals

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A financial meltdown in China promises to test the Communist Party’s power in ways not seen since Tiananmen. But theirs is a house divided, as princelings take on populists and Pekinologists try to make sense of it all. Will this team built for economic success implode once the money dries up? Cheng Li explores these issues and more.

Oil, Globalization, and Political Reform in the Middle East

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this U.S.-Islamic World Forum discussion paper, Shibley Telhami, Ben Smith, Michael Ross and Steven Heydemann explore issues of governance reform in the Middle East. Their comments and essays provide insights into the slow reform efforts and move the discourse away from the distorted emphasis on religion and culture.

A Decade of Hugo Chávez

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora examines Venezuela after 10 years of Hugo Chávez. Casas-Zamora argues that Venezuela remains under-developed even by Latin America standards and that recent history can show how perils may beset unjust democracies.

Barack Obama: President of the World

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama's personal experience of globalization makes him a very different American leader compared to those of the past, writes Michael Fullilove.

Du bon usage d’Obama en politique française

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse draws on the lessons of the election of Barack Obama – the first African-American president of the U.S. – for France, where very few black or Arab candidates emerge. To the extent the two countries can be compared, particular attention is given to the role of minority districts in the U.S. in fostering a more diverse body of politicians in the last four decades. Such districts don't exist in metropolitan France, but the French political system can easily improve its record by imposing a reform of the initial selection of candidates by the main political parties. (French)

Corruption and the Global Financial Crisis

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As the Obama administration announces new rules for lobbyists, particularly focused on stimulus funds, Brookings expert Daniel Kaufmann examines the role that corruption and influence have played in the global financial crisis, and suggests ways policymakers should address these issues in future regulation.

Obama: la storia passa da qui

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Federiga Bindi offers comments and personal observations from a European and Italian point of view on the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44th president of the United States and his inaugural address.

The Scouting Report: A New Presidency Begins

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 21, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

On Wednesday, January 21, Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies, offered his analysis of President Obama’s inaugural speech in Brookings’s weekly web chat with Politico.com. West also discussed the political situation facing the new president and answered questions from participants in a live chat.

Obama’s Biggest Speech Yet

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A president's inaugural address provides the incoming U.S. leader with an opportunity to lay out his ideas, plans and governing approach before the American people and the world. Michael Fullilove presents lessons from history for President Obama and his speechwriters about the relationship between presidential language and the president's future policies.

What Now? The Inauguration

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Filled with symbol and ceremony, the whole world will be watching as never before. Stephen Hess discusses how former presidents have chosen music, poetry, representatives of the clergy and family bibles to set the scene.

Did the 110th Congress Mend the Broken Branch? What to Expect in the 111th Congress

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 08, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

When the 111th Congress convenes it will turn first to internal issues—including a disputed Illinois Senate seat and proposed rule changes in the House of Representatives. On January 8, Sarah Binder and Thomas Mann, with AEI’s Norman Ornstein, offered recommendations on how the new Congress may strengthen what they have called "the broken branch." They also critiqued whether the Democratic-majority 110th Congress achieved their objectives in mending the institution.

Néoconservateurs américains : Le Monde fait du néo-n'importe quoi

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse explains the difference between various families of conservatism, especially as they relate to international affairs, and stresses the importance of clearly defining what neoconservatism is to measure its impact on American foreign policy. (French)

Reagan to Bush: Brookings and the 1988-89 Presidential Transition

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Even though the 1988 presidential transition featured a handover from a two-term president (Ronald Reagan) to his own vice president (George H.W. Bush), experts at Brookings recognized that even an intra-party transition between political allies suffered from a lack of communication between outgoing presidential aides and their counterparts in the new administration.

What Now? Your Speechwriters

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Will the soaring rhetoric of President-elect Obama's campaign speeches translate to the White House, where he has named 26-year-old wordsmith Jon Favreau to head his speechwriting staff? Former Eisenhower speechwriter and longtime presidential aide Stephen Hess discusses the role of the speechwriter in delivering the chief executive's vision to the people.

What Now? Your Congressional Relations Chief

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

President-elect Obama has chosen Phil Schiliro, a veteran of the Senate and House of Representatives, to be his liaison to Capitol Hill. Stephen Hess, author of What Do We Do Now?, says that Schiliro’s long congressional experience and low profile have been hallmarks of success for his predecessors.

Carter to Ford: Brookings and the 1976-77 Presidential Transition

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When President-elect Jimmy Carter took office in the 1976-77 transition, he reached out to Brookings scholars for help on both domestic and foreign affairs, as well as advice on how to structure his White House staff.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: Military and Political Influence in Today's Iran

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 18, 2008, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

The fifth session of the Iran Working Group, jointly organized by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy and the United States Institute of Peace, was held on November 13, 2008, at the Brookings Institution. The featured speakers were Dr. Michael Connell, director of Project Iran at the Center for Naval Analyses, and Dr. Kenneth Katzman, specialist in Middle East Affairs at the Congressional Research Service and author of The Warriors of Islam: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

What Now? Picking Your Press Secretary

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many new presidents pick their campaign spokesperson to handle the White House press corps. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, as Stephen Hess advises in this installment of What Do We Do Now?.

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.

Johnson to Nixon: Brookings and the 1968-69 Presidential Transition

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In 1968, the nation was devastated by the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., and a divisive three-way battle for the presidency raged. Brookings scholars trained their sights on solving contentious domestic issues.