UPCOMING EVENT
Thursday, February 16, 2012
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Washington, DC
In a recent and controversial court ruling, President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal—a nation long considered a leader in African democracy—received approval to pursue re-election for a third term in office despite a constitutional two-term limit. The decision has sparked public unrest leading up to the presidential election on February 26. On February 16, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings will host a discussion on Senegal’s elections and their implications for democracy, economic growth and regional stability. Read More
UPCOMING EVENT
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Washington, DC
Mobile technology is playing an increasing role in U.S. politics. A 2010 study from the Pew Research Center found that 26 percent of Americans used their cell phones to learn about or participate in the 2010 mid-term elections. On February 14, the Center for Technology Innovation at Brookings will host a forum as part of the mobile economy project examining how mobile technology is being used to engage voters, raise money, deliver candidate messages, and help reporters cover campaigns, both in the United States and around the globe. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Mwangi S. Kimenyi, Julius Agbor, Olumide Taiwo, Anne W. Kamau, Zenia Lewis, Jessica Smith, Witney Schneidman and Abdoulaye Diagne, February 10, 2012, The Brookings Institution
On February 26, Senegal will hold its presidential elections amid growing controversy surrounding President Abdoulaye Wade's reelection bid. Africa Growth Initiative experts and colleagues dissect the political climate throughout Senegal, including the country's external relationships, the youth vote, prospects for democracy, and possible post-election outcomes. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Gwenn Okruhlik, February 08, 2012, Foreign Policy
After the February 2 parliamentary elections in Kuwait, which empowered a loose Islamist-tribal coalition of opposition candidates, political upheaval may continue in the country during the upcoming months. Gwenn Okruhlik examines political and ideological tensions surrounding the election and offers several insights into the future of Kuwaiti parliamentary politics. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Thomas E. Mann, February 07, 2012, The Brookings Institution
President Obama’s reelection committee announced that the president would no longer discourage supporters from contributing to independent spending only political action committees (super PACs). Thomas Mann examines the reversal, arguing that this change was inevitable due to the current state of politics and the upcoming presidential campaign. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Shadi Hamid, February 07, 2012, The Brookings Institution
As protests against the military continue in Egypt, Shadi Hamid examines how the relationship between the Egyptian and U.S. governments has changed in the year since Hosni Mubarak lost power, arguing that the military is increasing anti-American sentiment to build popular support. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Audrey Singer, February 01, 2012, The Brookings Institution
On Wednesday, February 1, Audrey Singer took your questions on U.S. immigration trends and the 2012 presidential election during a live web chat moderated by POLITICO. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
William Partlett, February 01, 2012, The Brookings Institution
William Partlett discusses the Russian opposition's upcoming march for honest elections and examines why the movement's demands for clean parliamentary elections and the defeat of Vladmir Putin are insufficient. Partlett argues that real change can only be accomplished by reforming Russia's authoritarian constitutional system. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Marvin Kalb, January 31, 2012, The Brookings Institution
Russian protesters will take to the streets on February 4 for the third demonstration against Vladimir Putin’s government in advance of the March presidential election. Marvin Kalb assesses the protests' effect on Russian politics, arguing that while Putin may be growing weaker, he is still strong enough to retain power. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
William A. Galston, January 30, 2012, The New Republic
William Galston writes about Mitt Romney's strength as a presidential candidate as compared to Newt Gingrich, examining how Romney's campaign strategy, new poll numbers and glum economic predictions for 2012 may impact President Obama’s reelection chances. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
MacKenzie Eaglen, Rebecca Grant, Robert P. Haffa, Michael E. O'Hanlon, Peter W. Singer, Martin Sullivan and Barry Watts, January 26, 2012, The Brookings Institution
The 21st Century Defense Initiative National Security Working Group outlines key issues in defense industrial policy, writing that policymakers must consider such issues as U.S. budgetary challenges, the success and challenges of the defense economy, changing military demands, and the erosion of American manufacturing over the last several decades. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
William A. Galston, January 24, 2012, The New Republic
William Galston highlights what President Obama will likely address during the State of the Union and suggests how the president should position himself in an election year. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Martin S. Indyk, January 23, 2012, The Brookings Institution
Martin Indyk writes on his January 2012 trip to Cairo, where he met with and observed diverse cross-sections of Egypt’s new political landscape. According to Indyk, free elections and dire circumstances have quickly generated a surprising pragmatism among Egypt's newly empowered political actors. At a time of supposed decline in American influence in the Middle East, the Obama administration has new possibilities in a democratic Egypt. Read More
PAST EVENT
Thursday, January 19, 2012
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Washington, DC
On January 19, the Brookings Institution launched Campaign 2012, a new project that will identify and address the 12 most critical issues facing the next president. Campaign 2012 will provide recommendations from Brookings experts on the pressing policy challenges facing America in a series of forums over the coming months. Speakers at the first event addressed the nation's struggles with high unemployment and record federal budget deficits. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Ron Haskins, January 19, 2012, The Brookings Institution
Ron Haskins argues that the greatest challenge facing the next president is addressing the deficit, and neither President Obama nor any GOP challenger has put forth a useful compromise. Haskins says the next president must negotiate with Congress to reform both entitlement programs and the federal budget process. Read More