Policy Pulse (May 20, 2021)
The most compelling new think tank reports delivered in a timely update.
Welcome to our first edition of the Policy Pulse - a breakdown summary of some of the most compelling recent reports to come out of think tanks from around the world. Special thanks to the analysts at The PolicyFide for producing this breakdown.
Populism, China, and Covid-19: Latin America’s New Perfect Storm
Is Latin America entering a “profound, negative transformation”? A new CSIS report by R. Evan Ellis describes a region tottering closer toward the brink, its turbulence fueled by the joint forces of resurgent populism, the multidimensional fallout of COVID-19 and the illiberal economic influence of China. The paper discusses the evolution of populism and how it has shifted roles during the pandemic. To see a new side of Chinese influence in the region and to better understand how populist regimes are capitalizing on the chaos of the current political moment, read this paper.
The Institutional Structure of New Turkey
A recent strategy paper by FPRI explores the institutional structure of Turkey, looking at the role and dynamics of political parties in the transition from ‘Old Turkey’ to ‘New Turkey’. The report traces the leadership styles and the response of state and non-state actors alike toward the state structures and the growth of bureaucratic oligarchy and the executive presidency. It also argues that new Turkish notions of sovereignty, based on realism and right-wing nationalism, are representative of a broader trend that is observable across a variety of nation states, and that Turkey is at the forefront of this wave of ‘sovereignty revisionism’. This is an essential report for those interested in changing ideologies and governance.
U.S. Leadership Needed to Improve Maritime Security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov
In Eurasia, tensions are on the rise as the Ukraine crisis deepens and military buildup continues unabated along the Russian border. To the south, the US and Russia are witnessing a crucial point of a confrontation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. In rhetoric echoing US policy pronouncements on the South China Sea, a new paper from Hudson calls for the Washington to revise its strategy in the region to promote a “sovereign, secure and self-governing Black Sea”. Authors Coffey and Sadler focus on the geostrategic importance of the seas, describing how internal disagreements among NATO allies have obstructed a coordinated response to Russian aggression. Both academics believe the US needs to “out-of-the-box thinking” to shore up its influence in the region. For more on how it can do that, read the paper here.
Messaging Strategies for Mitigating Covid-19 Through Vaccination and Non-Pharmaceuticals Intervention
Experts across the globe agree that vaccinations are the best hope we have of defeating the pandemic. Rand has put out a paper discussing a new three-pronged messaging strategy that will be more effective in increasing adherence and uptake of vaccines among the population. Typically the domain of private sector advertising, it recommends public health campaigns use “targeted messaging through audience segmentation” so that they resonate with various groups within the diverse US population. To know more about these approaches and how they may be implemented, read this paper. This approach may be needed with a society as diverse and divided as the US, but it’s worth asking - would it be effective in more homogenous societies?
Revitalising Non-Proliferation Cooperation with Russia and China- Brookings
Non-Proliferation has formed the common ground for maintaining peace and stability in a nuclear world for decades. However, with changing geopolitical dynamics and deteriorating bilateral relations between the US and major nuclear powers China and Russia, a new alternative is needed. A recent Brookings report lays out how the Biden administration could curb nuclear threats and reinforce the significance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). To get deeper insight into the future of great power politics and nuclear diplomacy, give this paper a read.
Stabilisation and Human Development in a Disordered Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continues to be beset by conflict and disorder. Stability is the need of the hour in the region. This paper by the World Bank and Brookings Institute considers security and governance as the two broad drivers of conflict in the region. From reflection on the stakeholders in the region to recommendations for international and domestic actors, the paper covers all possible aspects of the region. Read the report for better insights and analysis.
The Lancet Covid-19 Commission India Task Force
The Lancet has been advising the Indian government on the pandemic, repeatedly warning of the risks of virus mutants, social protocols and control of the spread of COVID-19. This new report came in light of the second wave of deadly COVID-19 cases to hit in India over the past weeks. The task force has given recommendations to Indian stakeholders over vaccination, social gatherings, healthcare infrastructure and the need to focus on the education of children. The policy recommendations are practical and implementable. Read the report here.
Taking the Gender Agenda Forward in EU Programming
The European Union has always been a step ahead when it comes to tech policy formulation, from data protection to AI management. As recently as December 2020, the EU presented its Gender Action Plan (GAP III), emphasising the EU’s ambition to create gender inclusion in its external action. The authors of the paper have reflected on how well the EU is progressing towards this goal, based on case studies in Ethiopia, Mali and Mozambique. The paper is based on both personal accounts and analysis of institutional mechanisms, giving thoughtful recommendations on how the EU can enact better policy for closing the gender gap in this area. Read the paper for more.
The above was written by the analysts at The PolicyFide and edited by myself.
Since Policy Pulse is a new format we’re experimenting, we’d really appreciate any suggestions or feedback from readers, so feel free to reply to this email, leave a comment or message me at my LinkedIn profile.
Stay well and stay safe,
- Liam
Founder of Policy People