Political Reform Movements

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To Heal Russia, Exorcise Fear

In ordering the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ex-KGB cohort in the Kremlin have invited disaster on Russia. For centuries, Russia's secret police have caused the country harm and terrorized its people. Only by easing its deadly grip might Russians gain freedom.

William Courtney @courtneywmh, Philip Wasielewski

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The Racial Wealth Gap, the Effects of Long COVID, Teacher Diversity: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on understanding the racial wealth gap, why long COVID may threaten the U.S. economy, what prevents people of color from becoming and staying teachers, and more.

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Protests in China, Negotiating with Russia, L.A.'s 'Mansion Tax': RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on protests in China amid the government's zero-COVID policy, the potential harm in negotiating with Russia, building more affordable housing in Los Angeles, and more.

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Five Factors to Watch as the Chinese Communist Party Faces Protests

It may be too soon to compare protests against China's zero-COVID policy to the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement. But looking back to 1989 still provides valuable insights into what might happen next.

Amanda Kerrigan @AmandaLKerrigan

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The Iran Protests: A Crossroads in Governance?

Iran has seen large-scale protests in response to the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in the custody of the Iranian morality police in September. But are these protests the spark that will usher in a democratic form of governance in Iran?

Karishma R. Mehta

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The Day Before the Revolution

April 19 is synonymous in Korea with democracy. Mass demonstrations that day in 1960 led to the collapse of the increasingly corrupt Syngman Rhee government. Today, histories of Korea's democratization movement commemorate the April Revolution as the nation's first mass struggle for democracy.

Erik Mobrand

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If Regime Change Were to Come to Moscow

Strains in Russia over the war in Ukraine and punishing economic sanctions could spark regime change in Moscow. Although prospects for this are uncertain, the West might be prudent to begin considering how to deal with any new government.

William Courtney @courtneywmh

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Stop, Start, or Continue? A National Survey of the Police About Traffic Stops

As research continues to show widespread racial disparities of those stopped by police, it is increasingly seen as a practice that, if ended, would serve the cause of social justice. Should the police continue to conduct traffic stops? Police1 conducted a survey of officers to find out what they think.

Bob Harrison

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Policing in the Post-Floyd Era

Calls to reform, reimagine, or disband the police can be seen as existential threats. But they present opportunities for progressive change that can work to the advantage of law enforcement.

Bob Harrison

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Myanmar's Coup and Its Recent Elections: Institutions Matter

What was the Myanmar military's calculus in deciding to stage a coup against the government? The history of coups and elections provides some insights.

Sean M. Zeigler

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Myanmar Coup: First Foreign Policy Test for President Biden

Shortly after dawn on February 1, Myanmar's military staged a coup against the nation's fledgling civilian government. There are no easy solutions, and how the Biden administration responds will be widely seen as a template for other thorny situations in the future.

Jonah Blank

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Addressing Lebanon's Ailments, Acute and Chronic

The recent explosion in Beirut has again led to calls for political and economic reforms in Lebanon. The country has an economy in crisis, corruption, few job opportunities, and an influx of 1.5 million Syrian refugees. Sustained global investment is needed if Lebanon is to recover over the long run.

Krishna B. Kumar, Louay Constant

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Radicalization, the Gender Pay Gap, Israel-UAE Deal: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the potential for a new era of radicalization, insights into the gender pay gap, why the Israel-UAE deal doesn’t merit the hype, and more.

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Could 2020 Spawn '70s-Style Radicals and Violence?

The U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic has further cleaved an already deeply divided society. The conditions facing the United States today are reminiscent of those that gave rise to the radicalism of the 1970s and could once again lead to political violence, including terrorism.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

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An Uncertain Future for Jail Reform in Los Angeles

There is momentum in Los Angeles County to do the difficult work of criminal justice reform. This will take considerable investments of time and resources, as well as a commitment to implementing new strategies and evaluating their effectiveness along the way.

Stephanie Brooks Holliday, Margaret Chamberlin, et al.