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Political Reform Movements

Commentary
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. However, looking back to 1989 can still provide valuable insights into what might happen next.
Nov 30, 2022
Commentary
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?
Nov 4, 2022
Report
An Exploratory Examination of Agent-Based Modeling for the Study of Social Movements
The authors of this report explore the use of agent-based modeling as a method for studying the effects of information and communications technologies on the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of social movements over time.
Aug 16, 2022
Commentary
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.
Apr 26, 2022
Commentary
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.
Mar 18, 2022
Commentary
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.
Jun 30, 2021
Commentary
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.
Apr 30, 2021
Commentary
Myanmar's Coup and Its Recent Elections: Institutions Matter
What was the Myanmar military's calculus in deciding to stage a coup against the civilian-led government? The history of coups and elections provides some insights.
Feb 15, 2021
Commentary
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.
Feb 9, 2021
Multimedia
The Likelihood of Violence Following the U.S. Presidential Inauguration
Brian Michael Jenkins, senior adviser to the RAND president, discusses the likelihood of violence that could occur following Inauguration Day in response to election results.
Jan 15, 2021
Commentary
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.
Sep 1, 2020
Blog
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.
Aug 21, 2020
Commentary
Could 2020 Spawn '70s-Style Radicalization 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.
Aug 17, 2020
Commentary
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.
Jul 21, 2020
Commentary
Confederate Statues Symbolize the Role of Racism in America
Monuments are public art and symbols important to those who hold power. The renewed debate about monuments to historical figures associated with the Confederacy is part of the larger debate about the role of racism in the United States and the treatment of African Americans by institutions.
Jul 16, 2020
Commentary
How to Transform Policing
The killing of George Floyd and other abuses of power have brought about growing calls to alter how we conduct public safety and, more broadly, criminal justice in America. Evidence shows there is substantial room for improvement.
Jul 9, 2020
Q&A
Protests and Police Reform: Q&A with RAND Experts
After the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis and subsequent nationwide protests, the United States is seeing urgent action to reform policing. Here are insights from four RAND researchers who work on policing and community safety issues.
Jun 18, 2020
Multimedia
Policies to Improve Policing in the U.S.
In this Call with the Experts podcast, RAND researchers who work on policing and community safety issues share their insights on the recent Black Lives Matter protests and efforts to reform policing. They discuss findings from RAND research, what defunding the police means, and more.
Jun 15, 2020
Commentary
COVID-19 Crisis Could Spur Post-Soviet Fixes
Much of the post-Soviet space remains afflicted with authoritarian rule, inefficient economies, corruption, and regional tensions. The COVID-19 crisis could prod countries to address key issues, but they will need help. Targeted Western aid could help willing countries make progress.
May 8, 2020
Commentary
'New Zimbabwe' Looks an Awful Lot Like the Old One
Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa promised a break from Mugabe's repressive rule and economic decline. To help support Zimbabwe's recovery, international actors would be wise to push the government to respect the country's 2013 constitution and push for genuine political, security, and economic reforms.
Mar 11, 2020

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RAND Topic:
Political Reform Movements