Essays Politics Research
Thoughts on POWER (Alain)
Summary of “Propos sur le Pouvoir” by the French philosopher, journalist and professor Alain (1868-1951). Themes addressed include: political leadership, corruption, and democracy.
Essays Politics
The NOBEL PEACE PRIZE: an instrument of moral diplomacy or political influence?
Although the Nobel Peace Prize is intended as an instrument for peace and fraternity, some awards have been politically contentious. The prize is also criticised as a Western diplomatic tool.
Essays Politics
TRUTH and POLITICS by Hannah Arendt
Summary of Hannah Arendt’s essay written in 1967. She gives a compelling description of the relationship between lying and power in totalitarian regimes. Her work resonates with current challenges posed by the post-truth era.
Essays Politics Research
TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE and TERRORISM in Africa and the Middle East
Perpetrator, victim or both at the same time? This question is a core difficulty faced by societies in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East when dealing with people affected by terrorism. In order to tackle terrorism, including its manifestations and root causes, and heal from it, States may choose to Read more…
Essays Politics
[French] L’Afrique a-t-elle vraiment besoin d’institutions fortes ?
Comment améliorer la gouvernance en Afrique? Par le haut, en renforçant les institutions étatiques déjà (trop) fortes? La voie populaire, par le bas, est-elle alors à privilégier?
Essays Politics
Should the EU get its own INTELLIGENCE AGENCY?
What are the shortcomings of the EU’s intelligence apparatus? Is a European Intelligence Agency the solution? How to foster cooperation between member States?
Essays Politics
What is a NATION ?
What are the two tenets on which rests the concept of nation? Are nations eternal? Are they linked to notions of race, language, religion, interest or geography?
Essays Politics
How does RESEMBLING THE PEOPLE YOU REPRESENT lead to a better Defence of their Interests?
How does passive representation lead to active representation? How does it work in bureaucracies? Are quotas really useful in politics?
Essays Politics
Can PUBLIC OPINION really impact Public Policy?
How can public opinion impact public policies? When can it do so? Is it the most important public policy determinant?
Essays Politics
What is Wrong with ANTI-CORRUPTION policies?
Why does corruption persist? Is it a principal-agent or a collective action problem? Are there solutions to eradicate it? Can corruption actually be beneficial?
Essays Politics
The Role of States in MARKETS’ Development
What role did states play in the emergence of markets? How and why does capitalism push for state non-intervention? Are states necessary for markets’ survival?
Essays Politics
Can Street-level BUREAUCRATS improve Policies?
When and how can they improve public policies? Is their discretion always a good thing? How to hold them accountable? Can technology help them improve policies?
Essays Politics
Should Politicians Listen to PUBLIC OPINION?
Why does public opinion matter in democracy? What are the drawbacks of basing decisions on public opinion? When does public opinion really matter?
Essays Politics
[French] Renforcer le Lien ARMÉE-NATION en France
Qu’est ce que le lien armée-nation? Comment s’est-il manifesté depuis 1789? Quel rôle joue la réserve? Quelles politiques pour renforcer le lien armée-nation?
Essays Politics
Why do POLICIES seem to go WRONG so Often?
How are policy failures constructed? What role do the media play? How do political promises mislead citizens? What are the shortcomings of our bureaucracies?
Essays Politics
Are we Moving Away from NEOLIBERALISM?
What is neoliberalism? How did we adopt this model? Are we witnessing its end? What role did covid-19 play? What would replace neoliberalism?
Essays Politics
Economic Development and Democracy: how one affects the other
What is economic development ? How is it linked to democracy for Lipset, Robinson and Acemoglu ? Should governments promote democracy to foster growth ?