Through our books, case studies, journal articles, papers, and surveys, the Ash Center is home to some of the world’s most advanced research and publications on issues related to democratic governance and self-governance.
To explore all research authored by Ash Center faculty, please visit the Harvard Kennedy School website. You can view the Ash Center’s open access policy here.
Case Study
In this case study of democratic innovation at the local level, the authors answer the questions: Why, in 2022, was voting representation and democratic reform firmly on Portland’s agenda? Did this shift contribute to Portlanders passing Measure 26-228?
Newest
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A Global Challenges to Democracy Seminar Series event was held featuring Katrin Kinzelbach, Professor of International Politics of Human Rights, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitä. Professor Kinzelbach discussed academic freedom from a human rights-based perspective.
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The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and AAPI Student Caucus held a panel discussion featuring Qingjian (QJ) Shi and Jason Doo. The conversation delved into the vital challenges confronting AAPI-owned businesses including local government regulations, anti-Asian prejudice, access to capital, linguistic barriers, and more. They explored how government policy and nonprofit initiatives can address challenges faced by Asian American small businesses, as well as how economic justice is vital for thriving communities and democracies.
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When it comes to establishing accountability in institutions, how can pressure be deployed, and what can it help accomplish? This panel featured leading advocates who have used a range of social and political tactics to push for change. They shared how they and their collaborators have instigated these efforts and illuminate lessons we should glean from their work.
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This panel was part of the Truth & Transformation Conference 2023, hosted by the Instructional Antiracism and Accountability Project (IARA). In this session, panelists discussed real-world examples of historical reckoning and truth-telling, exploring how historical documentation, resources, and materials can be applied to antiracism work.
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This panel was part of the Truth & Transformation Conference 2023, hosted by the Instructional Antiracism and Accountability Project (IARA). This panel featured advocates with years of experience establishing systems for accountability in their own organizations.
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This panel was part of the Truth & Transformation Conference 2023, hosted by the Instructional Antiracism and Accountability Project (IARA). In this panel, we examined how tools like analysis, metrics, and reporting are advancing within the private sector today and explored the impact of government insight on transparency and accountability.
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This panel was part of the Truth & Transformation Conference 2023, hosted by the Instructional Antiracism and Accountability Project (IARA). Christine Cordero’s keynote talk explored the strategic connections between stewarding a just transition from our fossil fuel infrastructure and building resilience in communities of color on the frontlines.
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The Ash Center invites you to watch a book talk with contributors to When Democracy Breaks (Oxford, 2023), a new edited volume intended to deepen our understanding of what separates democratic resilience from democratic fragility — by focusing on the latter.
Policy Brief
In this working paper, Stephen Goldsmith and Ryan Streeter argue that the Republican Party is philosophically adrift, and it has been for a while.