Continuity of Government

Commentary

What Is Continuity of Government, and Why Does It Matter for Ukraine?

As Ukraine continues to resist Russian occupation, future-focused planning could help it win a longer-term struggle to protect its legitimate government and deny Russia the political consolidation it seeks. Ensuring the continuity of Ukraine's democratically elected government could be a means of preserving national sovereignty moving forward.

Report

Civilian Resilience in the Baltic States

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have a history of resistance to foreign occupation. If the countries were occupied today, civilians could play a powerful role in their defense. They could impose costs on the occupier, deny consolidation, reduce capacity for repression, secure allied support, and expand popular support.

Report

Municipalities on the Front Lines of Puerto Rico's Recovery

How did Hurricanes Irma and Maria affect Puerto Rico's municipalities in terms of their ability to govern, deliver services, and recover from the damage they incurred? An assessment answers this question and suggests courses of action to address damage and improve municipal capacity.

Commentary

During Coronavirus Pandemic, Can Congress Members Do Their Jobs by Teleworking?

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a new challenge to how Congress conducts business. How can the United States leverage existing technologies so lawmakers can continue to work safely and securely?

Report

Can the Intelligence Community Work from Home?

Remote-work programs for U.S. intelligence agencies have several advantages, including flexibility during a pandemic or other crisis. What policy, legal, technology, security, financial, and cultural issues need to be considered when making this shift?

Report

How Can Government Agencies Benefit When Employees Engage in Telework?

A review of telework practices in government agencies finds similarities across successful telework programs regarding compliance with federal and organizational policies, technological accommodations, return on investment, performance management tools, and training.

Report

Finding a Way Forward in Syria

After six years of fighting in Syria, the odds of removing the Assad regime are worse than ever. But the new U.S. administration could help de-escalate the conflict by focusing on a realistic outcome: a decentralized Syria with agreed regional zones backed by external powers.

Report

Decentralization of Governance Could Help Syria

With the international community trying to bring peace to Syria, decentralization of governance could be part of the solution. Devolution of authority to localities could help lower the stakes of the conflict and provide security to Syrians who have lost trust in the state.

People

Eric V. Larson