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56281. Social Insurance Regimes: crises and 'reform' in the Argentine and Brazil, since c. 1900

Author:
Colin Lewis and Peter Lloyd-Sherlock
Publication Date:
01-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Abstract:
The paper examines the structural and organisational problems of social insurance systems in Brazil and the Argentine in order to illuminate current debates about pension 'reform'. Much of the present discussion depicts social insurance 'crisis' as a modern phenomenon. Similarly, preoccupations about the macroeconomic objectives of reform - profitable pension funds as an adjunct to capital market deepening, about sustainability - the financial viability of systems, and about equity and coverage, are often assumed to be peculiar to the late twentieth century. The papers stresses the generational (or cyclical) nature of crises that have plagued social insurance regimes in both countries. It also identifies what may be learnt from differences, as well as similarities, between the two systems - not least the relatively larger historic role the private sector and earlier substantive provision for rural workers in Brazil. Following an appraisal of different 'models' (individual 'capitalised' accounts versus pay-as-you-go schemes and monopolistic state systems versus pluralistic/competitive arrangements), the paper concludes with an evaluation of the administrative and financial stability of current schemes.
Topic:
Economics, Government, and Industrial Policy
Political Geography:
Brazil, Argentina, South America, and Latin America

56282. The Adapted CFE Treaty and the Admission of the Baltic States to NATO

Author:
Zdzislaw Lachowski
Publication Date:
12-2002
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Abstract:
Twelve years after conventional arms control began in Europe, the process is about to enter a new, critical stage as it extends to cover the entire continent. This will eventually rid it of the cold war 'straitjacket' and consolidate political and military security in the space extending from the Atlantic to the Urals. Since the cold war, the situation in Europe and elsewhere has changed radically. The priorities, the rules of the game, and the groups and actors on the political stage are different. Consequently, ways of thinking about security and the options available are also changing. Military security has evolved and its role differs from that of the past. The conventional arms control regime, which was negotiated and agreed during the final stages of the cold war, needed to be modernized to adapt to the developments that have occurred since 1989–90. Consequently, in recent years momentous decisions have been taken regarding both the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the adaptation of the conventional arms control regime.
Topic:
NATO and Treaties and Agreements
Political Geography:
Europe

56283. Maintaining the Effectiveness of the Chemical Weapons Convention

Author:
Jean Pascal Zanders, Frida Kuhlau, John Hart, and Ronald Sutherland
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Abstract:
On 28 April 2003 a Special Conference of the States Parties to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will be convened to review the implementation of the 1993 Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (Chemical Weapons Convention, CWC) and to take into account new, relevant, scientific and technological developments. Whatever specific points may be considered, this Conference needs to address two underlying issues: States Parties' long-term interests in continued participation in the OPCW regime; and how the treaty's effectiveness can be maintained and enhanced given the latest shifts in the security environment (including the new urgency of counter-terrorist efforts), current political and financial realities and the fast pace of technological change. These can best be tackled if the Conference focuses its attention on a small number of manageable, well-conceptualized issues. Otherwise there is a risk that the Conference could become bogged down in open-ended discussions on a myriad of unresolved operational implementation issues. This paper is intended to inform such a conceptualized approach. It was prepared at SIPRI by John Hart, Frida Kuhlau, Ronald Sutherland and Jean Pascal Zanders. It was edited by Andy Mash.
Topic:
Peace Studies, Treaties and Agreements, and Weapons of Mass Destruction

56284. Understand What States Need To Protect Water Quality

Author:
John J. Kirlin, Jesus Garza, and Robert C. Shinn
Publication Date:
12-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
Abstract:
The scope of water quality program s has grown tremendously since the Clean Water Act (CWA) was first enacted in 1972. But federal funding to the states—which are responsible for most of the day-to-day implementation of these programs —has not kept pace. While it has been widely recognized that state water program s lacked sufficient resources to carry out their responsibilities, the size of the funding gap has been unknown.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, Industrial Policy, and International Organization

56285. A Review of the Joint Base Operations and Support Contract Kennedy Space Center/45th Space Wing

Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
Abstract:
At the request of the Air Force Space Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Academy of Public Administration (Academy) reviewed contractor performance of the Joint Base Operations and Support Contract (J- BOSC), which carries out base operations and support functions for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) in Florida.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, Industrial Policy, and International Organization

56286. Scientific Research at the Smithsonian Institution

Author:
James E. Colvard, C. William Fischer, Adam Jr. Herbert, Delores Parron, Maxine Singer, and Jerry R. Schubel
Publication Date:
10-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
Abstract:
The Smithsonian Institution is a unique organization, established in 1846 “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” It has grown over the years and is now composed of 16 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and numerous research facilities in the United States and abroad. The Smithsonian participates in the annual federal budget process to receive funding though the federal appropriations process. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2001, it received 57 percent of its funding through federal appropriation. The remainder came from government grants and contracts, contributions and private grants, business ventures, and investment earnings.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, Industrial Policy, and International Organization
Political Geography:
United States

56287. The Field Directorate of the Bureau of the Census

Author:
Kenneth S. Apfel, Melissa Allen, Robert M. Alloway, Alan L. Dean, and Richard L. Fogel
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
Abstract:
The Field Directorate is the Census Bureau's principal operating arm, responsible for the collection and dissemination of data for decennial censuses and for a wide variety of surveys conducted during decennial and intercensal years (i.e., those years between decennial censuses). The Census Bureau conducts non - decennial surveys using its own funds and those received on a reimbursable basis, primarily for other federal agencies. These economic and demographic surveys are a major source of work and funding for the Bureau and the Field Directorate during intercensal years. Presently, the largest and most visible one is the Current Population Survey, a monthly demographic survey of about 70,000 households, conducted for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, Industrial Policy, and International Organization

56288. Democratizing a Post-Conflict State and Society

Author:
Mumukshu Patel
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
Abstract:
I try to evaluate the role that major International Organization (IOs) have played in the process of democratization in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). By using the case study of BiH, I try to show that it is vital to create democratic institutions in the state and cultivate democratic politics in society simultaneously, for the process of democratization to succeed. I also explore the evolution of IO mandates in BiH to assess whether IOs have learned from past experiences to make their future programs/projects m o re effective.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Democratization, and Non-Governmental Organization
Political Geography:
Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Eastern Europe

56289. Courts, Congress, And Constituencies: Managing Fisheries By Default

Author:
Mary A. Gade, Terry D. Garcia, Jonathan B. Howes, Theodore M. Schad, and Susan Shipman
Publication Date:
07-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
Abstract:
In 1976, the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act established the first federal system to govern fishing in the then newly - declared 200 - mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This management system was uniquely participatory, composed of representatives of states, recreational and commercial fishers, and the federal government. It was organized into eight regional councils that were charged with developing fishery management plans (FMPs), in coordination with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and subject to NMFS review and approval. The councils were established to meet the goals of conserving fishery resources and promoting the U.S. commercial and recreational fishing industry. Under a set of statutory standards, the councils were tasked to make the major management decisions, such as the size of the allowable catch, the length of the fishing season, the allocation of any quotas to states and fishers, and permitting/licensing provisions.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, Industrial Policy, and International Organization
Political Geography:
United States

56290. Strengthening Senior Leadership In the U.S. Government: Phase I Report

Author:
Sandra J. Hale, Patricia W. Ingraham, Ralph C. Bledsoe, Constance J. Horner, Gilda H. Lambert, and David M. Walker
Publication Date:
12-2002
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
Abstract:
Since its creation in 1978, the Senior Executive Service (SES) has undergone wide - ranging assessments and analyses from a variety of sources. The U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), Grace Commission, Packard Panel, and National Performance Review have addressed SES structural, systemic, and operational issues. In 1998, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) raised these issues anew in a broad review about SES' future, and whether SES selection, development, and management produce the executives needed to meet the leadership challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century. This work led to policy improvements and set the stage for legislative proposals. However, the review did not show stakeholder consensus on several pivotal areas for effecting change in SES structure and composition. As a result, OPM was encouraged to lead a more comprehensive assessment of structure and composition to identify appropriate changes that would enhance overall accountability.
Topic:
Civil Society, Government, Industrial Policy, and International Organization
Political Geography:
United States