A weekly update on critical governance issues facing the United States and the world.
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Brookings Governance Studies

October 1, 2025

Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif.) arrives to the U.S. Capitol during the last votes of the week on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Sipa USA

Assessing the role of candidate quality in the 2026 midterms

 

History suggests Democrats could gain seats in 2026, but weak nominees could cost them winnable races. Elaine Kamarck examines how recruitment, authenticity, and primary dynamics shape which candidates advance and how that affects control of Congress.

 

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What former lawmakers reveal about the strain on American democracy

 

Survey results reveal a gap between what political elites believe and what they publicly endorse. Raymond La Raja and Alex Theodoridis argue that the high costs of breaking from partisan narratives in a polarized environment help explain this divide.

 

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How technology is altering citizen protests

 

Digital technology has become a powerful force in citizen protests while also giving governments new tools for surveillance and control. Darrell M. West outlines how both sides are deploying digital tools and argues that whichever proves more effective could shape the balance between democracy and authoritarianism.

 

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Lessons from Germany’s family leave policies for the US care economy

 

The United States’ aging population is projected to grow about 14% in the next five years, reaching 71.6 million people by 2030. Keon L. Gilbert and Zachary Affeldt assess how adopting elements of Germany’s flexible care-leave system could improve support for U.S. workers balancing jobs and caregiving.

 

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About Governance Studies at Brookings

 

The Governance Studies program is dedicated to strengthening democracy and improving its institutions through research and expert analysis that informs public debate and provides solutions for the most critical governance challenges.

 
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