Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Sunak's economic growth philosophy: right focus, but sidestepping solutions
The chancellor is focusing on addressing the UK's flagging growth but overlooking the need for a more interventionist approach
Russia–Ukraine war: how could it affect the UK economy?
This explainer looks at the direct trade links that do exist between the UK and Russia, and two key areas of the UK economy most likely to be exposed.
Better policy making
How government – both ministers and officials – could change to make policy better.
A new statutory role for the civil service
The civil service needs a new statutory role to reflect its permanence, purpose, values and how it should be run and held to account.
Unprecedented sanctions will hurt Russia – but may not change Putin’s approach
Western states have coordinated effectively to impose unprecedented sanctions on Russia
Ukraine crisis: transparency of Russian money flows in the UK
Since the beginning of the most recent crisis in Ukraine, there has been a lot of focus in the press on illicit money flows to the UK.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine demands that the UK rewrite its foreign policy
This moment must also lead to an overhaul in the UK’s entire approach to Russia
The government's 'Living with Covid-19' plan: high on optimism, low on detail
Rosa Hodgkin finds a worrying lack of detail, and an excessive dose of optimism, in the government's plan for living with Covid
Ukraine crisis: financial and international trade sanctions
The UK has joined the US and EU in imposing unprecedented sanctions on Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The government would be wrong to force civil servants back to the office full-time
Plans to reform the civil service are premised on more flexible working