The Space Between: Renewing the American Tradition of Civil Society

What succeeds in one setting may fail in another. Policymakers must therefore study the unique challenges and opportunities of particular institutions.¹⁶⁸

168 For recent examples of this approach to policymaking, see the R Street Institute’s Civil Society Series, which offers a number of case studies at the state level: https://www.rstreet.org/issue/civil-society-education-and-work/.

Featured Publications

Analysis Electoral Reform, Executive Branch, Federal Government Affairs, Governance

By circumventing Congress, President Trump’s executive order federalizes and destabilizes our elections

Matt Germer March 25, 2025

Analysis Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Government Affairs, Finance and Trade, Interchange Fees

Republicans in Congress show signs of their commitment to dismantling Biden era rules

Caroline Melear March 25, 2025

In the News Federal Government Affairs, Media Reform, Online Content Policy, Technology and Innovation

Scientists Respond to FTC Inquiry into Tech Censorship

Spence Purnell March 25, 2025 Tech Policy Press

In the News Electricity Policy, Energy and Environment, Federal Government Affairs, FERC, Permitting Reform

Trump says coal should make a comeback. At what price?

Kent Chandler March 25, 2025 E&E News

Analysis Artificial Intelligence, South, State Policy, Technology and Innovation

Texas & Virginia Steer States Away from European-Style AI Regulation

Adam Thierer March 25, 2025

Op-Eds Budget and Spending Reform, Governance, South, State Policy

State seeks to protect taxpayers from bargain-bin boondoggles

Marc Hyden March 24, 2025 The Newnan Times-Herald

Op-Eds Executive Branch, Federal Government Affairs, Governance, Restoring the First Branch

Not every Trump move is authoritarian — focus on the real threats

Eli Lehrer March 10, 2025 The Hill

Op-Eds California, Harm Reduction, Opioid Harm Reduction, State Policy

To slow overdose deaths, California needs more flexibility

Stacey McKenna March 10, 2025 The Orange County Register

In the News Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, Electronic Monitoring, Federal Government Affairs, Home Confinement, Parole, Pretrial, Prosecution, Reentry, Sentencing

First steps, second terms: Trump and criminal justice reform

Lisel Petis March 21, 2025 Washington Examiner

Analysis Banking, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Government Affairs, Finance and Trade, Housing Finance, Regulatory Reform

Liberty Requires Responsibility

Caroline Melear March 21, 2025