Research With Impact
Honors program inspires research, connects students to policy world

During a five-day trip to Washington, D.C., students met with more than a dozen officials from government agencies and development groups. The trip is a highlight of CDDRL’s honors college program, which was recently endowed with a gift from philanthropists Sakurako and William Fisher. Read more »

Burma's Living Symbol of Resistance
Aung San Suu Kyi: From politician to 'democracy icon' and back again

In a piece for The Atlantic, CDDRL Director Larry Diamond discusses the journey of Burmese human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi from a democracy icon to a political party leader. During her 17-day U.S. tour, Suu Kyi appeared at the San Francisco Freedom Forum carrying the message of forgiveness and non-violence. Diamond reflects on Suu Kyi's leadership and the hope she represents for Burma as it emerges from half a century of military rule.

Deepening Democracy
Q&A;: Stanford scholar on challenges to clean and fair elections

FSI's Stephen Stedman just wrapped up his work as director of the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security – a group that spent nearly two years reviewing the integrity of elections worldwide. He discusses the panel's findings and the challenges to fair and open democracies.