Jason Lakin, Senior Research Fellow, IBP— Mar 02, 2020
Public participation in civic decision-making is considered desirable, but some argue it can be time intensive and expensive. However, there is compelling evidence that broad public participation can in fact make democratic regimes “smarter” than others and lead to better policy results.
Jason Lakin, Senior Research Fellow, IBP— Feb 25, 2020
IBP’s Jason Lakin delves into Alfred Tat-Kei Ho, Maarten de Jong and Zaozao Zhao’s exploration of performance budgeting across the globe that offers “glimpses of surprising possibilities when we set ambitious but realistic expectations.”
Jason Lakin, Senior Research Fellow, IBP— Feb 14, 2020
This book review explores the elements of a macroeconomic philosophy that emphasizes both building and sustaining demand through equitable fiscal policies.
Jason Lakin, Senior Research Fellow, IBP & John Kinuthia, Lead Research Analyst, IBP-Kenya— Jan 27, 2020
Decentralization of budget authority in Kenya has not – yet – led to widespread improvement in budget execution. Since 2014, though, some counties have improved their budget performance. We look at what seems to help and / or hinder their progress.
Jason Lakin, Senior Research Fellow, International Budget Partnership— Jan 21, 2020
How can we assess whether a government’s explanations for its budget-related actions are adequate? This blog post suggests looking at the standards being used in the realm of administrative law.
Jason Lakin, Head of Research, International Budget Partnership— Dec 12, 2019
Taxes, which we too often dismiss as technical and dull, were central to the “improvisation of a nation.” To tax is to define the ambit of the state—its roles, its responsibilities, and the reach and limits of its authority vis-à-vis the citizenry.
Paolo De Renzio, International Budget Partnership — Dec 10, 2019
On International Human Rights Day, it is important to realize: a different world is possible, in which public finance and government budgets are instead inspired by and aimed at the realization of human rights for all.
Jason Lakin, Head of Research, International Budget Partnership— Dec 09, 2019
When government agencies provide public reasons, they are legitimating public debate about those choices and signaling a willingness to accept criticism and revisions. This is the essence of democracy.
By Brendan Halloran, Samir Khan, Kenny Oleru and Mokeira Nyagaka— Dec 05, 2019
As civic space shrinks around the world, how can those working with communities navigate complex systems of power and exclusion?
Jason Lakin, International Budget Partnership— Dec 04, 2019
Scores of countries introduce new information that holds the promise of shifting the budget conversation toward outputs and outcomes, better linking money to services – and most of it is incomprehensible, inconsistent, or totally useless.