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Burns, Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Relations, and former Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs. Though the panelists came from different backgrounds and political parties, they all agreed that the order was faulty in terms of intent and execution. Closing on a hopeful note, Nick Burns echoed Harvard University President Drew Faust’s sentiment that “ours is a nation founded and built on the bedrock of religious pluralism and religious freedom.”
Presidential Secrecy from Washington to Trump February 6, 2017 In February, the Ash Center and Harvard’s Institute of Politics brought two experts on open government and transparency together in the JKF Jr. Forum to discuss presidential secrecy: Ambassador Norm Eisen, a current fellow at Brookings, former US ambassador to the Czech Republic, and former Special Counsel and Special Assistant to the President for Ethics and Government Reform from 2009—2011; and Mary Graham, Co-Director, Transparency Policy Project, Ash Center, HKS, and author of Presidents’ Secrets: The Use and Abuse of Hidden Power. Archon Fung, Ford Foundation Professor of Democracy and Citizenship and Academic Dean, HKS, moderated the event. Throughout the discussion, Eisen and Graham both expressed concerns about the current administration’s transparency. For Graham, secrecy around everything from financials to the president’s health is cause for worry. Eisen commented on conflicts of interest, the president’s possible relationship with Russia, and issues surrounding the executive order on immigration. Other topics discussed included transparency as a roadblock to government efficiency, the balance of powers, and the media’s role in transparency and secrecy. The event ended on an optimistic note. Graham believes, “Limiting secrecy has always depended on the vigilance and courage of individuals,” and today, she added, “more people are watching than ever before.”
Archon Fung (left), HKS academic dean and Ford Foundation Professor of Democracy and Citizenship; Ambassador Norm Eisen, fellow at Brookings; and Mary Graham, co-director, Transparency Policy Project, Ash Center, and author of Presidents’ Secrets: The Use and Abuse of Hidden Power
City Power: Urban Governance in a Global Age February 14, 2017 Richard Schragger, Perre Bowen Professor of Law and the Joseph C. Carter, Jr. Research Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law, spoke about city power—the roadblocks cities encounter and the potential for increasing their autonomy. Schragger, a long-time proponent of local power, talked about why empowered local government is a positive force, especially for progressive action. He highlighted challenges, calling out how states and the federal government have prohibited local action in the past, sometimes taking punitive or preventative measures. Notably, Schragger commented on state-based federalism saying, “I hate states and you should too.” To change, Schragger asserted, “Cities need to stop competing and start organizing… Mayors need to be political figures on the national scene.” Quinton Mayne, Associate Professor of Public Policy at HKS, moderated the event.
Richard Schragger, Perre Bowen Professor of Law and the Joseph C. Carter, Jr. Research Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law, discusses his book City Power: Urban Governance in a Global Age
Women and Leadership: Responses to Challenging Times February 15, 2017 On February 15, Ash Center Director Tony Saich provided a welcome to a packed room gathered to hear three Harvard Kennedy School scholars discuss women and leadership. Set against a backdrop of the women’s marches and protests of the prior month, Leah Wright Rigueur, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School; Melissa Williams, University of Toronto and Senior Visiting Scholar, Ash Center; and Jane Mansbridge, Adams Professor of Political Leadership and Democratic Values, Harvard Kennedy School, all spoke. Though each presented on a different topic, core themes of intersectionality, inclusion, and organization were shared throughout the discussion. This seminar was in recognition of Marty Mauzy's invaluable years of service as Executive Director of the Ash Center. “Women and Leadership” panelists celebrate event honoree, Marty Mauzy, Ash Center Executive Director, upon her retirement
www.ash.harvard.edu
Spring 2017 Communiqué
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