The Harold Hartog School is currently running three extensive policy programs, covering a range of public policy issues. These are: Israel in the World, Public Integrity and Local Government. Each program comprises projects, workshops and research initiatives:
Israel in the World Program
This program focuses on researching and developing models for Israeli diplomacy, with particular emphasis on soft power and global Jewish policy. Areas of particular interest include:
1. International Development – focusing on the involvement of Israel and world Jewry in international development. In particular, the School is investigating ways to boost the levels of interaction and coordination between Israel - both as a state and civil society - and Jewish organizations in this field. Further, the School is involved in researching issues of international development, in particular, the State of Israel's policy of international cooperation.
2. The Diplomacy of Soft Power – researching the potential of soft power strategies (i.e. values, culture and policies as a means of attraction and persuasion) in Israeli foreign policy.
Public Integrity Program
This program concentrates on researching and promoting transparent responsible government and leadership, in response to growing domestic concern over the issue of corruption. Areas of focus include:
1. Ethics & Good Governance – promoting research into ethics, corruption and good governance
2. Academic Enrichment – developing dedicated courses which address these subjects for students in the Political Science Department at the University
3. Peer Group Dialogue – conducting specialized workshops and seminars on pertinent issues to enrich the debate and raise awareness within academic, governmental, and media circles
Local Government Program
This program addresses the challenges facing Israel's local authorities by convening an annual national conference, promoting a continuous public policy debate on local governance. In 2006 the event attracted 1,100 participants and has been adopted by the office of the Prime Minister.
For more information on any of the above mentioned programs please click on the relevant link at the top of this page.
This program addresses the practical and theoretical aspects of the crisis currently facing Israel's local authorities. Features of this crisis include inflated staff structures, political appointments and poor management, to which the Local Government Program responds in the following ways:
1. Local Government Conference – pioneering an annual national conference on local government issues in order to promote a public policy debate on local governance. The conference which in 2006 attracted 1,000 participants has been a mark of success for the Hartog School Local Government Program.
2. Research & Teaching Initiative – aiming to promote research into local government policy and reforms. The research will in time be complimented by the development of a dedicated course for local government professionals.
For more information on any of the above mentioned programs please click on the relevant link at the top of this page.
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