Jonathan Fox and Rachel Robinson from American University presented on a recent study that compares a set of 19 diverse reform initiatives that delivered tangible openings to enable collective action for socially excluded groups, what they term “sandwich strategies,” with openings from above and pressure from below. Half of the cases led to at least incremental pro-reform shifts in the balance of power. The research provides a potential path for reform promotion and offers key lessons for USAID, including (1) preparing for backlash and reformist loss of power, (2) avoiding light touch interventions, and (3) investing in hybrid, state-society institutions with subnational foundations.
Recording available here.