Institute of Welsh Affairs
@iwa-wales
Prif felin drafod annibynnol Cymru | Wales' leading independent think tank
In this article Kaja Brown discusses the recent heatwaves and forest fires and what Wales can do about the climate crisis. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/08/forest-fires-and-food-shortages-two-sides-of-a-deadly-coin/
Cai Parry-Jones, Reform UK Member of the Senedd for Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf and the party’s shadow Finance and Government Efficiencies Minister, argues that Reform has redefined what opposition in Cardiff Bay can achieve. Read it here 👉 https://ow.ly/G6ZF50ZwyMF
In this article Dr Huw Evans argues that the ‘Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025’ shows how devolved politics can be done better. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/08/part-of-being-a-better-welsh-government-means-taking-responsibility/
Dr Rhys ap Gwilym examines the findings from student data to better understand why Welsh higher education is under pressure. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/08/long-read-importing-students-exporting-talent/
In this article Leah Brown examines whether the £67m Wales spends reviewing its public bodies is repairing institutions or merely creating compliant ones. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/07/the-true-cost-of-wales-machinery-of-accountability/
In this article Dr Gareth Evans discusses the pitfalls and possibilities that come with leading a minority government. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/07/the-challenges-of-minority-government-what-are-plaid-cymrus-options/
In this article TUC Cymru’s new General Secretary, Laura Doel, argues that trade unions need a seat at the table. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/07/government-launches-legislative-plan-let-us-pull-up-a-chair/
Dr David Clubb reflects on five years of chairing the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/07/reflections-on-chairing-the-national-infrastructure-commission-for-wales/
In this article Professor Dan Bristow examines the new Welsh Government’s approach to politics. Read it here 👉 https://ow.ly/ebBc50ZocAR
What does wellbeing mean for our communities, today and for the future? 🤔 In this anthology, we sought to answer that question, by reflecting on ‘Imagining wellbeing for our communities and for future generations.’ Read it here 👉 https://ow.ly/2t0g50ZnmsV
Thora Tenbrink and Emily-Louise Beech discuss new research from Anglesey, which suggests that Welsh is not simply a means of communication but a cultural and emotional resource that shapes how people connect with landscapes, with their heritage and with each other. https://ow.ly/he9w50Zjyc0
In this article Billie-Jade Thomas outlines why reintroducing a badger cull would be the wrong choice for the new Welsh Government. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/07/tackling-bovine-tb-effectively-and-humanely/
Spotted in Book Space Cardiff 👀 Thank you so much Book Space Cardiff for stocking our magazine. ❤️ I you are looking to buy a copy then do head down to Book Space Cardiff in Cathays. Or alternatively you can get your copy online: https://ow.ly/UE1550Zjw2l Happy reading 📚 Happy reading 📚
In this article Geraint Talfan Davies explores the history of English devolution in response to Andy Burnham’s speech. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/06/grappling-with-england-burnham-and-devolution/
Cai Matthews reflects on how the Welsh rural and agricultural sectors need to be part of the climate conversation. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/06/90-of-wales-is-missing-from-the-just-transition-conversation/
We are delighted to bring you another issue of the welsh agenda magazine, funded by the Books Council of Wales, with exciting and insightful pieces from new and emerging voices across the country. 🙌 Head over to our website to find our more and to buy your copy 👉 https://ow.ly/3whQ50ZfchN
In this article Tom Williams interviews Professor Richard Wyn Jones on the change of government and what’s next for Wales. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/06/what-a-plaid-government-means-for-wales/
❗SUPPORT US❗ We need your support to continue with our ambitious projects, research and forward-looking policies, giving us independence to speak truth to power. If you value and support our work, please consider making a regular or a one-off donation 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/about-us/support-us/
In this article Jack Sargeant discusses his reflections on reading Dan Wang’s Breakneck and what Welsh Labour could take from this perspective. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/06/we-need-more-engineers-in-politics-china-gets-this-does-wales/
In this article, Edward Oloidi looks at why eye-care services need to be designed to be inclusive of people with learning disabilities in Wales. Read it here 👉 https://ow.ly/2CBi50Z9R3B
In this long-read article Joe Rossiter considers the new Welsh Government’s proposals to reform devolved governance. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/06/iwa-long-read-reforming-the-how-of-devolved-government/
In this article Dr Arun Midha asks if Wales is prepared to build the community-based infrastructure capable of sustaining independence, dignity, and healthy ageing. Read it here 👉 https://ow.ly/TgSb50Z6A9x
In this long form article Mick Antoniw outlines his view on the future of the Welsh Labour Party and Welsh democracy. Read it here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/05/long-read-welsh-labour-at-a-crossroads/
With the dust beginning to settle on May 7th's momentous election, Professor Rod Hick considers the Welsh Government’s Cynall payment. Read the full article here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/05/new-hope-for-wales-children-piloting-a-welsh-child-payment/
🚨 New IWA training dates now live 🚨 Do you or your team need a primer on how decision are made in Wales and how to influence them? Book to join us now - IWA members get discounted rates -> https://www.iwa.wales/iwa-professional-training/
Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, asks the new Welsh Government to pursue longer-term thinking in order to face future challenges now. Read the full article here 👉 https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/05/a-senedd-that-works-for-future-generations/
"What is clear is that if you believe that climate policy should be at the heart of public policy, then you need to start winning the argument for why it will improve lives." Joe Rossiter discusses the different visions for Wales’ future. Read the full article here 👉 https://ow.ly/kHSu50YUWmz
🚨 New podcast episode 🎧 Fairer food and farming with WWF Cymru. In discussion with restaurateur and food policy advocate Simon Wright; farm business owner Aled Evans; and Alexander Phillips, Policy and Advocacy Manager at WWF Cymru. Listen now below: https://www.iwa.wales/podcasts/
Jake Smith considers the kind of support that unpaid carers need to carry on keeping their loved ones safe and cared-for while saving public services billions of pounds. You can read it here 👉 https://ow.ly/rC3w50YOC4s
🚨 New IWA long read 🚨 Our Co-Director Joe Rossiter looks at how parties propose to spend Welsh Government's budget in the years ahead in their Senedd election manifestos. Read now at: https://www.iwa.wales/agenda/2026/04/long-read-senedd-election-2026-tough-choices/