We last gathered together in February and I spoke then in some depth about institutional controls over government action.  We discussed how important checks and balances are to prevent any one branch, group or individual leader from becoming too strong or too unaccountable, particularly in new democracies without a history and tradition of restraint among their leaders.  Today’s topic – Institutional Renewal and Creating Effective Mechanisms – continues this discussion, but from a different angle, a somewhat more philosophical one.  But at the same time perhaps even a more fundamental angle.  Indeed, the most powerful approach to checking-and-balancing a political system is likely to be found in its constant improvement, upgrading, renewal, and perfection.  It is to be found in the renewal of the very personnel that comprise leadership by the peaceful and timely transfer of power.