As governments confront many challenges that are global in scale, leaders find they must cooperate in responding to financial, climate, terrorism and other crises. As a result, a global audience has developed keen interest in how and why nations select their leaders. On one hand, citizens expect sensible and collective action, transparency and fair representation; on the other hand, citizens and leaders fret about compromising security, sovereignty or loss of control. Diplomats and global organizations like the United Nations aim to achieve a balance, even as global communications allow citizens in democracies or authoritarian states to steer attention to issues. Attention to citizen demands and multilateral cooperation contribute to stability.

Russia Sets Out to Bring the Middle East Under New Order

US reluctance to intervene in Syria lifted Iran, leaving opening for Russia to rebalance the Middle East
Chris Miller
November 8, 2016

China's Leaders Consolidate Power

China’s Communist Party gives Xi Jinping new title,“core" of leadership, to speed economic and military reforms
Frank Ching
November 3, 2016

Philippines President Embraces China

Duterte’s belligerence toward the US alters strategic environment, but China may not budge on South China Sea
Murray Hiebert
October 20, 2016

Asians Concerned by Extreme Comments of US Presidential Campaign

East-West Center report identifies five trends in Asian reactions on anti-trade stances of US presidential candidates
Satu Limaye and Robert Sutter
October 4, 2016

End of the Road for the Non-Aligned Movement?

The once-powerful Non-Aligned Movement’s struggle to remain relevant was evident in failed summit in Venezuela
Harsh V. Pant
September 29, 2016

China Turns on Charm Offensive for Bhutan

Bhutan may be in the middle of a power play between regional rivals – long-time protector India and China
Bertil Lintiner
September 22, 2016

Mainstreaming of Corruption: Project Syndicate

Sławomir Sierakowski
September 30, 2019

Boris Johnson Needs an Election: Scotsman

Paris Gourtsoyannis
September 28, 2019

Obsession With Ukraine: New York Times

Kenneth P. Vogel, Julian E. Barnes, Maggie Haberman and Sharon LaFraniere
September 26, 2019

Zelensky-Trump Meet on UN Sidelines: Kyiv Post

Bermét Talant
September 26, 2019