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.

The American Leak

A nation addicted to oil and easy credit is losing international leverage
Thomas L. Friedman
December 7, 2010

Let Down by Politics

The world needs a form of governance that can tackle global crises
Nayan Chanda
December 6, 2010

Asking China to Act Like the US

What’s good for the US is not necessarily good for China
Helene Cooper
December 6, 2010

Farewell to the Age of the Treaty

US administration should pursue Congressional actions instead of treaties
James P. Rubin
November 29, 2010

Koreas in Border Artillery Clash

Exchange in fire across North-South Korean border heightens regional tensions
John Sudworth
November 23, 2010