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.

Fox’s Performance Leaves Many Puzzled

Fox’s performance at the Summit of the Americas has hurt his popularity in Mexico
Kelly Arthur Garrett
November 15, 2005

Seeking Justice Abroad

Domestic remedies exhausted, Palestinians are seeking redress in foreign courts
Khaled Amayreh
September 30, 2005

George W. Bush’s Suicidal Statecraft

Is the US planting the seeds of its own future isolation and waning global influence?
Zbigniew Brzezinski
October 14, 2005

U.S. faces challenges on three fronts

America's current dominant position risks being pushed aside if it does not address imminent challenges
Kwon Ji-young
October 14, 2005

Kashmir: Amid Tragedy, Peace Beckons

Many hope the devastating national disaster will open the door to peace in the battered region
Ahmed Rashid
October 17, 2005