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.

Europe Turning Cold on Turkey

All references to Turkey’s EU accession have been removed from a summit document
Yigal Schleifer
June 20, 2005

China Seeks to Build Regional Influence at Summit

Hopes to strengthen Central Asian alliance and gain greater access to energy resources
July 7, 2005

A Moment to Seize with North Korea

Kim Jong-il's recent statement presents a "golden opportunity" for the Bush administration to reopen negotiations
Donald Gregg
June 22, 2005

It's Time for Pakistan to Play a Larger Regional Role

A booming economy and improving ties with India will help Pakistan build bilateral alliances in Southeast Asia
Aparna Shivpuri Singh
June 23, 2005

American Character Gets Mixed Reviews

Sixteen-nation Pew Global Attitudes Survey reveals continued dissatisfaction with the US
June 23, 2005