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.

African Renaissance

As Egypt and Nigeria cement ties, Sudan is no longer relegated to the shadows of regional politics
Gamal Nkrumah
December 17, 2004

Humanitarian Stain

World asylum seekers looking to Japan should brace for a disappointment
Justin McCurry
January 26, 2005

What the Bush Victory Means for East Asia

East Asia's brushes with terror make Middle East conflicts a real concern
Lee Kuan Yew
December 15, 2004

If UN Fails, We All Do

To maintain international faith in the UN, its peacekeeping missions must become a shared endeavor
Fareed Zakaria
December 9, 2004

Rex Americana

What stakes do Indians and Indian Americans have in the upcoming US presidential election?
Seema Sirohi
October 19, 2004