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.

Marketing Humanitarian Crises

Needy groups compete to market plights and win global attention
Clifford Bob
February 21, 2006

American Ports in a Storm

Columnist Thomas L. Friedman calls American objection to the Dubai port deal “shameful”
Thomas L. Friedman
February 23, 2006

Why the US Malaise Over China?

Awareness of the complexities could produce a win-win outcome
Kenneth Lieberthal
January 19, 2006

The East Asia Summit: More Discord than Accord

Is the new East Asian Community (EAC) the first step towards a united region, or an irritant to old rivalries?
Mohan Malik
December 20, 2005

US-Vietnam: Discreet Friendship Under China’s Shadow

The absence of any strategic conflict and important areas of strategic convergence should see it grow
Raymond Burghardt
November 22, 2005

Is Strategy For Victory in Iraq an Empty Package?

American people will have to support it with their children and wallets
Joan Johnson-Freese
December 6, 2005

What If Britain Left the EU?

The UK could expect political restructuring, social instability and cultural paucity by leaving the EU
Michael White, Larry Elliott and Charlotte Higgins
November 7, 2014

GOP: United Against Obama, Divided on US Foreign Policy

Polarization among Republicans could guarantee more gridlock – and the same is true of Democrats
Simon Reich
November 5, 2014

Germany Says UK Could Leave EU if Cameron Insists on Migrant Quotas

Freedom of movement is fundamental right for EU
Peter Dominiczak
November 4, 2014

White House Pushes Back on State Ebola Quarantines

Fragmented US public health system turns Ebola into political and legal battle
Colleen McCain Nelson, Melanie Grayce West and Betsy McKay
October 27, 2014