Japan's most powerful earthquake and the accompanying tsunami will sorely test its weak government and have a devastating impact on its struggling economy, says CFR's Sheila Smith.

Listen to CFR experts Steven Cook and Jared Cohen discuss the recent events in Tunisia, the implications for the region, and the role of social media in the protests.

Isobel Coleman discusses Yemeni reactions to the uprisings in Tunisia.

Isobel Coleman and Charles Landow discuss how lack of good governance in Africa condemns millions to poverty and fails to unleash the continent's great potential.

CFR's Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies highlights examples of Nigerian civil society organizations. These organizations, Campbell says, have a significant "name and shame" role to play in impelling the country towards democracy.

A railroad through the southern Caucasus will soon connect Europe and Asia, fueling dreams and discord in the region.

Sheila A. Smith discusses the opportunities ahead for the United States and Japan before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Asia.

In a NYT op-ed, co-chairman of the International Crisis Group Chris Patten discusses the choices facing Sri Lankan voters during the 2010 presidential elections, in the wake of violent ethnic conflict.

International actors are redoubling efforts to restore Afghanistan's agriculture sector and weaken the massive opium trade that helps fund the Taliban. But competing strategies and corruption could stall reforms.

Cuba's repressive regime has shown remarkable resilience in the past, defying predictions of its inevitable collapse.  Have its political fortunes changed?  This Journal of Democracy article explores the current ferment in civil society and the stability of Raúl Castro's government.

China has a range of options for its citizens to access justice, but experts say none of them are particularly effective.

Pervez Musharraf may have stepped down as army chief but the Pakistani military remains strong and democratic prospects are cloudy.

Stephen Biddle, CFR’s top defense analyst, cites positive developments in Iraq on Sunni security cooperation and reconciliation efforts from the Shiite-led government.

Sierra Leone’s elections were peaceful and participation was high but concerns remain that the conditions that sparked its long civil war are unchanged.

Under increasing pressure because of its nuclear program, Iran’s authorities have now targeted high-profile civil society activists to try to undermine Western influence.