Mexico has long been hostage to unchallengeable traditions: its nationalist approach to oil wealth, overly sensitive attitude toward sovereignty, entrenched labor monopolies, persistent corruption, and self-serving bureaucracy.

These teaching notes, by author and CFR Senior Fellow John Campbell, feature discussion questions and additional projects for educators to supplement the use of the CFR book Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink in the classroom. In this book, Ambassador Campbell examines the country's postcolonial past and offers policy options for the United States to help promote political, social, and economic development in Nigeria.

Vladimir Putin is expected to regain Russia's presidency despite a surge in public disapproval. Unknown is whether the vote will trigger widespread domestic protest or spur a downturn in Russia's relations with Washington.

Egyptians began voting in parliamentary elections despite ongoing protests. But experts say the continuing strife over military rule and fears over Islamist parties threaten stability.

This guide provides a range of CFR background and analysis of the foreign policy implications of the 2010 U.S. midterm elections.

The decision by the main Afghan presidential challenger to drop out of the runoff contest raises new doubts about incumbent Hamid Karzai's viability as partner in the U.S. effort to counter Taliban forces in increasingly shaky Afghanistan.

Regardless of the victor in this week's Afghan presidential elections, some analysts say Western forces must remain committed to the counterinsurgency effort to strengthen the state against a growing Taliban threat.

The Iranian government's response to public uproar over the presidential polls is raising questions about its power base and stability. Experts say the turmoil poses tricky questions for U.S. policymakers hoping to engage Iran's government.

A pro-Western coalition appears to have defeated Hezbollah in Lebanon's parliamentary vote, but analysts say the group will likely continue to be a power broker in Lebanese politics.

After a year of electoral turmoil in Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Guinea, tiny Ghana managed to run a free and fair presidential election. Is it an anomaly, or a trend the outside world can encourage?

The resignation of South African President Thabo Mbeki has exposed a rift in the ruling ANC party, raising questions about the future of one of the continent's champions and a regional powerbroker.

Passage of a long-awaited election law has renewed hope that Iraq can find political solutions to its many problems. But some Western observers still see trouble on the horizon.

Angolans headed to the polls on September 5 for their first election in sixteen years. The country is in the midst of a remarkable oil boom, but average Angolans remain among the world's poorest.

As a new round of sectarian violence grips Kirkuk, experts doubt provincial elections will bring lasting peace.

Seoul's conservative government is struggling to reconcile its foreign policy goals with the popular sentiments of its people.

As the date of Zimbabwe's run-off election approaches and violence spreads, questions hang over regional mediation efforts, which so far show little promise.

As Zimbabwe’s postelection deadlock continues, experts wonder when African leaders will start criticizing their peers.

A conservative parliament may provide further impetus to South Korean president to maintain a harder line on Pyongyang.

Pakistan’s civilian government has asserted a new policy in dealing with terrorists on its territory, posing challenges for Washington.