Egyptians' first free presidential election is a test of the power of Islamist parties, and the new president will shape the country's future by helping craft a new constitution as well as a new relationship with parliament and the military, says CFR's Isobel Coleman.

Even before Egyptians cast ballots for a new president this week, they will have engineered a surprising shift in power that reflects impressive strides, writes CFR's Steven Cook.

Benjamin Netanyahu's agreement with the Kadima Party reflects a public more concerned about economic and social issues than whether to strike Iran, says CFR's Robert M. Danin.

France's new president will likely pursue growth policies that could put him at odds with Germany on austerity measures, with serious ramifications for the EU and the global economy.

Vladimir Putin's third term as Russia's president could be characterized by greater political competition and middle-class opposition domestically, along with mixed relations with the United States, says CFR expert Stephen Sestanovich.

Experts discuss outcomes of the 2012 elections in the United States and Mexico and look at both countries' post election agendas.

This session was part of a CFR symposium, U.S.-Mexico Relations Beyond the 2012 Election, which was made possible by the generous support of the Mexican Business Council.

Experts discuss the current security situation in Mexico, and how the United States can help combat shared security threats.

This session was part of a CFR symposium, U.S.-Mexico Relations Beyond the 2012 Election, which was made possible by the generous support of the Mexican Business Council.

Isobel Coleman says the Egyptian elections are a roller coaster, and what the role of Islam will be in a new Egypt is uncertain.

Richard N. Haass says that seemingly different nations with elections and political transitions in the coming months possess common internal challenges–a loss of economic and physical autonomy, the diffusion of information technology, and slower growth against a backdrop of larger and older populations–that will make more difficult the task of generating global consensus on how to meet threats beyond borders.

Following the first round of France's presidential election, CFR's Charles A. Kupchan discusses Nicolas Sarkozy's chances and the potential impact of a Francois Hollande win on transatlantic ties and the eurozone crisis.

France's next president faces tough choices on EU integration, immigration, NATO's mission in Afghanistan, and economic reforms, says CFR's Charles Kupchan.

Elliott Abrams says the Egyptian presidential race is a frightful mess.

Ma Sang-yoon of the Catholic University of Korea discusses the April 11 Republic of Korea national assembly elections, explains their relationship to the December South Korean presidential elections, and highlights issues relevant to the future of U.S.-ROK relations.

Registration is now closed for Egypt's upcoming presidential election. CFR's Steven A. Cook discusses major contenders, including the Muslim Brotherhood's Khairat al-Shater and last-minute entrant Omar Suleiman, Hosni Mubarak's one-time spy chief.

Joshua Kurlantzick says that even though its by-elections were relatively free and fair, Burma remains a long way from a truly democratic culture of elections.

The elections brought democratic forces into parliament for the first time in fifty years. But Myanmar's rapid reforms still must be viewed as small steps in a country where military forces retain considerable power, writes CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick.

Vladimir Putin's reelection as president raises concerns over domestic reforms and relations with Washington. Russia's future will be determined by Putin's handling of opponents and whether opposition forces can build a viable political force, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Parliamentary elections have bolstered the position of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, says expert Gary Sick. He lays out options for Washington to deal with Tehran over its nuclear program amid growing concern in the United States and Israel.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin won Russia's presidential election on March 5, 2012 with almost 64 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results. Charging violations at the polls, protestors rallied in downtown Moscow. Listen to CFR senior fellows Charles Kupchan and Stephen Sestanovich discuss the outcome of the elections, Russia's future, and U.S.-Russia relations.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin won Russia's presidential election on March 5, 2012 with almost 64 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results. Charging violations at the polls, protestors rallied in downtown Moscow. Listen to CFR senior fellows Charles Kupchan and Stephen Sestanovich discuss the outcome of the elections, Russia's future, and U.S.-Russia relations.