The sharp drop in support for the ruling United Russia party in parliamentary elections reflects growing public discontent with Vladimir Putin's decision to seek the presidency again next year, says analyst Maria Lipman.

Marc Lynch and Steven A. Cook warn that Washington should not be fooled by the peace that has returned to Egyptian streets after the recent Parliamentary elections.

Egyptians headed to the polls Monday in the first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak amid deepening divisions in society and concern about the nation's direction. Join CFR senior fellow Ed Husain, who is currently in Cairo, for an analysis of the elections and the path ahead.

Egyptians headed to the polls Monday in the first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak amid deepening divisions in society and concern about the nation's direction. Join CFR senior fellow Ed Husain, who is currently in Cairo, for an analysis of the elections and the path ahead. Also, follow Husain on Twitter: @Ed_Husain.

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.

Hillel Frisch discusses how Egypt can avoid a civil war as the conflict over constitutional reform persists.

Egypt's military appears to be pursuing a divide-and-rule approach to defuse mass protests ahead of planned November 28 polls, but this may backfire, says CFR's Steven A. Cook.

With fresh political violence erupting ahead of elections, Shibley Telhami points to new polling data showing Egyptians are concerned the military is attempting to undo the gains of the revolution.

Nate Wright discusses the challenges faced by youth parties in Egypt, fighting for political space in the fast-approaching elections.

Ursula Lindsey compares and contrasts the democratic transitions of Tunisia and Egypt, pointing out the challenges facing Egypt as Tunisian elections progress smoothly.

In this Markets and Democracy Brief, CFR’s John Campbell and Asch Harwood note the potential dangers of elections in weak and divided African countries, but they urge continued U.S. support for elections because Africans themselves embrace them.

Ed Husain, CFR's senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies, discusses the emergence of Islamist political parties in Tunisia.

CFR Senior Fellow Steven Cook assess the insecurity and unrest in Egypt as the country prepares for parliamentary elections in November. Cook, who was in Cairo when the revolt broke out, has recently authored The Struggle for Egypt—a new book providing one of the first historical analyses explaining the reasons behind the uprising.

The potential return of Vladimir Putin to Russia's presidency is viewed by many in the country as "a step backwards," says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich, and could reignite a more acerbic tone with Washington.

A practitioner's guide providing firsthand accounts and lessons from scholars and political and civic leaders in the field, with the aim of expanding the dialogue "to ensure free and fair elections in which all of Africa's people can safely exercise their democratic rights."

Yoshihiko Noda, set to become Japan's prime minister, could be a reassuring presence amid economic and political turmoil, but it's not clear what energy he will have for global affairs, writes CFR's Sheila Smith.

Elliott Abrams says that especially in light of the Arab Spring, demands for free elections for Palestinians should be greater.

Joel D. Hirst says the strength of Venezuela's opposition is increasing through greater unity ahead of the battle to remove Chavez in 2012.

Joel D. Hirst explains how the Honduras Truth Commission concluded that the removal of President Manuel Zelaya was a coup while at the same time concluding that Zelaya was breaking the law when he disregarded a Supreme Court ruling ordering him to cancel a referendum allowing for presidential reelection.

Joshua Kurlantzick says Thailand's post-election democracy may need U.S. support.