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.

Politico reporter David Rogers explores Obama's bold debt strategy, which calls for $4 trillion of debt reduction in 10 years, rather than $2.4 trillion — a dollar-for-dollar match for the debt ceiling increase due in August.

Joshua Kurlantzick says the election victory by the party of Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, puts Thailand's already wobbly democracy at greater risk.

John Campbell and Asch Harwood discuss the challenges facing Nigeria's newly elected president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Najmeh Bozorgmehr of the Financial Times offers an analysis on the "real distribution of power" undermining Iranian political affairs, particularly discussing the power dynamics between the president and the supreme leader.

There is little doubt Prime Minister Erdogan's AKP party will retain power in Turkey's June 12 elections. The focus will be on whether he uses his mandate to consolidate Turkish democracy under a new liberal constitution, says CFR's Steven A. Cook.

Thailand's general elections in July could mark a crucial step toward reconciliation but are likely to fuel further resentments that have roiled the country and eroded regional stability, says CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick.