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.

As fighting continues in Libya between anti- and pro-government forces, the Obama administration has warned that it is considering all options, including military intervention. Conflict prevention expert Micah Zenko and international law expert Matthew Waxman discuss the Obama administration's options in Libya and their implications.

Former Ambassador James Jones discusses U.S.-Mexico relations and Mexico's most pressing problems as President Felipe Calderón continues his "War on Drugs" and combats the resulting violence.

In this Markets and Democracy Brief, Shannon O'Neil charts the progress of Mexico's economic and democratic reforms. She sees grounds for optimism on both fronts but concludes that Mexico risks falling behind unless it redoubles efforts to overcome its authoritarian past.

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.

Blaine D. Holt argues that rebuilding Kyrgyzstan's crumbling infrastructure with U.S. aid and manpower will lead to the development of programs and institutions from which a democracy can evolve.

Jake Cusack and Erik Malmstrom speak on private-sector development in Afghanistan.

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.

Opposition party leader, Mikhail Kasyanov, discusses the challenges Russia faces with the current regime, as well as the need for democratic reform.

Nikolas Gvosdev and Derek S. Reveron, professors of national security affairs at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, discuss the importance of nation building and its significance in the context of U.S. national security.

Speaker: Moses Wetang'ula, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Kenya, Madeleine K. Albright, Chair, Albright Stonebridge Group; Former U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State

Gayle Tzemach Lemmon discusses the advances made by Afghan women.