China has increased its economic ties with Africa as it seeks to fulfill its growing energy demands. But China's way of doing business has prompted international criticism, even as its policy of noninterference faces new challenges.

As the Pentagon attempts to refocus the U.S. military strategy toward Asia, the department is facing major budget constraints. Experts disagree on how to balance the fiscal challenge with the country's national security priorities.

This CFR Issue Tracker looks at the United States' relationship with Russia and presidential candidates' stances on the issue.

Trade accounts for an increasing portion of the U.S. economy, and the Obama administration has embraced a ramped up export strategy. But debate persists over the merits of a vigorous free trade agenda.

Founded as a loose confederation of states in 1945, the Arab League has struggled to overcome dysfunction and disunity among its members. The Arab revolts of 2011 offer the League a new opportunity to pursue necessary reforms, increase legitimacy, and prove its relevance.

Targeted killings have become a central component of U.S. counterterrorism operations around the globe. Despite pointed criticism over transparency and accountability issues, analysts say the controversial practice seems likely to expand in the future.

U.S. presidential candidates mostly share a wary posture toward China, out of concern over trade imbalances and its regional assertiveness. Yet, many also consider China a potential partner.

Increasing domestic energy resources and the debate over subsidies and environmental regulations have emerged as central themes of the 2012 presidential campaign.

A broad-sweeping look at international efforts to regulate the global financial system. This is part of the Global Governance Monitor, an interactive feature tracking multilateral approaches to several global challenges.

A broad-sweeping look at international efforts to prevent armed conflict. This is part of the Global Governance Monitor, an interactive feature tracking multilateral approaches to several global challenges.

U.S.-based rating agencies--still reeling from a loss of credibility for being too lenient with risky financial institutions in the run-up to the global financial crisis--are once again under intense scrutiny following S&P's unprecedented downgrade of U.S. debt. The move comes on the heels of intense criticism by EU officials, who contend the raters have accelerated the European sovereign debt crisis.

The economic climate and border security concerns have thrust the question of immigration reform into the spotlight in the 2012 presidential campaign.

Most GOP presidential candidates have been emphatic in their support of Israel and critical of the Obama administration's handling of the peace process with the Palestinians.

Deterring Iran's nuclear weapons program is a foreign policy priority for the United States. Candidates for the 2012 presidential elections debate the best options, including a military strike.

2012 presidential candidates largely call for added pressure on North Korea to denuclearize while working to contain aggressive behavior.

With oil supplies tight, regions most vulnerable to oil supply disruptions present a significant economic concern, particularly threats to the Strait of Hormuz and unrest in Nigeria, explains this Backgrounder.

President Obama has been supportive of the UN mission, while concerned about its effectiveness. Many of the Republican candidates are highly critical of the organization.

Among Republican presidential candidates, the issue of nuclear proliferation has centered on Iran's ambitions, while President Obama kicked off his presidency with high-profile nuclear initiatives.

While widening violence by Nigeria's Islamist group Boko Haram has caused concerns about its possible links to international terrorist groups, some experts argue it's best to focus on addressing the crippling poverty, political corruption, and police abuses that are at the root of the violence.

U.S. presidential candidates vary on the policy details of such homeland security issues as the Patriot Act provisions, border security, waterboarding, and military spending.