Myanmar's sudden transition from repressive pariah to potential democracy should be viewed through the lens of a military alarmed by people power revolts and by the country's increasingly shaky economic condition, says CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick.

Joshua Kurlantzick says that despite the hopes raised by the Arab Spring, democracy is actually in retreat around the world, but there is a way to revive it.

Joshua Kurlantzick reviews The River of Lost Footsteps and Where China Meets India by Thant Myint-U.

Joshua Kurlantzick says dramatic signs of political opening and reform by Myanmar's new civilian government suggest the limits of international pressure.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave these remarks with Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon, Burma on December 2, 2011.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave this press conference in Burma/Myanmar on December 1, 2011.

Secretary Clinton is in Myanmar to gauge recent reforms by the military-backed regime. Experts are calling for further democratization, including strengthening the rule of law and reconciliation with ethnic minority groups.

In a meeting conducted via videoconference, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses recent changes in Myanmar, her decision to rejoin the political system, and Myanmar-U.S. relations.

In this Policy Innovation Memorandum, Joshua Kurlantzick argues that the United States should play a much larger role in shaping Myanmar's reforms by launching a new strategy of engagement, including a sizable aid package, upgraded diplomatic relations, and, if reforms continue, an end to American sanctions.

In a meeting conducted via video conference, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses recent changes in Myanmar, her decision to rejoin the political system, and Myanmar-U.S. relations.

In a meeting conducted via videoconference, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses recent changes in Myanmar, her decision to rejoin the political system, and Myanmar-U.S. relations.

President Obama gave these remarks to the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Australia on November 17, 2011.

In Canberra, President Obama announced an expansion of defense ties, but it has prompted debate among Australian analysts over balancing a strategic U.S. alliance with growing economic ties with Beijing.

Mark Landler discusses the competition for offshore oil in the South China Sea, among other waters, where countries in a naval arms race rush to secure their share of energy resources.

APEC economic leaders gave this declaration at the close of the 19th annual APEC meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii on November 12-13, 2011.

The ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers was adopted by the ASEAN heads of state at the 12th ASEAN Summit on January 13, 2007 in Cebu, Philippines.

The ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in the ASEAN Region was adopted heads of state of ASEAN member countries on June 30, 2004 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Joshua Kurlantzick discusses the unexpected series of reforms that has taken place in Burma since President Thein Sein took office.

As Indonesia hosts a number of high-level summits this year, it looks set to take its place among the world's economic superstars.

With China and Southeast Asian states disputing claims to the energy-rich South China Sea, the United States is likely to bolster its presence in the area, writes CFR's Joshua Kurlantzick.