This timeline examines the events that precipitated the U.S. war in Afghanistan as well as the history of the war.

With concise historical analysis and forward-looking prescriptions, Pathways to Freedom offers an authoritative and accessible look at what countries must do to build durable and prosperous democracies—and what the United States and others can do to help.

Isobel Coleman and Terra Lawson-Remer share seven lessons from their new book, Pathways to Freedom: Political and Economic Lessons From Democratic Transitions.

Beijing's push for rapid urbanization aims to promote growth, but the socioeconomic effects remain unclear.

"To capitalize on the twin desires of Asian countries for closer ties with each other and for greater American presence, the United States must double down on its commitment to rebalance attention and resources to Asia."

"[The] country's defense experts and policy makers are now addressing systemic reform and modernization issues, and are talking about breaking down barriers to cooperation with civilian industry and market-driven management."

Jerome A. Cohen says the Communist Party's sustained efforts since June 4 to influence China's courts for its own ends may be easing, but judicial independence is still a long way off.

To capitalize on the twin desires of Asian countries for closer ties with each other and for greater American presence, the United States must double down on its commitment to rebalance attention and resources to Asia

Chinese officials see stability on the Korean peninsula under the Korean Armistice as a component that has enabled China's growth for over three decades. Despite a growing difference between the economic systems of China and North Korea, China's communist party leadership feels an affinity with North Korea because its government, like China's, pursues one-party leadership under a socialist banner.

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Karen Brooks remembers Taufiq Kiemas, chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly in Indonesia, senior member of Indonesia's largest opposition party, husband of former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, former student activist, and her personal friend, following his death, Saturday, June 8.

President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in California June 7-8, 2013, to discuss cybersecurity, climate change, territorial disputes, and North Korea. After their discussions, they released an agreement to reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in California June 7-8, 2013. Based on the Montreal Protocol findings regarding ozone layer-depleting emissions, they issued this agreement to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs, to address one aspect of climate change.

Yanzhong Huang argues that while Chinese growth has been impressive, it's singular focus on economic development has negatively affected health, environment, and social areas.

At the beginning of Pakistani prime minister Sharif's third term, Daniel Markey recommends that Washington work to promote "economic stabilization and improved relations with India."

The inauguration of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is a heartening milestone for Pakistan and an opportunity for Washington to restore relations with Islamabad, says expert Bruce Riedel.

In an article calling for inclusive development in India, access to justice and opportunity for all its citizens, and a stop to child trafficking in the country, Mark P. Lagon and Samir Goswami explore India's "economic miracle."

Elizabeth Economy identifies addressing the trust deficit as the top priority for this week's summit between President Obama and President Xi.

The foreign policy of China's newly-installed president, Xi Jinping, is in its infancy, but one variable that has already generated much discussion is the role that Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan might play in shaping China's image abroad.

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Despite its strategic "rebalancing" toward Asia, the United States is unlikely to sponsor a collective defense organization for the Asia-Pacific, for at least three reasons: insufficient solidarity among diverse regional partners, fear of alienating China, and the perceived advantages of bilateral and ad-hoc security arrangements.

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel delivered these remarks at the First Plenary Session (Saturday, June 1, 2013) of the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Asia Security Summit (Shangri-la Dialogue) in Singapore.