The winner of the 2012 U.S. presidential election will risk "unpleasant surprises" if he fails to pay sufficient attention to Africa, says CFR’s John Campbell.

The EU’s Nobel Peace Prize selection comes as the bloc struggles to resolve its debt crisis. Nevertheless, the EU represents one of the great peacemaking accomplishments of the modern era.

CFR’s James M. Lindsay discusses Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in February 1990 and his subsequent rise to the presidency to show how individuals shape history.

The turmoil in Ukraine highlights the need to promote democratic governance, strengthen civil society, and offer international support for countries in transition, says CFR’s Mark P. Lagon.

U.S.-Russian disagreement over how to respond to the conflict in Syria is spurring further deterioration in the relationship between Moscow and Washington, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.