Diplomatic relations between Japan and China must improve for the Asia-Pacific region to thrive economically and politically, explains CFR’s Sheila Smith.

Pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong feel Beijing has reneged on its guarantees of greater autonomy for the former British colony, says CFR’s Barbara Demick.

A greater international response is required to help West African governments overcome major logistical challenges in responding to Ebola, says CFR Senior Fellow John Campbell.

The humanitarian crisis in Iraq is likely to deepen until leaders in Baghdad can form an inclusive government and defeat jihadist fighters on the battlefield, explains CFR’s Isobel Coleman.

The violence in Gaza is likely to continue until a third party brokers a deal that allows both Israel and Hamas to claim successes as a result of the bloodshed, says CFR’s Robert Danin.