South Sudan’s civil war is the result of a weakly institutionalized state and may require the African Union’s intervention to find peace and stability, says expert Alex de Waal.

China’s leaders have made a renewed call for rule of law reforms, but it is important to stress the ruling Communist Party remains above the law, says CFR’s Elizabeth C. Economy.

The United Kingdom will be irrevocably changed as a result of this week’s independence referendum, whichever way Scotland votes, says expert Richard Whitman.

Britain finds itself at an unusual crossroads this summer as it negotiates a fraught relationship with Europe and prepares for a possible Scottish secession, says journalist Steven Erlanger.

New Chinese territorial claims over the East China Sea have alarmed trade partners and neighbors, but no major disruption in the region’s booming commerce is expected, says CFR’s Thomas Bollyky.