Even before Egyptians cast ballots for a new president this week, they will have engineered a surprising shift in power that reflects impressive strides, writes CFR’s Steven Cook.

U.S. strategic interests in Africa’s Sahel have been marginal for decades, but there is a strong case for expanding ties with regional allies to quell a spreading security threat, write J. Peter Pham…

France’s next president faces tough choices on EU integration, immigration, NATO’s mission in Afghanistan, and economic reforms, says CFR’s Charles Kupchan.

Tunisians triggered the first of the Arab world upheavals, but can they sustain support for democratic changes? CFR’s Victoria Taylor says the elections for a constitutional assembly will test Tunisi…

A growing number of authoritarian states are banning civil society activities, raising the prospect of spreading instability that should arouse action in Washington, says CFR’s Mark Lagon.