October 11, 2018
ChinaAs religious observance in China grows, the Chinese Communist Party continues to toughen oversight, increase religious persecution, and attempt to coopt state-sanctioned religious organizations.
July 22, 2016
United StatesForeign policy issues regularly come to the fore at the national political conventions, especially during periods of global instability. Sometimes the events are marked by bitter disagreements within…
January 11, 2011
United StatesThe Gulf of Mexico oil spill spotlights the growth of deepwater drilling and the challenges of balancing strong environmental regulation with efforts to expand U.S. domestic oil production.
September 1, 2009
Sub-Saharan AfricaThe African Union succeeded the old Organization for African Unity (OAU) in 2002. Since then, the new institution has struggled to reform governing bodies inherited from the OAU while shouldering cha…
November 11, 2008
Elections and VotingSen. Barack Obama’s foreign policy team includes former State Department veterans and newcomers from academia who seek to reinvigorate U.S. diplomacy.
March 16, 2009
United StatesAs U.S. lawmakers debate a cap-and-trade policy to combat climate change, experts say coal will continue to be a major part of the world’s energy mix, which will likely complicate efforts to curb gre…
January 16, 2007
United StatesDemocratic congressional leaders say improving energy security is a priority. But while there is broad interest in lessening U.S. dependence on foreign oil and in promoting renewable fuels, comprehen…
May 4, 2006
PeacekeepingWhatever the outcome of the current round of peace negotiations between Sudan’s government and rebel groups, the crisis in Darfur seems likely to drag on. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is planni…
April 27, 2006
ChadThe World Bank, a U.S.-led oil consortium, and Chad’s government came together for a pipeline plan that was hailed as a new model to help developing nations escape poverty and avoid corruption. But u…
February 16, 2005
IraqThis publication is now archived. What is the United Nations’ role in Iraq?It is a big player on the humanitarian scene--its agencies have, for example, distributed 1 million tons of food and million…