International re-engagement and new peace talks point in a positive direction, but multiple indicators point to fragility and risk.

Although China seems to have continued improving air quality during the Covid era, it is premature to celebrate the end of its war against pollution.

The Osaka District Court ruled against the constitutionality of same-sex marriage in Japan while local government in Tokyo increased access to same-sex civil partnerships this summer.

For the moment, the two parties are in broad agreement on some of the biggest foreign policy questions facing the United States—but this state of affairs is not without its dangers.

A vast gulf remains between development financing and development goals. International competition could help bridge that gap, but has produced mixed results to date.