Russia is seeking support from regional groups such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a counter to the West, but this is proving to be more difficult than it anticipated.

Russia has emerged as a policy issue in the presidential campaign, adding to a list of top-tier issues including energy policy, Iran, and Iraq.

As tensions between Russia and the West mount over the military conflict in Georgia, some analysts worry about the collapse of arms control agreements.

Both parties will use presidential conventions to boost their candidate's credentials on the economy and national security, at a time when both issues overlap.

The Beijing Olympics have displayed Chinese pride and prowess in staging a world-class event, while leaving a residue of disquiet about the government.

Development experts have long lamented the negative effects of brain drain on Africa. Some economists now argue the benefits outweigh the costs.

Analysts are studying whether al-Qaeda in Iraq, severely diminished over five years of war, is moving its war against the West to Afghanistan.

Russia's invasion of Georgia has rubbed raw relations with the West, complicating cooperation in several crucial areas.

South Asia, despite its many functioning democracies, continues to be torn by conflict and vulnerable to military intervention in politics.

With President Musharraf's exit, Pakistan faces a lack of governance amid economic concerns, increasing terrorist violence, and declining relations with neighbors.

Immigration reform gets scant mention on the U.S. election trail, but experts expect either leading presidential candidate to make policy reforms a priority.

Two years after the UN-brokered cease-fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah gunmen in southern Lebanon, lasting peace remains elusive.

Amid political crisis, economic concerns, increasing terrorist violence, and deteriorating relations with neighbors, Pakistan faces a lack of governance.

Russia's offensive in Georgia, traced in part to bitterness over Kosovo's independence, stirs new concern over a chasm between Moscow and the West.

CFR.org provides a collection of resources examining China's rise and the Olympic Games.

Alongside feats of athletic prowess, China's brand of authoritarian capitalism will be on display in the much-anticipated Beijing Olympics.

As a new round of sectarian violence grips Kirkuk, experts doubt provincial elections will bring lasting peace.

China has promised a "green Olympics," but the effort to ease air pollution—and some athletes' concerns—has proven a scramble.

Experts worry Eritrea and Ethiopia could be on the brink of new conflict, potentially enmeshing Eritrea further in the Horn of Africa's many disputes.

Concerned that a U.S. drawdown in Iraq will leave a power vaccum, Arab Gulf countries are looking for ways to prop up their neighbor.

Struggles continue for Detroit's automakers. Experts say the road to recovery requires looking overseas.

A move to indict Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir meets a sharp response from Arab and African leaders and raises questions about the future of Sudan's peace process.

Cambodia has come a long way from the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge, but development challenges and lack of freedoms continue to hamper growth.

Despite the sputtering U.S. economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to dominate debate on the presidential campaign trail.

The Bush administration has increased resources for public diplomacy with a focus on Muslims. But criticism remains about how the "war of ideas" is waged.

After months of deadlock, the U.S.-India nuclear deal has moved to the next stage, but numerous obstacles to the deal's passage remain.

Troubles at U.S. mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac renew fears that housing woes will rock global financial markets.

Pakistan faces increasing pressure to crack down on militants linked to attacks in Afghanistan. Experts urge Western caution in dealing with the tribal areas.

High food prices have swelled the number of people going hungry around the world. Food aid is also a culprit, say some experts.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy succeeded in forming a union of Mediterranean countries, but the bigger challenge of pushing through meaningful policy change lies ahead.