Violence erupted again in South Sudan on Monday, with bouts of gunfire reported across the capital and claims by the President that a group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government. The country remains one of the most unstable in the world, yet its sizable oil wealth has made it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and an attractive country for foreign investment.

While media reports spilled gallons of ink on the ups and downs of the Ukrainian protest movement over the weekend, few seemed to be wondering what Putin’s next move would be in response to the latest developments. Well, we now know. Emerging from talks with Yanukovich in Moscow today, Putin announced that Russia would buy $15 billion worth of Ukrainian government bonds and sharply cut the price of natural gas to help Ukraine stave off a financial crisis and keep Kiev out of the EU’s grasp.

While presidents and prime ministers across Europe are cajoling parliaments and persuading voters to approve retirement age hikes and benefit cuts for retirees, Germany is taking a step in the opposite direction. As part of a deal to cement her party’s coalition with the center-left Social Democrats, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s new program includes a provision to lower the retirement age for some workers and contribute more money to retiree pensions. The measure is popular with voters and the country has enough money to make it feasible, at least in the short-term, but it sends mixed messages to its European neighbors, who have long been lectured on the need to cut back on retirement programs.

After a period of transition, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the 25-year old son of assassinated prime minister Benazir Bhutto, has firmly planted his feet in Pakistan’s dangerous, fractious political grounds. In a fancy ceremony in Karachi, he officially announced a Sindh Festival to take place early next year, to celebrate the cultural heritage of the province in which his party, the PPP, is based.

After decades of growth, car sales are beginning to falter in the BRICS, with India, Russia and Brazil all posting lower growth numbers than during the boom years. The economic slowdown that hit the BRICS this year has led to a saturation in the market—the ranks of the middle class aren’t growing as fast as expected, and many of those already in the middle class have the cars they need. This is bad news for the many companies that have invested heavily in building factories in these countries to make up for low demand at home.

Secretary Kerry’s visit to Vietnam, and the coastal patrol aid package he promised to Hanoi and other Southeast Asian nations, helps reinforce the US pivot to Asia. Some doubt Washington’s ability and interest in continuing to be the ultimate provider of security and prosperity there—with good reason. Hopefully this is a sign that Washington has not forgotten its friends.

Tuition revenue and enrollment for colleges are falling, but the people at the top aren’t feeling the pain.2011 was a banner year for executive pay on campus, with college presidents raking in more money than ever before. Including bonuses and benefits, 42 presidents took home $1 million. This is already difficult to defend, but it will look even worse when colleges begin tightening their belts.

As the Ukrainian protests show, Europe presents a strong pull to many living in former Soviet countries. Helping Georgia along its reforms today is critical, as an important association agreement with the EU is only a year away.

The pension cuts Illinois passed with so much kicking and screaming were merely the prelude to bigger problems. Chicago faces a dangerously underfunded system and a looming half-billion contribution increase in 2015 with no plan for how to pay it. Meanwhile, a thousand miles to the southwest, a more prudent and responsible model of fiscal governance seems to be taking place in Texas. Blue states, take note.

The Saudis are continuing to refuse to back down in a dispute with Washington over Middle East policy—at least when it comes to words. But where else can they turn?