In the wake of the ISIS beheadings of its citizens, Japan has a tough choice to make: double down on its post-war pacifism, or strengthen its role in world affairs.

The Islam-vs.-secularism formula and the moderate-vs.-radical Islam dichotomy are poor guides for understanding contemporary Turkey.

However manufactured, Putin’s high approval ratings do tell us something important: he’s well positioned to stick around for quite some time.

Chinese coal production dropped last year, and Beijing just issued a moratorium on new coal mines in the east.

Nigeria’s upcoming national elections certainly will be contentious and most likely violent, but no matter who wins they’re not likely to change the country’s fundamental political and economic realities.

Al-Qaeda may have entered the ranks of pro-government fighters in Mali. The continuing instability of Mali threatens to encourage further Islamist activity in the region.

The British can now boast the fastest growth among major economies.

The Duma, Russia’s parliament, is considering a proposal condemning the 1990 reunification of Germany as an “annexation.”

China’s massive party purge is shaking up society in unexpected and sometimes odd ways.

The murder-espionage drama unfolding in Argentina doesn’t just prove how dysfunctional its government is—it is a timely reminder of what Iran is capable of.