Issue

Governance

The balance of power between strong states was for decades the dominant issue in discussions of international security. But today, it is fragile states that are seen by many as posing potentially greater threats. Weak infrastructures, internal conflict, and lack of economic development provide fertile ground for trafficking, piracy, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, disease pandemics, regional tensions, and even genocide.

As a result, there is a growing movement in the international community to find comprehensive ways to promote stronger states, as well as more effective solutions to deal with those that are already on the brink of failure.

In Governance, you'll find reporting from around the world—from East Timor to Haiti, from Guinea Bissau to Afghanistan. The reporting demonstrates the dangers weak states pose—and also the international interventions that appear to be making a difference.

 

Governance

Asian Subways and American Decline

Asia may not have caught up with the United States in technology, wealth, or power, but its subway systems are impressive compared to some of those in crumbling urban America.

Water Balloon and the One-China Policy

A fracas in Taiwan's legislature may have been prompted by Chinese meddling—or at least that suspicion shows that Mainland China is never far from the collective mind on Taiwan.

The Chinese Invade Africa

A million Chinese migrants, and billions of dollars in trade and investment, are reshaping Africa. Ian Johnson reviews Howard French's new book and the Pulitzer Center e-book by Jacob Kushner.