The death of Oman's long-ruling sultan raises questions about the viability of enlightened despotism.
Author: Charles Richardson
Election preview: Taiwan
Taiwan's president looks comfortably set for re-election tomorrow, being an unintended beneficiary of the Chinese government's aggressive approach to Hong Kong.
Slow progress for Uzbek democracy
Elections in Uzbekistan represent a step forward, but genuine democracy is still some way off.
Two new governments
Spain and Austria are both getting new governments this week, after negotiations produced two very different coalitions.
Croatia turfs out another president
The first election result for the year brings good news for the centre-left.
What to watch for in 2020
A rundown on what to expect on the world electoral scene in the coming year.
2019 in review
There was plenty of good and bad in 2019. Here's a quick recap of some of the highlights.
It was a good idea at the time
When Israel eventually gets a new government, it will have to deal with a situation vis-a-vis the Palestinians that, despite appearances, has changed radically in the past decade.
The revolt of the cosmopolitans
One of the key trends of 2019 has been increased political polarisation between city and country.
What are the Republicans afraid of?
Republican senators seem certain to stand behind their impeached president, not because they support him but because they are afraid of the alternatives.
The World is Not Enough 