Catalans want to vote on whether to be independent from Spain. Getting a referendum will be harder than it is for Scotland, but there's probably more chance of a "Yes" vote if it happens.
Author: Charles Richardson
Ukrainian government upsets the applecart
Ukraine's parliament enacts new anti-protest laws, running the risk of reinvigorating a protest movement that was starting to run out of steam.
Egyptians vote yes – without much choice
There's no doubt about the result of Egypt's constitutional referendum, since campaigning for a "No" vote was effectively illegal. But the turnout might tell us something about the underlying level of support for the military.
Britain vs Europe, drugs edition
An EU move for more rational drug policy is disapproved by the British government, casting further doubt on the link between euroscepticism and libertarianism.
Death of a warmaker
Ariel Sharon ended his active career by apparently repudiating the things he had previously been most known for. Did he really mean it?
US steps slowly back from Cuba sanctions
Talks between the United States and Cuba, a rare event in themselves, have proceeded well. There seems to be a dawning realisation that sanctions have outlived their relevance.
A Czech lesson for direct-election republicans
The Czech Republic has moved closer to getting its new government, but the directly-elected president will remain a thorn in its side. Maybe Malcolm Turnbull was right.
India sets up a big contest
The Indian prime minister announces his forthcoming retirement, but this year's election will see his party have trouble extending its ten-year rule.
The electoral top ten for 2013
A review of the year's most interesting elections and whether they show us any general trends.
The last election roundup for 2013
A semi-regular feature, with news this week from Turkmenistan, Mauritania, Madagascar, Thailand and Austria.
The World is Not Enough 