Jiang Zemin, dead at 96, became a powerful leader of China through his ability to position himself between liberals and conservatives.
Author: Charles Richardson
US midterms wrap up
The composition of the new United States Congress is settled, with the exception of a Senate seat to be fought out next week.
Anwar takes his chance
The arrival in power of Anwar Ibrahim is a product of Malaysia's fractured party system but is also an inspiring personal story.
Will they ever learn?
Saturday's Victorian election showed the Liberal Party's failure to learn the lessons of history – even its own history.
Further thoughts on Victoria
Independents and minor parties had a field day at this year's federal election; it's not clear that the Victorian election will suit them quite so well.
Election preview: Victoria
Victoria's Labor government looks less assured of re-election than it did a few months ago, but its opposition still faces a mammoth task.
November electoral roundup
This month's roundup of world electoral news covers the United States, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and Equatorial Guinea.
A close call in Malaysia
An unexpectedly close election in Malaysia produces an uncertain outcome.
Individualism and the “libertarians”
Are Australia's "libertarians" really authoritarians in disguise? Upper house voting in Victoria provides a clue.
Still waiting on California
As results trickle in from the US mid-term elections the Democrats are tantalisingly close to holding on to their majority in the lower house.
The World is Not Enough 