Just as he's busy with a game of bluff with the west over Ukraine, Vladimir Putin finds himself distracted by a crisis in Kazakhstan.
Category: Central and South Asia
December electoral roundup, part 1
The first of a two-part update on recent electoral news. Today Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Austria.
No surprise in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's halting program of liberalisation results in a presidential election that's not much improvement on its predecessor.
Taliban in Central America
Afghanistan isn't the only place where an anti-American autocracy has picked up where it left off. Nicaragua has already been there.
Post-Soviet independence
Ukraine and other former Soviet republics are celebrating 30 years of independence, but their place in the world still has elements of uncertainty.
Full circle in Kabul
The Taliban reconquers Afghanistan, leaving 40 years of American policy in ruins. Could things have been done differently?
At law in the Indian Ocean
Yet another judgement goes against Britain over the Chagos islands, raising awkward questions about the west's allegiance to international law.
January electoral roundup
A monthly feature summarising some recent electoral news. Today Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Uganda and Germany.
What to watch for in 2021
A quick rundown on the top ten elections scheduled for 2021.
Pre-Christmas election roundup
A final set of election updates for the year, with news from Ghana, Romania, Israel and Kashmir.
The World is Not Enough 