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: Europe
Dreaming of a Green Christmas
Compare and contrast the fortunes of the Greens in Germany and Australia. Voting systems matter.
French left still lost in the wilderness
France's array of centre-left and further left presidential candidates still show no signs of organising themselves behind a common standard-bearer.
Trouble for the Tories
Two years after his big election win, Boris Johnson is in trouble. A by-election last week shows that his opponents are willing to co-operate against him.
December electoral roundup, part 2
Part two of this month's update, including news from Romania, Sweden, Honduras and Gambia.
An unconvincing referendum
A boycott by the pro-independence forces in New Caledonia produces an overwhelming victory for their opponents and a complete failure to advance towards a solution.
December electoral roundup, part 1
The first of a two-part update on recent electoral news. Today Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines and Austria.
Third time unlucky in New Caledonia
New Caledonia's independence referendum on Sunday is a foregone conclusion, since only one side is planning to turn out. The difficult question is what happens next.
Gaullists make their pick
Valérie Pécresse is a surprise choice as the centre-right candidate for next year's French presidential election.
Covid-denial fares badly at the polls
A referendum in Switzerland delivers a big win for public health measures and against the anti-vax lobby.
The World is Not Enough 