Azerbaijan has been able to maintain relative independence from Moscow due to its oil and natural gas resources.

The ability to accommodate larger ships will likely increase shipping efficiency by taking advantage of economies of scale.

The Panama Canal's scheduled expansion may lead to a change in trade routes.

China needs African resources to sustain its domestic economy, and the projects in Africa provide a destination for excess Chinese labor.

Pretoria is attempting to expand its regional influence by investing in projects across the continent.

Japan's current regional security and political concerns are accelerating its move toward remilitarization.

The use of self-immolation as a protest tool is only successful when the act is carried out in a fairly populated area, which has not always been the case in Tibet.

Boko Haram has killed roughly 770 people this year, but the Nigerian government has successfully eroded the group's capabilities.

The attacks indicate that an organization is developing its militant capabilities through trial and error.

The M23 rebel group has been locked in a standoff with the Congolese military since Nov. 20.