Despite short-term improvements, long-term problems will hamper Italy's efforts to escape its economic crisis.

A party dismissal raises serious questions over the much-debated Chongqing experiment.

Lodged between Russia and China, Mongolia is looking to Japan to play the role of its "third neighbor."

Portugal's social and political dynamics likely will allow it to stave off default.

The contest between Russia and Romania for influence in Moldova will focus on economics and security, given Moldova's politics.

Spain is at high risk economically and politically due to private debt, unemployment and increasing social tensions.

Greece's economy has suffered from both the financial crisis and austerity measures meant to resolve the crisis.

Europe's new fiscal compact treaty attempts to force regional reform without challenging sovereignty.

Beijing lowered growth expectations, but it will not be able to escape its investment-led growth path in the near term.

The effects of protracted drought in Heilongjiang province would be felt throughout China's national grain market.