With the year drawing to a close, it's often customary for individuals, organizations, bloggers, etc. to compile lists -- lists which, in their view, somehow encapsulate the passing year. Admittedly I have no such list to offer, though would like to draw your attention to a few rather worthwhile compilations. While not quite of the 'year in review' variety, I believe they actually say more than any such list would.
- Arguably most interesting is Elizabeth Dickinson's post in Foreign Policy which examines what the leaked US diplomatic cables reveal about the world's rogue states. Dickinson conveniently breaks down the information into 'what we know' and 'what we learn,' with a few 'curve balls' thrown in for good measure. A most fascinating read.
- Russell Leigh Moses of the WSJ points us to the top China political trends to watch in 2011, which say much about what transpired in 2010
- In a similar vein, Reuters has compiled what they believe will be the leading global political risk trends for 2011 (all links are pdf), broken down regionally: Global risks/trends; Western Europe; Emerging Europe; Africa; Middle East; Latin America; United States
It is also incumbent upon me to call your attention to a new expert blog, written by the Council on Foreign Relation's senior fellow for Africa policy studies, Ambassador John Campbell. In 'Africa in Transition,' Campbell examines political and security developments in sub-Saharan Africa in a most astute fashion. Though much of the posting tends to focus on Nigeria in particular, there is much fascinating insight to be garnered.
And with that I wish you all the best for the coming New Year. May 2011 be kind to us all!