With Afghanistan’s third presidential election mere days away, one thing seems obvious: it is an extremely significant event. The vote represents a crucial turning point for the troubled country, marking the end of the long post-Taliban transition and the dozen-year rule of Hamid Karzai.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea and possible future incursions into eastern Ukraine could reshape the geopolitical map of Europe and derail cooperation between Moscow and the West for years to come.

World trade is recovering from a long lull. At the same time, the international trade agenda, which had taken a backseat during the economic crisis, has been revitalized by a recent deal struck under World Trade Organization auspices in Bali and the initiation of negotiations of large regional trade agreements.

Although the shutdown in Bangkok currently commands centre stage, Thailand has been plagued with two political crises over the past 80 years or more.