IBSA’s abstention over Syria is an argument against Security Council reform. Critics of reform have long argued that increasing the number of permanent members to include Brazil and India would lead to paralysis.

Over the last three decades, public funding for global health organizations has dried up. Private companies are writing checks to fill the gap and are bending the agenda toward their interests. Realigning priorities will mean getting more private firms involved - not less.

As Indonesia hosts a number of high-level summits this year, it looks set to take its place among the world’s economic superstars. But celebrations are premature: although Indonesia has made great strides, its gains are reversible. To continue to prosper, Jakarta must address rampant corruption and poor governance

Is China poised to take over from the United States as the world’s leading economy? Yes, judging by its GDP, trade flows, and ability to act as a creditor to the rest of the world. In fact, China’s economic dominance will be far greater and come about far sooner than most observers realize.

While carbon capture fitted coal plants are opening all over the world, the global demand for cheap energy is climbing. The initial investment for carbon capture technologies, though, is high, and green technologies are struggling to have an impact on pollution levels.

India has pursued a careful, well-thought out policy to prove that it can be a responsible permanent member on the UN Security Council.

In 2001, fearing ethnic strife, the international community pushed for a strong central government in Kabul. But such fears fostered a system of regional and ethnic patronage. To correct matters, the U.S. should de-emphasize Afghanistan’s ethnic fault lines and push for more devolved and inclusive governance.

Both Tokyo and New Delhi see each other as reliable partners, and continue to do so after the Japanese earthquake and nuclear disaster. The Japan-India relations in the post-disaster environment must be understood in terms of humanitarian, economic and strategic dimensions.

Henry Kissinger's new book argues that the United States should yield gracefully to China's rise; Aaron Friedberg's gives the opposite advice. By focusing on intentions instead of capabilities, both books overstate China's actual power.