Chen Xiangyang provides an overview of the major international power conflicts during 2014, a year marked by “flux” and “reconfiguration.” Western countries will find it hard to dominate international order, institutions, and rules due to the collective emergence of new powers, mostly in Asia.

As details continue to emerge surrounding Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, Yu Sui lays out four lessons the international community can learn from the aftermath of this tragic event.

The tragedy of flight MH17 may be a turning point for the crisis in Ukraine as international public opinion turns against Pro-Russia forces and Russia. In a world where regional conflicts are globalized, the Sino-Russian relationship could complicate relations between China and Europe, but the renewed focus on Russia may force the US to reduce strategic pressures on China.