Afghanistan is transitioning from a state-based model to a free market economy as it continues to rebuild from nearly 30 years of conflict. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Afghanistan's real GDP growth during 2012 accelerated from 6 percent in 2011 to around 12 percent, reflecting a good harvest. After accelerating to double digits during 2011, inflation moderated during 2012, reaching 6 percent year on year. Net international reserves stand at US$6.35 billion (approximately 7 months of imports). The exchange rate has depreciated by 6 percent during 2012 and has...

The Iraqi economy grew by an estimated 10% in 2012 and is expected to grow at a similar rate in 2013, driven primarily by rising oil production and higher oil prices over the forecast period. Economic growth will be buttressed by robust increases in government expenditures. Iraq's 2012 capital budget was up nearly 35% over the previous year, and with mounting pressure to provide basic services the government is expected to expend a larger proportion than this allocation. Iraq's transition from a centrally-run economy to a more market-oriented one has been slow and uneven. The World Bank's...

This curriculum will examine the diplomatic vision of the European Recovery Act (ERA) as initiated and promoted by Secretary of State George C. Marshall. The ERA, which came to be known as the Marshall Plan, is one of the most stellar examples of U.S. diplomacy in 20th century American history. Lessons will explore: diplomatic events surrounding the end of World War II, Marshall's leadership and diplomatic expertise in garnering congressional support for the ERA, the strategies of the U.S. and European diplomats who designed the implementation of the ERA, and the immediate and lasting effects...

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliamentary form of government. In the most recent national elections, held in 2008, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won 90 of 123 National Assembly seats. Most observers assessed that the election process improved over previous elections but did not fully meet international standards. The CPP consolidated control of the three branches of government and other national institutions, with most power concentrated in the hands of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Security forces reported to civilian authorities. A weak judiciary that sometimes...

Colombia is a constitutional, multi-party republic. In 2010 voters elected Juan Manuel Santos president in elections that observers considered free and fair. Authorities maintained effective control over security forces. Security forces committed human rights abuses. The most serious human rights problems were impunity, an inefficient judiciary, forced displacement, corruption, and societal discrimination. Impunity and an inefficient justice system subject to intimidation limited the state's ability to prosecute effectively individuals accused of human rights abuses and to bring to trial...

The People's Republic of China (PRC) is an authoritarian state in which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) constitutionally is the paramount authority. CCP members hold almost all top government and security apparatus positions. Ultimate authority rests with the 25-member Political Bureau (Politburo) of the CCP and its seven-member Standing Committee. China completed its once-in-a-decade leadership transition in March, and Xi Jinping holds the three most powerful positions as CCP general secretary, state president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Civilian authorities generally...