Mexico is struggling with a surge in drug-related violence, declining oil revenues, and an economy under strain. Some experts point to a looming security problem for the United States.

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In Friday's roundup: Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev on Russia's vision; what to offer Hillary Clinton; and the fluctuating price of oil.

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The global financial crisis threatens to hamper poverty alleviation efforts in India and China, responsible for lifting the largest numbers of the world's poor out of extreme poverty.  Political or social instability are concerns.

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CFR Senior Fellow Laurie Garrett writes that the United States cannot afford to reduce its foreign assistance spending, even though it faces its toughest budgetary challenge since the Great Depression.

This module features teaching notes by Amity Shlaes, author of The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression, along with other resources to supplement the text. In her book, Miss Shlaes asserts that the real question about the Depression is not whether Roosevelt ended it with World War II, but why the Depression lasted so long. She argues that federal intervention between 1929 and 1940 unnecessarily deepened and prolonged the Depression.

In Thursday's roundup: Israel's blockade of Gaza; talking to the Syrians; and the big three car makers in search of a bailout.

Listen to a panel of experts discuss the prospect for U.S. leadership in the world under the Obama administration.

President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to intensify the war effort in Afghanistan, but experts say beyond military might, victory will require a revived regional role and reformed reconstruction moves.

Barnett R. Rubin, a leading expert on Afghanistan, says to end the current crisis there the United States should reach out to other parties such as Pakistan, Russia, India, and Iran, as well as to encourage dialogue between Afghan government emissaries and Taliban insurgents who are not tied to al-Qaeda.

In Wednesday's roundup: how to challenge pirates off the East African coast; the pros and cons of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State; and the timetable for troop withdrawal from Iraq.

CFR Senior Fellow Daniel Markey writes that the global financial downturn is exacerbating preexisting economic problems in Pakistan.

President-elect Barack Obama made many promises on defense spending and strategy during his two-year run for the White House. But analysts say economic constraints and political pressure could make implementation difficult.

In Tuesday's roundup: Henry Paulson on why his plan will work; the "deal" done with Pakistan over drone attacks; and a new approach to helping the people of Myanmar.

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CFR's Latin America Studies Program outlines the implications of the global financial crisis for Latin America.

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In Monday's roundup: America's auto industry - to rescue or not; the sickness of Kim Jong-Il; and progress at the G-20.