This week, North and South Korea push for increased cooperation; NAFTA negotiators near a new deal; a UN report says both sides of the conflict in Yemen are responsible for human rights abuses; and more.

This week, the Taliban kills dozens in Afghanistan; Turkey turns to Russia amidst a currency crisis; Ebola outbreak in Congo worries officials; and more.

This week, Venezuela makes arrests in Maduro assassination attempt; Germany and Spain come to an agreement on refugees; Ethiopia shuts down internet access; and more.

In the face of the challenge posed by the "sharp power" of authoritarian governments, democratic governments and societies should avoid any temptation to imitate the methods of their adversaries or overreact in ways that undercut the advantage of their “soft power,” writes Joseph Nye ahead of our teleconference on August 9.