The Maldives

With larger powers in retreat, small countries and civil society groups have stepped up—and they have won some significant victories.

The island nation is on the verge of conceding its sovereignty.

The islands' first democratically elected president is planning a return - but home may not be welcoming.

The archipelago has proven capable of using to its advantage regional competition between India and China.

In just a few weeks, the country has slid from relative stability to political crisis.

Past the white sand beaches, the country's human rights situation has gone from bad to worse — and this paradise has become anything but.