Ethiopia

Ethiopia's recent changes are due largely to an uprising by young men from the largest ethnic group, the Oromo. Their inspiration: Jawar Mohammed, who created a media network in exile in Minnesota.

In July, the countries declared the war was over; a couple of months later, they opened their border for the first time in almost 20 years. Some analysts caution big changes are coming too quickly.

Ethiopia is going through a historic transformation. The country has welcomed a new reformist leader, forged peace with Eritrea and opened up a democratic space after decades of authoritarian rule.