Flash Points

Themed journeys through our archive.

Words That Decode the World

From “krysha” to “jugaad,” these terms offer essential insights into particular countries.

Pouneh Mirlou illustration for Foreign Policy
Pouneh Mirlou illustration for Foreign Policy
Pouneh Mirlou illustration for Foreign Policy

What does the Russian word for “roof” reveal about political violence in Vladimir Putin’s Russia? Can understanding a single Farsi term help us avoid a geopolitical crisis with Iran? And how has jugaad, a Hindi word that captures India’s inventiveness, also held the country back?

What does the Russian word for “roof” reveal about political violence in Vladimir Putin’s Russia? Can understanding a single Farsi term help us avoid a geopolitical crisis with Iran? And how has jugaad, a Hindi word that captures India’s inventiveness, also held the country back?

FP’s Decoder feature is based on the premise that language is key to understanding a particular country or culture. Read on for some of our favorite essays on words and phrases that help explain politics from Berlin to Beijing.—Chloe Hadavas


Ilya Bazhanov illustration for Foreign Policy

How Muscle Works in Moscow

FP’s Amy Mackinnon helps us understand krysha, the word that explains why Russian life is all about having the right kind of protection.


Pouneh Mirlou illustration for Foreign Policy
Pouneh Mirlou illustration for Foreign Policy

Pouneh Mirlou illustration for Foreign Policy

Pride and Prejudice in Tehran

To understand Iran’s foreign policy, you need to learn a little Farsi, Hooman Majd writes.


Shaivalini Kumar and Meroo Seth illustration for Foreign Policy

India Has a Mindset Problem

Jugaad once symbolized immense potential, but the endless shortcuts are now holding the country back, FP’s Ravi Agrawal writes.


Martina Flor illustration for Foreign Policy

Repent for Your Frequent Flyer Miles!

Feeling guilty for the carbon burned on your last flight? The Germans have a word for that, Peter Kuras writes.


Penguin Lab illustration for Foreign Policy

China’s Pop Idols Are Too Soft for the Party

Stars like Luhan are huge with fans but sit uncomfortably with macho ambitions, Lauren Teixeira writes.

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