Decoder
Explaining a word and the culture that uses it.
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India-Modi-Jumla-Postcard-Decoder The Art of the Jumla
Why India’s Narendra Modi keeps getting away with failure.
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Mileurista-Spain-decoder-foreign-policy-illustration-article Who Wants to Be a Thousandaire?
Spain’s “mileurista” generation is a portent of things to come for the global economy.
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chile-FACHO-fascism-pinochet-MAURO-ANDRÉS-illustration-02 In Chile, One Word Defines the Political Revolution
The Chilean term “facho” evokes the image of Chile’s fascist past—but also of present-day tenacity that thumbs its nose at institutional power.
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Печать How Muscle Works in Moscow
Understanding “krysha,” the word that explains why Russian life is all about having the right kind of protection.
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Web The 3 Most Polarizing Words in India
“Jai Shri Ram” was meant to be a celebration of a Hindu deity. But the phrase is turning into hate speech—and a dog whistle for attacks on Muslims.
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posh-britain-decoder-sign-article British Elites Know Who Isn’t Quite Their Type
The term “posh” appeals to foreigners, but the British know there are teeth underneath the smile.
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The Ukrainian word for corruption, prodazhnist’ Ukrainian Corruption Is Trump’s Native Language
The U.S. president has imported prodazhnist’, Ukraine’s distinctive culture of crookedness, where everyone has a price and politics has no value.
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IG-flugscham-flying-shame-decoder-germany-climate-martina-flor Repent for Your Frequent Flyer Miles!
Feeling guilty for the carbon burned on your last flight? The Germans have a word for that.
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Calo Rosa for Foreign Policy El Salvador’s Tough Policing Isn’t What It Looks Like
Shootings reported as enfrentamientos, or confrontations, often mask killings of civilians and other misconduct.
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1_Decoder_South-Korea-Mr-Misang_Sibal-Biyong Why Young Koreans Love to Splurge
Sometimes blowing your paycheck can be a rational choice.
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Illustration by Shaivalini Kumar and Meroo Seth for Foreign Policy India Has a Mindset Problem
Jugaad once symbolized immense potential, but the endless shortcuts are now holding the country back.
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(Musonda Kabwe for Foreign Policy) Street Smart
Why South Africa’s formerly segregated townships are still central to its imagination.
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(Penguin Lab illustration) China’s Pop Idols Are Too Soft for the Party
Stars like Luhan are huge with fans but sit uncomfortably with macho ambitions.
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Susanne Engman illustration for Foreign Policy Swedes Can’t Go Home Again
In the run-up to Sweden’s election, one word explains why the country used to feel like a family—and why it now feels adrift.
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Pouneh Mirlou illustration for Foreign Policy Pride and Prejudice in Tehran
To understand Iran’s foreign policy, you need to learn a little Farsi.
