About Democracy Lab
Democracy Lab is Foreign Policy's home for coverage of transitions to democracy, published in partnership with the Legatum Institute. Democracy Lab also runs Transitions, a blog featuring on-the-ground coverage of transitioning countries.
Editor, Christian Caryl
Assistant Editor, Ilya Lozovsky
Learn more about Democracy Lab here.
In Russia, Feminist Memes Buy Jail Time, but Domestic Abuse Doesn’t
A year after the country decriminalized domestic violence, women feel the consequences.
Only Criminals Can Clean Up Argentina’s Corruption
A plea for plea bargains in Buenos Aires.
Trump’s Magical Thinking on Iran Sanctions Won’t Advance U.S. Interests
Far from convincing Tehran to cooperate, new U.S. measures are on track to achieve the exact opposite.
Why American Oil Hasn’t Been a Total Game-Changer
The U.S. is now the world’s top producer, but Saudi Arabia still holds the key to crude prices.
A Human Rights Champion Comes to the House
Congressman-elect Tom Malinowski says he hopes his diplomatic credentials can help Democrats push back on Trump.
Europe Should Let Italy Win
It’s time for Brussels to grab the wheel in the game of chicken over Rome’s budget.
For South Sudan, It’s Not So Easy to Declare Independence From Arabic
When the world’s newest country broke away from Khartoum, it discarded Sudan’s main official language, too. But casting aside the oppressor’s tongue did not heal the country’s divisions.
Trump’s Problem in Europe Isn’t Optics
The president’s latest trip was a disaster—but not because he acted like a boorish bully.
Iran Was Closer to a Nuclear Bomb Than Intelligence Agencies Thought
If Tehran pulls out of the 2015 deal, it could have a weapon in a matter of months.
‘Camouflage, Concealment, and Deception’
What satellite imagery tells us about North Korea’s ballistic missile program.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
Election watching in Madagascar, World War I remembrance in London, and Diwali celebrations in India.
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Stretched Thin on Thin Ice
With the Arctic melting and northern coast guards struggling to keep up, the next disaster is a matter of when, not if.
Food Fight
Why the next big battle may not be fought over treasure or territory—but for fish.
The Taliban’s Fight for Hearts and Minds
The militants’ new strategy is to out-govern the U.S.-backed administration in Kabul—and it’s working.
Point and Nuke
Remembering the era of portable atomic bombs.
