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 Central America, Rule of Law Is Under Attack. El Salvador Is the Latest Victim.
El Salvador’s populist president is following the playbook of corrupt elites in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras when it comes to top courts.
South Africa’s Unaccountable Ruling Party
The ANC descends into infighting again as it tries to suspend top officials facing corruption charges.
India’s Pandemic Disaster Has Finally Slowed Modi’s Unstoppable Rise
The populist leader is blaming everyone but himself. Voters aren’t buying it.
Biden’s ‘America First’ Policies Are Spreading Global Pain
Like its blatant vaccine nationalism, the administration’s unchecked stimulus policies are hurting the world—especially the global poor.
Israel and Hamas Enter Third Day of Conflict
The Israeli military pounded Gaza with airstrikes after Hamas rockets struck Israel.
Tulipmania in Space
SPACs are creating a space bubble that will eventually come crashing back to Earth along with cosmic junk launched during the current frenzy.
Refugee-Run Organizations Deserve More Money
Governments tend to fund large humanitarian agencies, but small groups run by refugees are a better investment.
Biden Must Be Clear About What Nuclear Weapons Are For
The U.S. president can clarify his belief in “sole purpose” through a new review process.
Biden Stonewalls U.N. Concern Over Israeli-Palestinian Clashes
The United States, formerly the “honest broker,” must navigate political landmines at home and abroad to respond.
The Military Revolt Against Joe Biden
An open letter by former officers calling the president a “Marxist” dictator is a greater threat to U.S. democracy than the ouster of Liz Cheney.
Galleries
The Week in World Photos
Global protests against government-imposed lockdowns, gang violence in El Salvador, and hat tips to medical staff.
The Week in World Photos
A prayerful start to Ramadan, medical workers on the front lines of a pandemic, and the annual Lyrids meteor shower.
In the Magazine
In the Magazine
How to Save Global Capitalism From Itself
Decentralizing decision-making can help left-behind regions get back on track.
Britain’s Post-Brexit Identity Crisis
Boris Johnson has contradictory ideas for his country’s future—and no clear paths for getting there.
The Ugly End of Chimerica
The coronavirus pandemic has turned a conscious uncoupling into a messy breakup.
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.