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.
Don’t Blame Khalilzad for the Afghanistan Debacle
Zalmay Khalilzad achieved what he was asked to do: Get the United States out of Afghanistan.
COP26: Breakthrough or Bust?
A frenetic two weeks of negotiations begin on Sunday, but first the United States must get its own house in order.
Muqtada al-Sadr Is the United States’ Best Hope
The Shiite cleric was once Washington’s bitter enemy in Iraq—and now offers the best chance of securing U.S. interests.
Beijing Must Face Olympic Consequences for Human Rights Abuses
Moving the Games offers a rare opportunity to weaken Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Nordic Countries Aren’t Actually Socialist
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden shouldn’t be held up as socialist utopias.
Turkey’s Opposition Can End the Country’s Economic Crisis
A broad, ideologically diverse coalition has the plans and people to turn things around.
The Threat of War Is the Only Way to Achieve Peace With Iran
Tehran no longer takes Washington seriously. To revive the nuclear deal, the threat of military escalation needs to be on the table.
Foreign Aid Won’t Moderate the Taliban
International assistance isn’t the political lever many hope it will be.
Why China’s Supply Chains Are Breaking Down
Fear of coronavirus outbreaks and recent manufacturing struggles are causing disruptions with global ripple effects.
Iran Turns East
Conservative President Ebrahim Raisi, deeply distrustful of the West, looks to deepen ties with China and Russia.
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.