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.
What Does China Want in Ethiopia?
Beijing is stepping up its diplomatic efforts in the Horn of Africa as U.S. influence wanes.
What Erdogan Gets by Being a Spoiler in NATO
Being disruptive in the alliance is a good political strategy for Turkey’s leader.
‘Will I See a Gay President in My Lifetime? Absolutely.’
James Kirchick chronicles how the persecution of gay men in Washington tragically altered 20th-century foreign policy.
America Is Losing Its Value Proposition
The future will not be pretty for the United States if it cannot rediscover some of the idealism that marked its long rise.
NATO Leaders Plan Defense Overhaul
The alliance is set to unveil its largest defensive transformation since the Cold War.
Britain’s Rwanda Deportation Policy Is a Cruel, Expensive Failure
Boris Johnson’s offshoring of asylum-seekers won’t stop the human smuggling trade—or deter people fleeing tyranny who are intent on reaching Britain.
Ukraine Is the Korean War Redux
Russia’s invasion heralds the transition to a new global order—but it will be less stable than the Cold War.
Has India’s Military Recruitment Plan Backfired?
The Agnipath plan has triggered protests among potential soldiers and criticism from veterans, but it’s not likely to dent Modi’s government.
EU Enlargement Is Broken in the Balkans
Ukraine and Moldova are shortlisted for the European Union. Ask North Macedonia how that went.
China Owned My Mother’s Womb. Texas Owns Mine.
On both sides of the Pacific, women are fighting for their rights.
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.