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.
Biden’s First Steps on Latin America
Only days into his presidency, he’s already changed the game on immigration.
Biden’s Russia Moves Signal a Different Kind of Reset
Biden’s call for an intelligence review into recent Russian actions marks a clean break from the Trump era.
Biden Has a Golden Chance to Remake U.S. Intelligence
Agencies need to adapt to an information-heavy era.
Allies and Adversaries React to Biden Inauguration
Iran’s president has promised a fresh start, while Canada gave Biden’s first executive orders a mixed response.
A Face Lift Can’t Fix the State Department
The Biden administration plans a quick reform of American diplomacy—but fixing the rot requires going much bigger.
America Needs Protection. So Does the Regime.
The U.S. military secured Joe Biden’s inauguration. But the new administration also needs to treat the armed forces as a potential threat.
North Korea’s New Sub Missile Is First Step Toward a New ICBM
Parading a new submarine-launched missile made a big buzz in North Korea. The real buzz is what it could mean for Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrent.
The World Is Glad to See Biden Take Office
In major countries, the new U.S. president starts with favorable approval ratings from day one—with the notable exception of Russia.
U.S. China Policy Must Confront the Genocide in Xinjiang First
Beijing’s actions demand a rethinking of failed engagement.
Italy’s Mediterranean Belt and Road
Taking a page from Beijing, Rome is positioning itself as the center of trade, energy, and transportation in Southern Europe and beyond.
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.