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.
U.S. Seeks to Extend Arms Embargo on Iran
The resolution’s expected failure could open the way for the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.
Is Spain’s Royal Family Finished?
Corruption charges against the former king forced him into exile—and the latest scandal could be the nail in the coffin for the monarchy.
The Importance of Kamala Harris’s South Asian Heritage
The media often underplays the fact that Biden’s vice presidential pick has an Indian mother. Her heritage could play a crucial role in U.S. foreign policy.
Biden Chooses Kamala Harris as His Running Mate
The first-term senator has little foreign-policy experience, but her background as a prosecutor may earn her an outsized domestic portfolio.
Biden Picks Harris for Veep—and Bush Sr. for Himself
The Democratic candidate’s choice of vice president says more than you might think about his foreign policy—and his own self-image.
Why Israel’s Political Odd Couple Could Be Headed for an Early Divorce
Netanyahu might be seeing an opportunity to evade his corruption trial by dissolving his coalition and calling yet another election.
Kamala Harris for the People
As vice president, Harris would be ready to go toe-to-toe with adversaries, both foreign and domestic.
In the New Cold War, Deindustrialization Means Disarmament
Chinese security threats offer the chance to rethink the U.S. economy.
Trump Misses Being Part of the Iran Deal
His administration wants to trigger the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism, but he probably can’t do that from the outside.
Why Belarus Is Not Ukraine
Yes, there are surprisingly big protests—like those that rocked Kyiv six years ago—being met with brutal crackdowns. But Belarus is a whole different story.
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.