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.
The Most Important Election. Ever.
Why the fate of the American republic—and the world—could depend on what happens Nov. 3.
The Real Hacking Threat
It doesn’t matter if Russia actually sways the vote. What matters is whether Americans think it did.
Trump Readies His Pick to Replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg
With Senate Republicans firmly behind him, the president said a decision will come Saturday.
Can the United States’ Democratic Institutions Survive the 2020 Election Campaign?
Trampled institutional norms, a battle over the Supreme Court, and the possibility of Democratic retaliation could threaten the bedrock of American democracy.
The White House Wants Peace With Sudan. Congress Wants Khartoum to Pay.
Normalizing ties with Israel could mean removal from the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list, allowing the country to rebuild its shattered economy—but U.S. legislators are standing in the way.
Document of the Week: The Mighty U.N. Fighting Force That Never Was
After World War II, the United States envisioned the creation of a big-power fighting force to keep world peace. But the ambitious plan foundered amid bickering between Washington and Moscow.
State Department Misled Public, Congress About Revoking Journalist’s Award for Criticizing Trump
An inspector general’s report concludes that State officials nixed a high-profile award out of fear of offending higher-ups—then lied about it.
How India Came Around to Talking to the Taliban
New Delhi is set to take on a greater role in Afghanistan’s peace process.
Building a Shared Worldview Among Democrats and Republicans Could Be More Dangerous Than Healing
Bring people together around protecting democracy instead.
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.