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 Death of the Gentle Peacemaker
Kofi Annan was the epitome of international diplomacy—which is why he was both an inspiration and a disappointment.
The Rise and Fall of Soft Power
Joseph Nye’s concept lost relevance, but China could bring it back.
Europe’s Donald Can Fight Dirty, Too
Donald Tusk is the mild-mannered president of a quiet EU institution—and the West’s loudest voice against populism.
Security Brief: Trump Cancels Military Parade; Erik Prince Reups Plan to Privatize Afghan War
Catch up on everything you need to know about Trump’s $92 million military parade, the Blackwater founder’s proposal to privatize the war in Afghanistan, North Korea’s demands for a declaration to end the Korean War, and more.
America’s Anxiety of Influence
The power of the United States is declining—and that's nothing to worry about.
UNRWA Has Changed the Definition of Refugee
The U.N.'s agency for Palestinians should stop playing word games and do its job.
Trump Escalates Feud With Former CIA Chief Brennan
Four questions on security clearances and their value in Washington.
U.S. Lawmakers Press Pompeo to Fix Policy for Diplomat Families
The State Department has scaled back benefits to family members with special needs.
He Didn’t Know the Klan Handshake. It Almost Cost Him His Life.
On our podcast: Journalist Vegas Tenold describes the six years he spent with white supremacists.
Hollywood Has No Time for Crazy Poor Asians
Asian-American politics don't translate on screen into sensitivity to Singapore's real issues.
Galleries
A Week in World Photos
Protests in Zimbabwe, soldiers’ remains in Hawaii, and a fringe festival in Scotland.
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Learning to Work With Robots
AI will change everything. Workers must adapt — or else.
How Venezuela Struck It Poor
The tragic — and totally avoidable — self-destruction of one of the world’s richest oil economies.
The Hidden Benefits of Uber
Gig work offers a leg up in the developing world.
There’s No Such Thing as a Stable Career
Job insecurity has always been a fact of life. Just ask chimney sweeps, lectors, and telephone operators.
