
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.

Russia’s Military Cruelty Begins With Its Own Conscripts
Brutal hazing breaks and humiliates Russian soldiers—and they take it out on civilians.

The Original Authoritarian
A new book looks at how Julius Caesar’s legacy informs the strongmen of today.

What Cities Can Tell Us About Geopolitics
A tour of five metropolises, from Vienna to Mosul.

Is There Such Thing as a Global South?
The category is emotionally powerful but fundamentally flawed.

Commerce Needs Cash to Curb China’s Chips
Economic statecraft needs to be resourced to compete with China, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo tells FP.

The Mercosur-EU Trade Deal Fails to Launch
Last-minute opposition from Argentina and France doomed negotiations over 20 years in the making.

The Shortest Path to Victory in Ukraine Goes Through Crimea
The West needs to keep its nerve, recognize the stakes, and support Kyiv’s clearest path to victory.

New Lifesaving Malaria Vaccines Need to Be Available Now
Emergency deployment could save tens of thousands of children.

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.