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.
Postmodern America Didn’t Deserve Jimmy Carter
A new biography paints a portrait of a president who made vast progress on policy—and failed at smoke-and-mirrors PR.
Comrades of the Ring
How Soviet artists evaded censors to create their own visions of Tolkien.
Athletes Are Post-National Now
Decades of sex abuse turned American gymnasts away from their federation. Will other sports follow suit?
Cracks Are Growing in the Erdogan Regime
Turkey is more politically unstable today than at any other point in recent years.
Are We in a Rerun of ‘That ’70s Show’?
Some economists warn inflation is a ticking time bomb.
Bolsonaro’s Teflon Wears Off
The unpopular Brazilian president suggests he could challenge the results of next year’s election.
China’s Floods Have Long-Term Consequences
Historic flooding in China’s Henan province could disrupt already rattled global supply chains.
The Long and Infuriating History of Bad Olympic Bosses
Thomas Bach has joined a long line of IOC chiefs who have been hated by everyone associated with the Games.
Can the World Avoid War in Cyberspace—and in Space?
Billionaire rocket launches and ongoing cyberattacks reveal that, without norms governing conflict, there could be chaos.
Vaccines Are Japan’s New Tool to Counter China
Despite its worsening pandemic, Tokyo’s vaccine diplomacy has gained traction.
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.