
Why the Persecution of Muslims Should Be on Biden’s Agenda
The incoming U.S. president must hold China and other countries accountable for religious persecution—and counter Beijing’s global campaign to destroy human rights.

America Must Promote Democracy, Despite Trump’s Disdain for It
Even if 2020 marks a low point of U.S. democratic practice, supporting liberalism abroad must remain a vital element of U.S. foreign policy.

America’s Silence Helps Autocrats Triumph
Without the support of the U.S. government, pro-democracy forces around the world will wither as authoritarianism gains ground.

Freedom of Religion Doesn’t Cut It
The United States is committed to protecting freedom of expression abroad—but in far too narrow terms.

Trump’s Divisive Speech Puts the First Amendment at Risk
Americans’ commitment to unfettered free speech is starting to fray. If Trump can’t control his words, those around him have a responsibility to keep hate speech in check.

China’s Stability Myth Is Dead
With Xi Jinping's great power comes great irresponsibility.

2 big warnings from Gen. McChrystal: War in Europe is possible & we’re going to have to give up rights for our security
After eight years at Foreign Policy, here are the ten most popular Best Defense posts.

The ‘Cambodia Daily’ Is Dying in Darkness
Cambodia’s autocratic leader is trying to shut down his country’s most celebrated journalistic training ground.

China Is Trying to Give the Internet a Death Blow
There’s only one remaining way to get unfiltered access to the outside world in China – and Beijing just banned it.

How Badly Is China’s Great Firewall Hurting the Country’s Economy?
Beijing's paranoia is about to kill the country's booming live-streaming sector — and it won't be the only victim.

The Long Arm of China’s Law Is Coming Down Heavy on Hong Kong
Democracy protesters thought they were shielded by the justice system — until Beijing turned it against them.

The Chinese Think Liu Xiaobo Was Asking For It
Blaming the victim is the easiest way for people to sleep at night in a country where the government could crush you at any moment.

Trump is Right to Reset U.S.-Cuba Policy
Reports are coming in that this Friday, in a Miami speech, President Donald Trump will unveil his revisions to former President Barack Obama’s controversial policy to normalize U.S. relations with the Castro dictatorship in Cuba. He's right to scale it back.

China’s Cult of Stability Is Killing Tibetans
Tibetans are setting themselves on fire in record numbers to protest Beijing’s heavy hand. But the brutal cycle of violence is only increasing.

Book Talk: Tom Ricks on Churchill and Orwell in the Age of Trump
Do the legacies of these two figures still resonate in today’s world?

Can Freedom of the Press Survive Trump’s Onslaught?
In the United States, subscriptions are up and investigative journalists are in high demand. But the president's war on the media is just beginning.

Trump’s Damning Global Retreat on Human Rights
The administration has already made it abundantly clear that supporting open societies, free speech, and the protection of civilians is of little concern.

New Freedom House Rankings Show Democracy Ebbing
It’s quite a time for consolidated authoritarian regimes!

Stand Up for Free Speech and the CEU
Hungary’s nationalist prime minister is intent on shutting down the country's Central European University. We must not let it happen.

And Then the Breitbart Lynch Mob Came for Me
For 15 years, I’ve spoken out against executive overreach. But in the Trump era, even theoretical criticism puts a target on your back.