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.
Trump’s Resource Grabs Don’t Add Up
There is little justification for taking Venezuelan oil or Greenlandic minerals, but the U.S. leader insists.
Is Israel Annexing More Than Half of Gaza?
The ambiguous meaning of Israel’s new yellow line.
Frigid Kyiv Kindles a High-Tech Plan to Keep Russia at Bay
AI-powered air defense could counter Moscow’s greatest advantage—and keep Kyiv in the fight.
China Faces Trump’s Radical Use of Power
Beijing sees a supreme U.S. military—and draws lessons for gaming Washington.
America’s Drift Toward Constitutional Authoritarianism
Trump has shown how democracy can be neutralized without being destroyed.
A Failed Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Would Be Disastrous for Xi Jinping
Beijing’s saber-rattling conceals the real possibility of a loss.
What Spheres of Influence Are—and Aren’t
One of the most misunderstood concepts of international politics is back with a force.
The Philippines Are in for a Turbulent 2026
Manila takes over the ASEAN chair in what could be a make-or-break year for the bloc.
The ‘Donroe Doctrine’ Is a Roosevelt Redux
Then as now, big stick diplomacy will lead to costly cycles of intervention and retrenchment.
What One Film’s Success Reveals About Today’s Russia
An adaptation of “The Master and Margarita” has become a smash hit—despite Moscow’s attempts to sink it.
Trending
-
What Spheres of Influence Are—and Aren’t
-
A Failed Chinese Invasion of Taiwan Would Be Disastrous for Xi Jinping
-
Trump’s Resource Grabs Don’t Add Up
-
America's Drift Toward Constitutional Authoritarianism
-
China Faces Trump’s Radical Use of Power
-
The Grand Strategy Behind Trump’s Foreign Policy
-
A Long History of Betrayal
-
The World-Minus-One Moment
-
The ‘Donroe Doctrine’ Is a Roosevelt Redux
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.