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.
Technology Alone Won’t Break the Stalemate in Ukraine
Kyiv’s Western backers need to grasp that drones are no substitute for a capable fighting force.
Homophobic Laws Threaten U.S.-Ghana Ties
The West African nation has long enjoyed a special relationship with Washington—but proposed anti-gay legislation could imperil its economy.
China Is Selectively Bending History to Suit Its Territorial Ambitions
Beijing’s unwillingness to let go of certain claims suggests there’s more at stake than reversing past losses.
Malaysia’s Forest City Went From Boomtown to Ghost Town
China’s real estate collapse is sinking projects beyond its borders.
There’s Nothing Between an Unstable President and the Nuclear Button
It’s past time to put legal guardrails in place to prevent catastrophe.
The Houthis Have Declared War on the Environment
The green movement must speak out about pollution from Red Sea maritime terrorism, which will devastate livelihoods and the oceans.
Nuclear Fatalism in ‘Oppenheimer’ Is a Dead End
The Oscar-winning film leaves out Oppenheimer's hopes for nuclear containment.
Is the British Monarchy Losing Its Magic?
What the royal photo controversy reveals about changing global culture.
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.