Democracy Lab

Two Worlds, One Climate

Forget Kyoto. There’s a much better way to persuade the developing world to fight climate change.

BY PETER PASSELL | MAY 23, 2012

In the Crosshairs

Why controlling the international arms trade can help to build stable societies.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | MAY 22, 2012

Down, But Not Out

Just because Brazil’s growth rates are slowing, doesn’t mean the doomsayers are right.

BY ALBERT FISHLOW | MAY 18, 2012

The Miracle of Midland

How a West Texas oil town became an unlikely champion of human rights.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | MAY 15, 2012

Burma Can Bring It

It’s true: Burma faces an uphill climb in its transition to democracy. But the odds may be better than you think.

BY MICHAEL ALBERTUS, VICTOR MENALDO | MAY 14, 2012

Getting Ready for Life after Castro

Managing the transition to a democratic Cuba: A user’s guide.

BY JAIME SUCHLICKI | MAY 11, 2012

Vox Pop: Egyptians Prepare to Choose a President

Everyone's talking about Egypt's presidential election. But what do the voters think?

BY MAGDY SAMAAN | MAY 9, 2012

Spring Is Over

Has the Russian protest movement fatally weakened Vladimir Putin? Don’t bet on it.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | MAY 8, 2012

"Captains Stay with Their Crew"

Most of the Americans charged by Egypt in the NGO affair have since left the country. But one, Robert Becker, decided to stay and face the music.

BY MOHAMED FADEL FAHMY | MAY 2, 2012

Where Democracy Is America’s Second Choice

For Washington, democracy promotion in Yemen continues to take a back seat to the fight against Al-Qaeda.

BY FRANCISCO MARTIN-RAYO | MAY 2, 2012

Lying to Tell the Truth

Saving the world is no excuse for fudging the facts.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | MAY 1, 2012

Tobacco’s War on Women

The global tobacco industry is targeting women in emerging markets. Can public policy rise to the challenge?

BY BRAD EDMONDSON | MAY 1, 2012

Congratulations and Condolences

The conviction of Charles Taylor is welcome news. But don’t be fooled: The international criminal justice system is in deep trouble.

BY CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN | APRIL 30, 2012

Predators for Peace

Drones have revolutionized war. Why not let them deliver aid?

BY JACK C. CHOW | APRIL 27, 2012

Away From the Handouts

The argument for a new approach to development aid.

BY PETER PASSELL | APRIL 26, 2012

Obama's Committee of Salvation

Preventing genocide sounds like a worthy cause. But setting up a new White House committee isn't the way to do it.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | APRIL 25, 2012

The Stubborn Past

Thirty-five years after the "Dirty War," a trial in Argentina is still struggling to shed light on a bloody legacy.

BY ALEX GIBSON | APRIL 20, 2012

Dirty Laundry

If the West really wants to prevent developing countries from laundering money, it can start by cleaning up its own act.

BY PETER REUTER | APRIL 19, 2012

It’s Not Just You, America

Economic inequality is today’s hot-button issue -- whether you live in a wealthy country or a poor one.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | APRIL 18, 2012

Trustbusters

Why the Obama Administration is targeting Malaysia and Vietnam in the trans-Pacific trade talks.

BY GREG RUSHFORD | APRIL 13, 2012

Needles Into Ploughshares

Want to fight Latin America's drug problem? Try land reform.

BY OLIVER KAPLAN, MICHAEL ALBERTUS | APRIL 12, 2012

The Lesson from Mali: Do No Harm

An African success story is in trouble. Is the West's intervention in Libya to blame?

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | APRIL 11, 2012

Pictures at a Revolution

Data visualization can offer some unique insights into social upheaval. But the data artists are just getting started.

BY LUKE ALLNUTT | APRIL 11, 2012

Finish What You Start

Getting rid of a dictator is a great achievement. But it's only the beginning of a successful transition to democracy.

BY SRDJA POPOVIC, ROBERT HELVEY | APRIL 6, 2012

Decoupling: Ties That No Longer Bind

Emerging market economies have protected themselves from global economic downturns.

BY PETER PASSELL | APRIL 4, 2012

16 Ways to Fix Burma

On the eve of the country's historic elections, 16 experts give us their prescriptions for the future.

MARCH 30, 2012

The Lady’s Leap of Faith

Why Aung San Suu Kyi's decision to participate in a flawed election could be the biggest gamble of her career.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | MARCH 30, 2012

Letting Burma Back In

Experts debate whether the role of sanctions was successful in opening up Burma. But with the up-coming by-elections and the release of political prisoners, the greater challenge may be how to lift them.

BY TOM MALINOWSKI | MARCH 30, 2012

The Thieves of Burma

Hello from the third-most corrupt place on Earth.

BY CHRISTIAN CARYL | MARCH 27, 2012

Why Burma Shouldn’t Listen to the IMF

If Burma's leaders really want to revive their economy, they can start by giving a cold shoulder to the Washington Consensus.

BY RICK ROWDEN | MARCH 27, 2012