Foreign Policy (magazine)

Foreign Policy (magazine)
Title	Foreign Policy
Country	United States
Language	English
Website	https://foreignpolicy.com

Foreign Policy (magazine). Founded in 1970, it is a prominent American publication dedicated to global affairs, politics, and economics. Established as a scholarly quarterly by Samuel P. Huntington and Warren Demian Manshel, it has evolved into a major digital and print media brand. The magazine is known for its in-depth analysis of international relations and its influence on policymakers in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

History and founding

The magazine was launched in the winter of 1970 by Harvard professor Samuel P. Huntington and former Carnegie Endowment for International Peace fellow Warren Demian Manshel. Its creation was a response to the perceived inadequacies of existing foreign policy discourse during the turbulent era of the Vietnam War. Initially published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the early editorial board included notable intellectuals like Zbigniew Brzezinski. In 1978, ownership was transferred to the Washington Post Company, marking a shift toward a more journalistic model. The magazine was later acquired by The Slate Group, a division of Graham Holdings Company, in 2008, accelerating its digital transformation under the leadership of editors like David J. Rothkopf.

Editorial stance and influence

The publication is known for its centrist, pragmatic, and evidence-based approach to international issues, often featuring debates between realist and liberal internationalist perspectives. It has been influential in shaping policy debates on topics ranging from counterinsurgency doctrine to climate diplomacy. Its annual indexes, such as the Failed States Index (now the Fragile States Index), are widely cited by governments, NGOs, and academics. The magazine's commentary frequently appears in testimony before the United States Congress and is read by officials in institutions like the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Notable contributors and editors

Over the decades, the magazine has featured work from a vast array of prominent thinkers and practitioners. Early contributors included statesmen like Henry Kissinger and scholars such as Fouad Ajami. Notable editors-in-chief have included Charles William Maynes, Moisés Naím, and James F. Hoge Jr.. Journalists and authors like Thomas L. Friedman, Anne-Marie Slaughter, and Robert D. Kaplan have been regular columnists. The digital era has seen contributions from a new generation of writers, including academics from Harvard University and former officials from the Central Intelligence Agency.

Key features and publication details

The magazine publishes a mix of long-form essays, reported features, and shorter analytical pieces. Its signature offerings include the annual Fragile States Index, produced in partnership with the Fund for Peace, and the Global Thinkers list, which highlights influential intellectuals and leaders. It transitioned from a quarterly to a bimonthly print schedule while greatly expanding its online output. Special reports often focus on specific regions like the Middle East or thematic issues such as cyber warfare and global public health.

Digital presence and ForeignPolicy.com

The launch of ForeignPolicy.com in 2009 marked a major expansion, turning the brand into a high-traffic digital news outlet. The website features real-time news analysis, blogs like David Rothkopf's "The E-Ring," and multimedia content including podcasts and videos. It has pioneered digital subscription models and events, such as the FP Virtual Dialogues. The platform's analytics and interactive data visualizations, particularly for its indexes, have become a hallmark of its online journalism, attracting a global audience.

Awards and recognition

The magazine and its journalists have received numerous accolades, including multiple National Magazine Awards for General Excellence in the thought-leader category. Individual writers have been honored with awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Overseas Press Club of America. Its digital projects have won Webby Awards for best news website. The Fragile States Index is routinely cited in reports by the World Bank and academic research from institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Category:American political magazines Category:Foreign affairs magazines Category:Publications established in 1970