Allison Meakem
@ameakem.bsky.social
associate editor @foreignpolicy.com and U.S. columnist @zeit.de’s Spotlight magazine. say hi: allison.meakem@foreignpolicy.com 🤸🏻♀️
Pinned
Allison Meakem
@ameakem.bsky.social
· Jan 2
Elections to Watch in 2025
Trump’s victory in the United States has raised the stakes for key global races, from Canada to Cameroon.
foreignpolicy.com
I've written @foreignpolicy.com's annual elections roundup for four years now, but this is the first one I've posted on Bluesky! Here are 12 elections to follow in 2025—in Germany, Tanzania, Bolivia, and beyond.
I reviewed the new English translation of Finnish author Iida Turpeinen's bestselling novel, "Beasts of the Sea." It's an elegy to species lost amid the endless spiral of human greed.
A Pair of Haunting New Scandinavian Novels
Plus, more international fiction releases.
foreignpolicy.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:13 PM
I reviewed the new English translation of Finnish author Iida Turpeinen's bestselling novel, "Beasts of the Sea." It's an elegy to species lost amid the endless spiral of human greed.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
For @foreignpolicy.com I did a deep dive on Brazil's effort to keep climate cooperation alive despite highly adverse geopolitics. While some have said the U.S. retreat on this issue creates an opening for China, Brazil is also flexing its voice as a middle power and raising 🧵
November 13, 2025 at 6:29 PM
For @foreignpolicy.com I did a deep dive on Brazil's effort to keep climate cooperation alive despite highly adverse geopolitics. While some have said the U.S. retreat on this issue creates an opening for China, Brazil is also flexing its voice as a middle power and raising 🧵
Reposted by Allison Meakem
I was bowled over by @annanorth.bsky.social's new novel, Bog Queen. My review (alongside @ameakem.bsky.social on Jaquira Díaz's debut) in @foreignpolicy.com: foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/03/i...
The Novels We’re Reading in October
Historical fiction set in ancient Britain and 20th-century Puerto Rico.
foreignpolicy.com
October 8, 2025 at 3:47 PM
I was bowled over by @annanorth.bsky.social's new novel, Bog Queen. My review (alongside @ameakem.bsky.social on Jaquira Díaz's debut) in @foreignpolicy.com: foreignpolicy.com/2025/10/03/i...
My October fiction pick is Jaquira Díaz's "This Is the Only Kingdom," a sweeping, multigenerational novel set between the projects of Humacao, Puerto Rico, and Miami Beach.
The Novels We’re Reading in October
Historical fiction set in ancient Britain and 20th-century Puerto Rico.
foreignpolicy.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:43 PM
My October fiction pick is Jaquira Díaz's "This Is the Only Kingdom," a sweeping, multigenerational novel set between the projects of Humacao, Puerto Rico, and Miami Beach.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
This October, FP’s @hadavas.bsky.social and @ameakem.bsky.social dive into historical fiction set in ancient Britain and 20th-century Puerto Rico.
The Novels We’re Reading in October
Historical fiction set in ancient Britain and 20th-century Puerto Rico.
foreignpolicy.com
October 5, 2025 at 11:30 PM
This October, FP’s @hadavas.bsky.social and @ameakem.bsky.social dive into historical fiction set in ancient Britain and 20th-century Puerto Rico.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
In @foreignpolicy.com: 🇧🇷’s top court convicted Bolsonaro & allies of attempting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 vote.
In a country w a long history of coups, it was the 1st time a civilian court convicted military members of coup-related charges.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/b...
In a country w a long history of coups, it was the 1st time a civilian court convicted military members of coup-related charges.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/b...
Bolsonaro Convicted of Attempting Coup
The ruling is a watershed moment in Brazilian history—and one that could further upend relations with the United States.
foreignpolicy.com
September 11, 2025 at 10:42 PM
In @foreignpolicy.com: 🇧🇷’s top court convicted Bolsonaro & allies of attempting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 vote.
In a country w a long history of coups, it was the 1st time a civilian court convicted military members of coup-related charges.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/b...
In a country w a long history of coups, it was the 1st time a civilian court convicted military members of coup-related charges.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/11/b...
For FP's September fiction column, I reviewed Lao-Canadian writer Souvankham Thammavongsa's debut novel, "Pick a Color."
The Novels We’re Reading in September
From a North American nail salon to a Korean institute for haunted objects.
foreignpolicy.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:15 PM
For FP's September fiction column, I reviewed Lao-Canadian writer Souvankham Thammavongsa's debut novel, "Pick a Color."
For context on Germany's historic decision to halt offensive weapons exports to Israel, I highly recommend @isaliba.bsky.social's February piece in @foreignpolicy.com, where he explicitly called on Berlin to take this step.
Germany’s Pro-Israel Policy Must End
The country’s desire to atone for historical atrocities threatens to make it complicit in new ones.
foreignpolicy.com
August 8, 2025 at 1:45 PM
For context on Germany's historic decision to halt offensive weapons exports to Israel, I highly recommend @isaliba.bsky.social's February piece in @foreignpolicy.com, where he explicitly called on Berlin to take this step.
FP's August fiction column is all about the dog days of summer! I reviewed @laurengrodstein.bsky.social's "A Dog in Georgia," a novel that remains smile-inducing even as it toggles from terriers to tear gas.
The Novels We’re Reading in August
The dog days of summer, from an 18th-century English village to modern-day Tbilisi.
foreignpolicy.com
August 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
FP's August fiction column is all about the dog days of summer! I reviewed @laurengrodstein.bsky.social's "A Dog in Georgia," a novel that remains smile-inducing even as it toggles from terriers to tear gas.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
In this month’s international fiction column, FP’s @hadavas.bsky.social and @ameakem.bsky.social recommend two newly released novels to beat the summer heat, both featuring man’s best friend.
The Novels We’re Reading in August
The dog days of summer, from an 18th-century English village to modern-day Tbilisi.
foreignpolicy.com
August 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
In this month’s international fiction column, FP’s @hadavas.bsky.social and @ameakem.bsky.social recommend two newly released novels to beat the summer heat, both featuring man’s best friend.
Today in @ccosborn.bsky.social's Latin America Brief: After punishing Brazil for Bolsonaro's trial, the Trump administration has expressed outrage over the conviction of another right-wing ally this week in Colombia.
Former Colombian Leader Is Convicted of Bribery
The landmark ruling provoked immediate criticism from the Trump administration.
foreignpolicy.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Today in @ccosborn.bsky.social's Latin America Brief: After punishing Brazil for Bolsonaro's trial, the Trump administration has expressed outrage over the conviction of another right-wing ally this week in Colombia.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
July releases (& more!) in @foreignpolicy.com's latest monthly fiction column with @ameakem.bsky.social foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/04/i...
July 8, 2025 at 5:29 PM
July releases (& more!) in @foreignpolicy.com's latest monthly fiction column with @ameakem.bsky.social foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/04/i...
I reviewed @rubenwrites.bsky.social's magnificent debut novel, "Archive of Unknown Universes," where he sends his characters on an adventure through a quasi-multiverse to explore alternate outcomes of El Salvador’s 1972-92 civil war.
The Novels We’re Reading in July
From a Salvadoran multiverse to queer life in contemporary Nigeria.
foreignpolicy.com
July 8, 2025 at 4:29 PM
I reviewed @rubenwrites.bsky.social's magnificent debut novel, "Archive of Unknown Universes," where he sends his characters on an adventure through a quasi-multiverse to explore alternate outcomes of El Salvador’s 1972-92 civil war.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
Meet Kat Abughazaleh, the 26-year-old personal foe of Elon Musk who is running for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District. 1/4
foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/02/k...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/02/k...
The Gen Z Candidate Calling for a ‘Humane Foreign Policy’
In a crowded Illinois congressional race, 26-year-old Kat Abughazaleh is the only contender focusing on the wider world.
foreignpolicy.com
July 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Meet Kat Abughazaleh, the 26-year-old personal foe of Elon Musk who is running for Illinois’s 9th Congressional District. 1/4
foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/02/k...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/02/k...
Maciej Kisilowski and Anna Wojciuk, professors who have worked in Hungary and Poland, argue that Harvard and other prestigious U.S. universities may have to move abroad to protect their values. Their piece has only become more relevant today with Jim Ryan's resignation at UVA.
Harvard Should Prepare to Move Abroad
CEU’s experience in Hungary shows that no amount of prestige or endowment can shield a university from determined state hostility.
foreignpolicy.com
June 27, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Maciej Kisilowski and Anna Wojciuk, professors who have worked in Hungary and Poland, argue that Harvard and other prestigious U.S. universities may have to move abroad to protect their values. Their piece has only become more relevant today with Jim Ryan's resignation at UVA.
Yousef Munayyer argues that Trump's unrealistic demand for zero Iranian enrichment has made war—and eventual U.S.-backed regime change—an inevitability.
How the U.S. Locked Itself Into a Regime Change War
Trump’s insistence on zero enrichment was a poison pill in talks with Iran.
foreignpolicy.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Yousef Munayyer argues that Trump's unrealistic demand for zero Iranian enrichment has made war—and eventual U.S.-backed regime change—an inevitability.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
Truly cannot stop raving to everyone I know about Maria Reva's debut novel, Endling. My review—alongside @ameakem.bsky.social's take on Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo's latest—in @foreignpolicy.com: foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/06/i...
The Novels We’re Reading in June
Peculiar forms of criminality, as seen from front-line Ukraine and Lagos.
foreignpolicy.com
June 6, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Truly cannot stop raving to everyone I know about Maria Reva's debut novel, Endling. My review—alongside @ameakem.bsky.social's take on Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo's latest—in @foreignpolicy.com: foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/06/i...
Reposted by Allison Meakem
Today’s @foreignpolicy.com Latin America Brief looks at 🇲🇽’s shock therapy to its judiciary. Plans for the nationwide election had already rankled trade partners before it produced a top court full of judges tied to the ruling party on Sunday.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/06/m...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/06/m...
The Aftermath of Mexico’s Judicial Elections
Sunday’s vote handed more influence to the ruling party—and shook investor confidence.
foreignpolicy.com
June 6, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Today’s @foreignpolicy.com Latin America Brief looks at 🇲🇽’s shock therapy to its judiciary. Plans for the nationwide election had already rankled trade partners before it produced a top court full of judges tied to the ruling party on Sunday.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/06/m...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/06/06/m...
I reviewed Nigerian writer Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo's debut novel, "The Tiny Things Are Heavier." Set between Iowa and Lagos, this book has it all: Romance, family drama, dark academia, travel, and crime.
The Novels We’re Reading in June
Peculiar forms of criminality, as seen from front-line Ukraine and Lagos.
foreignpolicy.com
June 6, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I reviewed Nigerian writer Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo's debut novel, "The Tiny Things Are Heavier." Set between Iowa and Lagos, this book has it all: Romance, family drama, dark academia, travel, and crime.
The "naming and shaming" human rights strategy hasn't kept major international hotel chains from expanding their operations in China's Xinjiang province, @peterirwin.bsky.social and @henrykszad.bsky.social write.
International Hotel Giants Are Profiting Despite Genocide in Xinjiang
Rather than reducing their exposure to the region, companies are on a building spree.
foreignpolicy.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
The "naming and shaming" human rights strategy hasn't kept major international hotel chains from expanding their operations in China's Xinjiang province, @peterirwin.bsky.social and @henrykszad.bsky.social write.
Mexico is set to hold its first-ever judicial elections on Sunday following a controversial judicial reform that AMLO pushed through during his lame-duck period last year. Emiliano Polo argues that the overhaul will erode due process in the country.
Mexico Is About to Start Electing Judges. That’s Undemocratic.
The controversial reform will only entrench the ruling party’s power, not bring justice.
foreignpolicy.com
May 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Mexico is set to hold its first-ever judicial elections on Sunday following a controversial judicial reform that AMLO pushed through during his lame-duck period last year. Emiliano Polo argues that the overhaul will erode due process in the country.
Reposted by Allison Meakem
Trump wants to choke off incoming flows of international students—a group that has long driven scientific innovation in America and pumped tens of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy. @foreignpolicy.com foreignpolicy.com/2025/05/30/t...
Who Pays the Price in Trump’s Crusade Against Universities?
International students have pumped billions of dollars into the U.S. economy.
foreignpolicy.com
May 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Trump wants to choke off incoming flows of international students—a group that has long driven scientific innovation in America and pumped tens of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy. @foreignpolicy.com foreignpolicy.com/2025/05/30/t...
Today in @ccosborn.bsky.social's Latin America Brief: It's been a big week for Suriname, which held elections on Sunday and saw its former foreign minister take office as OAS secretary-general.
Suriname’s Growing Clout
The Caribbean nation now helms a key regional forum and is on the cusp of an oil boom.
foreignpolicy.com
May 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Today in @ccosborn.bsky.social's Latin America Brief: It's been a big week for Suriname, which held elections on Sunday and saw its former foreign minister take office as OAS secretary-general.
ICYMI last week: Ric Grenell and Marco Rubio appear to be duking it out behind the scenes on U.S. Venezuela policy.
Give Negotiations With Venezuela a Chance
There are signs Trump might abandon “maximum pressure.” That’s good news for U.S. interests—and Venezuelan democracy.
foreignpolicy.com
May 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
ICYMI last week: Ric Grenell and Marco Rubio appear to be duking it out behind the scenes on U.S. Venezuela policy.
The Gaza Sunbirds paracycling team announced that an Israeli airstrike on Monday killed one of their members, Ahmed Al-Dali. @foreignpolicy.com ran a feature on the Sunbirds and their quest to compete in the Paralympics last September.
Meet the Para-Cyclists Riding for Gaza
The Sunbirds’ story began with tragedy but has evolved into one of resilience.
foreignpolicy.com
May 20, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The Gaza Sunbirds paracycling team announced that an Israeli airstrike on Monday killed one of their members, Ahmed Al-Dali. @foreignpolicy.com ran a feature on the Sunbirds and their quest to compete in the Paralympics last September.