Allison Meakem
@ameakem.bsky.social
380 followers 170 following 63 posts
associate editor @foreignpolicy.com and U.S. columnist @zeit.de’s Spotlight magazine. say hi: [email protected] 🤸🏻‍♀️
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ameakem.bsky.social
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.
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
ameakem.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Allison Meakem
ccosborn.bsky.social
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...
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
ameakem.bsky.social
Herzlichen Glückwunsch!!!!
ameakem.bsky.social
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
ameakem.bsky.social
Also useful reading: @ruairic.bsky.social's analysis of how Germany's unequivocal support for Israel was harming its soft power and diplomatic reputation across the Middle East.
How Germany Lost the Middle East
Berlin’s unequivocal support for Israel has eroded its soft-power footprint in the region.
foreignpolicy.com
ameakem.bsky.social
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
ameakem.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Allison Meakem
foreignpolicy.com
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
ameakem.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Allison Meakem
ameakem.bsky.social
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
ameakem.bsky.social
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
ameakem.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Allison Meakem
hadavas.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Allison Meakem
ccosborn.bsky.social
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...
The Aftermath of Mexico’s Judicial Elections
Sunday’s vote handed more influence to the ruling party—and shook investor confidence.
foreignpolicy.com
ameakem.bsky.social
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
ameakem.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Allison Meakem
christinalu.bsky.social
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
ameakem.bsky.social
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