Is foreign policy a good magazine?

Foreign Policy magazine is a bimonthly American news publication focused on global affairs. I will analyze Foreign Policy’s strengths and weaknesses to determine if it is a quality publication.

Quick Answers to Key Questions

Here are quick answers to some key questions about Foreign Policy magazine:

• When was Foreign Policy founded? – 1970
• Who publishes Foreign Policy? – The FP Group, a division of Graham Holdings Company
• Where is Foreign Policy headquartered? – Washington, D.C.
• What is Foreign Policy’s circulation? – Approximately 100,000 subscribers
• What topics does Foreign Policy cover? – International relations, economics, public policy, and global current events

Publication History and Ownership

Foreign Policy was founded in 1970 by Samuel P. Huntington, a political science professor, and Warren Demian Manshel, an editor and publisher. The magazine was originally owned by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a foreign policy think tank.

In 1978, Foreign Policy began publishing bimonthly. In 2008, Carnegie sold the magazine to The Washington Post Company, which renamed its magazine division FP Group. In 2013, Foreign Policy was sold again to Graham Holdings Company, the current owner.

Readership and Circulation

Foreign Policy has a circulation of approximately 100,000 subscribers worldwide. The magazine’s readership consists primarily of government policymakers, academics, NGO experts, business leaders, and informed citizens. According to the magazine’s media kit, the average subscriber has a post-graduate degree and a household income of $201,000.

Foreign Policy has a strong readership base in the United States but also decent international circulation. Around 50 percent of subscribers live outside the U.S. The magazine is distributed in over 180 countries.

Editorial Focus and Coverage

Foreign Policy states its mission is to “serve as the leading, independent publication on international affairs and policy.” The magazine covers topics such as:

• International security
• Global economics and trade
• Diplomacy and geostrategy
• Intelligence and defense
• Public policy trends and issues
• Technological change and innovation

Foreign Policy is particularly known for publishing original, enterprising articles that provide insight and thoughtful analysis on complex global issues. The magazine strikes a tone that is intelligent but still accessible to general readers interested in foreign affairs.

Example Article Topics

Here are some representative examples of articles published in Foreign Policy over the past year:

• “The Taliban’s Urban Warfare Is a Threat to the Entire World” – analysis of Taliban strategy in Afghanistan
• “Modi Reimagines India’s Role in the World” – examination of Indian foreign policy under PM Modi
• “Cryptocurrency Is Libertarian, Not Progressive” – argument against cryptocurrency adoption
• “How Europe Can Stop Putin’s Gas Blackmail” – proposals for European energy security

Objectivity and Political Leanings

Foreign Policy is generally regarded as a politically independent, moderate publication. The magazine does not endorse candidates or represent a partisan political viewpoint.

Foreign Policy tends to favor centrist, establishment views on world affairs. The magazine supports globalization, free trade, and multilateral cooperation through institutions like the UN. Foreign Policy often critically analyzes more radical or populist perspectives.

The magazine likely appeals most to center-left audiences in the U.S. However, Foreign Policy also strives to incorporate diverse ideological perspectives in debates around foreign policy.

Major Features and Awards

Foreign Policy magazine includes these recurring segments:

• The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers – Annual list highlighting influential academics, government advisors, and public intellectuals in international affairs.
• The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers – Annual special report ranking the world’s most powerful countries based on factors like economic clout, military force, and diplomatic leverage.
• Argument – Point-counterpoint opinions on controversial issues in global politics.
• The Cable – Daily online briefing on foreign policy and national security news.

Foreign Policy has won numerous journalism awards, including:

• 5 National Magazine Awards
• 14 News and Documentary Emmy Awards
• 4 Webby Awards
• U.S. Society of Professional Journalists Award for Public Service

Journalistic Standards and Ethics

Foreign Policy is generally regarded as an authoritative source that upholds high journalistic standards. The magazine has a robust fact-checking process and requirements that articles contain thorough sourcing.

The Foreign Policy newsroom has adopted an extensive ethics policy on issues such as conflicts of interest, diversity and inclusion, corrections, and transparency around sponsored content. There are no major controversies associated with Foreign Policy violating basic journalistic ethics and standards.

Conclusion

In summary, Foreign Policy is widely considered one of the top magazines covering global affairs, geopolitics, and foreign policy. The publication stands out for its incisive reporting, nuanced analysis, and balanced coverage of complex international issues.

Key strengths of Foreign Policy include its experienced reporters, diverse perspectives, insightful commentary, and compelling presentation of global trends and debates. While some criticize the magazine’s centrist-leaning editorial voice, Foreign Policy overall represents a high quality and influential media brand in international relations.

Based on its strengths in high quality reporting, respected analysis, and commitment to journalistic integrity, I would conclude that Foreign Policy remains an excellent source for anyone interested in international relations and foreign policy.