In this November’s U.S. presidential election, voters will be choosing between two different visions of America—and two vastly different visions of what role the country should play in global affairs. The next president, no matter who it is, will have to contend with major foreign policy challenges, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, the global migrant and refugee crisis, a warming planet, and competition with China—all issues that could shape voters’ choices at the ballot box.

Foreign Affairs is launching a limited-run weekly newsletter through the remainder of the 2024 campaign. It will be your go-to place for our coverage of the election, from the foreign policy challenges at stake to the key issues that will be on the agenda in 2025 and beyond. This is the first edition of the series; to continue receiving this newsletter, sign up here.

To kick off, we’re sharing a new essay by Francis Fukuyama on the lessons from this year’s elections around the world—and whether democracy will prevail over illiberal populism in the United States, as well. You can also read Beverly Gage on why the U.S. far right embraces foreign tyrants, Samantha Power on how to tackle democratic backsliding, and Lucan Ahmad Way on the roots of authoritarian resilience. Start reading below.