The Demise of the Washington Post Is a Global Problem
Foreign Policy
by Howard W. FrenchFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Washington Post, once a beacon of investigative journalism and global coverage, faces a critical turning point under Jeff Bezos' ownership. Recent layoffs, including the dismissal of nearly half its news staff and the closure of its international desk, signal a significant shift in the newspaper's mission. These moves have raised concerns about the decline of a media outlet that once played a pivotal role in shaping international news coverage. The Post's transformation under Bezos reflects broader challenges facing traditional news organizations, particularly in an era marked by growing authoritarianism and diminishing respect for press freedom.
The author, who began their career submitting pieces from West Africa to the Post during its heyday, highlights the newspaper's former commitment to global reporting. The Post once provided a platform for voices like theirs, filling gaps in coverage of underreported regions. However, the current leadership's decisions have effectively reduced the Post's international focus, marking a departure from its historic mission to compete with the best in the world. This shift not only impacts the Post but also sends a worrying signal to news outlets globally.
The decline of the Washington Post coincides with a broader crisis in democratic governance. In the U.S., President Trump's administration has actively targeted the media, labeling coverage as "fake news" and filing lawsuits to silence critics. These tactics have created an environment where
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/13/2026