International and Foreign

Police in full riot gear including weapons, shields, helmets and face masks hold their firearms as they approach protesters during a demonstration against the military coup in Naypyidaw on March 8, 2021. Only the back of the protestors’ heads are visible in this image.

Do Economic Sanctions in Response to Gross Human Rights Abuses Do Any Good?

Sanctions on both Myanmar and China, for example, can have an impact in mitigating abuses, albeit in different ways.

Apr. 29, 2021 Aryeh Neier

Artwork of protestors with signs reading, “Freedom of Expression,” “Rule of Law,” and a slashed “Corruption” sign. Blood is splattered across the protestors. In the top corner, a hand places a paper into a ballot box.

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: “In Accordance with the Law” – How the Military Perverts Rule of Law to Oppress Civilians

The Tatmadaw have used the concept of "law" to justify both arbitrary violence against anti-coup protestors and the coup itself. But what would true "rule of law" mean in Myanmar?

Apr. 28, 2021 Pwint Htun

An Indian policeman registers the names of Rohingya refugees after they were detained while crossing the India-Bangladesh fenced border from Bangladesh, at Raimura village on the outskirts of Agartala, the capital of the northeastern state of Tripura, on January 22, 2019.

Indian Supreme Court’s Stance on the Deportation of Rohingya Refugees Violates International Law

The Indian Supreme Court’s refusal to implement its international law obligations has dented the hopes of thousands of Rohingyas who continue to seek refuge in India.

Apr. 27, 2021 Arunav Kaul

Migrants from Asia and Africa bundled in scarves and blankets walk in the snow past what remains of the tents of the "Lipa" camp, two weeks after it burnt down on January 8, 2021 near the North-Western Bosnian town of Bihac.

Biden’s Decision to Pull Troops From Afghanistan Risks a Major Refugee Crisis

The US needs a global plan in the event brutal Taliban rule returns -- or even seems likely. An exodus risks upturning Iran, Turkey, and the EU.

Apr. 26, 2021 Kemal Kirişci and Fulya Memisoglu

Protesters, wearing red make-up to simulate tears of blood, make the three-finger salute during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon's Hlaing township. They wear pink ribbons around their wrists.

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: Echoes of the Past, Crises of the Moment, Visions of the Future

The Feb. 1 coup opened the latest front in a historic battle for democracy and peace. Today, we launch a series on the coup, its context, and what the future may hold for Myanmar.

Apr. 26, 2021 Emily Ray and Tyler Giannini

People carry banners as they attend a rally to mark the International Women's Day in Bishkek on March 8, 2021. Some people wear face masks but not all.

High-Level US Attention Needed for a Backsliding Democracy in Central Asia

Voters in Kyrgyzstan approved a referendum on April 11 that expands the president’s powers and threatens the most vibrant civil society in the region.

Apr. 22, 2021 Erica Marat

Belsat TV journalists Katerina Bakhvalova aka Andreeva and Daria Chultsova, who were detained in November while reporting on anti-government protests, flash the V-sign from a defendant's cage during their trial in Minsk on February 18, 2021.

Belarus Jailing of Journalists for Reporting on Peaceful Protest Violates International Law

An appeal hearing in Minsk offers a chance for the court to rectify an injustice that illustrates how reporters have been targeted for abuse..

Apr. 22, 2021 Lauren Kelly-Jones

A billboard with president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo stands over the empty streets of the new capital city on August 16, 2018 in Oyala, Equatorial Guinea. The dome at the end of the street will be the new house for the president.

Combating Transnational Authoritarian Kleptocracy: Cracking Down on Western Professional Enablers

Effectively battling corruption and human rights abuses requires the tools provided by the Global Magnitsky Act - including the ability to target those who aid money laundering.…

Apr. 19, 2021 Tutu Alicante

U.S. President Joe Biden stands at a podium and announces new economic sanctions against the Russia government from the East Room of the White House on April 15, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Limited Sanctions Will Not Deter Putin, But They Are a Fine Start

All this disclosure is arguably the best way for democracies to use true information to fight back against manipulative active measures

Apr. 16, 2021 Josh Rudolph

The “Police Nationale” sign at the entrance of the police station of Champigny-sur-Marne, outside Paris, on the evening after it was attacked by around 40 people launching fireworks.

The French Global Security Law: Security or Liberties?

When it comes to the Global Security Law Proposal, which is currently being discussed by the French Parliament, it seems that France is choosing security before liberties.

Apr. 15, 2021 Auriane Dirou

Two people hold signs during an anti-corruption protest march along Borrowdale road, on July 31, 2020 in Harare. One reads, “No to Corruption. Fix our healh system. We can’t breathe.” The other reads, “You know you have messed up when you make me march! #HandsOffOurConstitution #StopCorruption”

Fighting the ‘International Thief Thief’ with Global Magnitsky Sanctions

What can Global Magnitsky Act sanctions accomplish in the battle against corruption and human rights abuse? According to anti-corruption NGO The Sentry, a lot. Successful case…

Apr. 15, 2021 Brad Brooks-Rubin

The columns and relief of the U.S. Treasury Department.

Reauthorizing and Strengthening the Global Magnitsky Act

The Global Magnitsky Act is a key tool in the fight against corruption and human rights abuses -- yet it remains incomplete. Beth Van Schaack explains how it can be strengthened.

Apr. 14, 2021 Beth Van Schaack