Authoritarianism Archives

Then-U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen sits at the center of a row of U.S. officials on the left of the image, across the table from Zambian President Hichilema, also flanked by other Zambian officials. At the far end of the flower-decked table, in the background, is a large white sign on the wall saying U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Washington D.C. 2022.

The Lessons of Zambia’s RightsCon Cancellation for International Democracy Promotion

The once-lauded Zambian president's nixing of a major digital rights conference shows the risks of lionizing individual leaders without a backup plan.

Jun. 5, 2026 Andrew Friedman and Tara L. Thwing

Xi, at left, is seen walking alongside Putin in front of an honor guard standing at attention, dressed in formal white uniforms and caps with gold trim, holding bayonets pointed upwards.

China’s Global ‘Concierge Services’ to Strengthen Fellow Authoritarians

China's intrusive military, economic, and diplomatic aid to Russia, Iran, and others spreads autocratic practices such as secrecy, censorship, surveillance, and corruption.

Jun. 4, 2026 Christopher Walker

People walk in front of a large concrete and glass building with large columns and windows lit up under a darkened sky, maybe dusk or dawn. Four flags fly from the top of the building, at least two of them the flags of Poland, the others in shadow.

Planning for America’s Democratic Renewal Must Start Now: Lessons from Poland

Poland’s recovery from democratic backsliding shows how hard the process can be -- and why U.S. reformers should start planning now for lawful, durable renewal.

May 26, 2026 Mieczysław (Mietek) Boduszyński and Laura Thornton

Magyar, standing on the left in front of a red, white, and green Hungarian flag, shakes hands with von der Leyen, who is standing on the right in front of the EU flag, with a blue backdrop in between the flags carrying the emblem of the European Commission.

Hungary’s Election Is Already Paying Dividends for the EU and Ukraine. Is the U.S. Next?

Peter Magyar's election defeat of Viktor Orban in Hungary is easing relations with the EU and Ukraine. The course correction could even reverberate in the U.S.

May 5, 2026 Igor Khrestin and Andrew Chakhoyan

Protesters clash with riot police during an opposition rally on the day of local elections in central Tbilisi on October 4, 2025. (Photo by GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Fatal Flaws in Georgia’s National Police Modernization

Georgia’s police reform reduced corruption and modernized policing, but it left law enforcement vulnerable to executive control, raising deeper concerns about autonomy.

Apr. 22, 2026 Giorgi Meladze and Tamar Gamkrelidze

The Just Security Podcast: Hungary After Orban

Zsuzsanna Vegh joins Viola Gienger to explore the Hungarian opposition's win, Magyar's priorities, and how Hungary’s domestic and foreign policies might change.

Apr. 16, 2026 Zsuzsanna Végh and Viola Gienger

An older, gray-haired man stands at the right side of the frame looking out a high-rise window on the left, through which he can see lower buildings. Under the window is a row of plants that look like they might be succulents.

1,000 Days and Counting: A Father, A Professor, and a Government That Won’t Let Go

The son of Azerbaijan economist and anti-corruption activist Gubad Ibadoghlu appeals for the release of his father and uncle, both political prisoners.

Apr. 14, 2026 Emin Bayramli

The Tightrope Walk of Democratic Defense: Lessons from Taiwan’s Platform Governance Challenge

The safeguards emerging from Taiwan's effort to address information manipulation risks offer democracies a platform governance roadmap.

Apr. 10, 2026 You-Hao Lai

Someone in a fluorescent yellow safety jacket on a bicycle is standing speaking with several others at a campaign booth for the TISZA opposition political party. The booth has a poster on it apparently promoting two male candidates. There are trees and apparent residential block buildings in the background and neat brown pavers underfoot.

Hungary’s Election Could End Orbán’s Rule — But Will It End His Power?

Hungary's parliamentary election will test Prime Minister Viktor Orban's strength, as well as whether a change could successfully undo 16 years of autocratic rule.

Apr. 7, 2026 Zsuzsanna Végh

U.S. and Armenian delegations sit across from one another at a long table extending from the front of the photo to the back, a row of flowers in the middle, and three of the respective U.S. and Armenian flags at the back, left and right, respectively, at the end of each delegation.

Facing Russian Hybrid Threats in Advance of Elections, Armenia Struggles to Maintain Pro-U.S. and EU Path

Armenia's election is an opportunity for the country to chart a course for peace and democracy. But Russia is trying to thwart that path, and U.S. and EU help is needed.

Mar. 17, 2026 Laura Thornton

AI holographic eye and data with network on a dark blue background.

Human Rights at Risk in the Sprint Toward AI Sovereignty

Policymakers and the private sector should work with civil society to ensure that the pursuit of “sovereign AI” does not undermine fundamental rights.

Mar. 5, 2026 Kian Vesteinsson and Grant Baker

The Spirit of Liberty—Horace E. Read Memorial Lecture

Finding the spirit of liberty in the United States requires looking beyond the leadership of elite institutions. Among ordinary citizens, there’s no scarcity of civic courage.

Feb. 14, 2026 Jameel Jaffer

Authoritarianism