Transnational Repression in the Age of Globalisation

Transnational repression is a growing global phenomenon where authoritarian regimes crack down on domestic opposition movements and democracy activists abroad, using tactics such as surveillance, coercion, harassment, and physical violence. It threatens the lives of democracy defenders, the basic rights of diaspora members, and the rule of law in host states.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This groundbreaking volume, authored by esteemed scholars, takes a comparative approach to examining the escalating global phenomenon of transnational repression. Authoritarian regimes in countries such as China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia have earned a reputation for suppressing domestic opposition movements and democracy activists. However, in the era of globalization, migration, and technological advancements, dictators have gained unprecedented capabilities to exert their authoritarian control over their critics residing abroad. Through a range of tactics, including surveillance, coercion, harassment, and even physical violence, transnational repression poses a significant threat to the lives of democracy defenders, the fundamental rights of diaspora members, and the rule of law in host states.

The prevalence of transnational repression is particularly concerning in regions where authoritarian regimes have historically limited civil liberties and political freedoms. These regimes often use repressive measures to maintain their grip on power, including censorship, surveillance, and the detention and torture of political opponents. However, with the advent of the internet and social media, these tactics have become more sophisticated and widespread, enabling dictators to exert control over their critics even in remote locations.

One of the most notable examples of transnational repression is the case of Saudi Arabia. The country has been criticized for its human rights abuses, including the execution of political dissidents and the suppression of women's rights. However, Saudi Arabia has also been accused of using its influence abroad to silence its critics. The country has been accused of funding extremist groups and organizations that promote violence and instability in other countries, including Syria and Yemen. Saudi Arabia has also been accused of using its diplomatic relations with Western countries to pressure them into silence on human rights issues.

Another example of transnational repression is the case of China. The country has a history of repressive policies towards its citizens, including censorship, surveillance, and the detention and torture of political opponents. However, China has also been accused of using its economic and political influence to suppress its critics abroad. The country has been accused of funding authoritarian regimes in Africa and Asia, and of using its diplomatic relations with Western countries to pressure them into silence on human rights issues.

Russia is another country that has been accused of using transnational repression to suppress its critics. The country has a history of political repression, including the detention and torture of political opponents. However, Russia has also been accused of using its economic and political influence to suppress its critics abroad. The country has been accused of funding extremist groups and organizations that promote violence and instability in other countries, including Ukraine and Syria. Russia has also been accused of using its diplomatic relations with Western countries to pressure them into silence on human rights issues.

The impact of transnational repression on democracy and human rights is significant. Democracy defenders and activists who are targeted by authoritarian regimes face a range of risks, including imprisonment, torture, and even death. Diaspora members who are living in authoritarian regimes also face risks, including discrimination, harassment, and the denial of basic rights. The rule of law in host states is also threatened by transnational repression, as authoritarian regimes use repressive measures to undermine the legal system and suppress opposition.

To address the growing global phenomenon of transnational repression, there is a need for international cooperation and action. Governments, international organizations, and civil society groups must work together to promote human rights and democracy, and to hold authoritarian regimes accountable for their actions. This may include measures such as sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and the provision of support to democracy defenders and activists who are facing repression.

In conclusion, transnational repression is a growing global phenomenon that poses a significant threat to democracy and human rights. Authoritarian regimes in places such as China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia have gained unprecedented capabilities to exert their authoritarian control over their critics residing abroad. Through a range of tactics, including surveillance, coercion, harassment, and even physical violence, transnational repression threatens the lives of democracy defenders, the basic rights of diaspora members, and the rule of law in host states. To address this issue, there is a need for international cooperation and action to promote human rights and democracy, and to hold authoritarian regimes accountable for their actions.

Weight: 717g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399506069