The Expanding Reach of Authoritarian Control

Transnational repression – the practice of authoritarian states extending their control beyond their borders to silence dissent – is no longer a fringe concern. It’s a systemic challenge to European security and human rights, according to experts commissioned by the European Parliament. This form of coercion manifests in various ways, from harassment and intimidation of family members back home to digital surveillance, economic blackmail, and even physical attacks.

The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the problem. “There is a need, broadly speaking, that there be more and better data collection on transnational repression, whether it is done at the multilateral or state level,” explained Nate Schenkkan, lead author of the study, in an interview. “The knowledge drives action, so collecting the information and disseminating it is part of the process and policy framework of forcing those other stakeholders to address the issues.”

Key Recommendations for a Unified EU Response

The study proposes a three-pronged approach to effectively address transnational repression:

• A Standard Definition: Establishing a clear, EU-wide definition of transnational repression is crucial for consistent identification and prosecution of offenses.
• Centralized Data Hub: Creating a central repository of information within the EU will facilitate knowledge sharing and coordinated responses among member states.
• Enhanced Law Enforcement Cooperation: Strengthening communication channels between law enforcement agencies across Europe is vital for tracking and disrupting repressive activities.

Beyond these core recommendations, the report calls for bolstering data protection laws, specifically identifying transnational repression as a “systemic risk” under the Digital Services Act. This would compel regulated platforms to take proactive measures to mitigate the threat. More assertive actions, including visa bans, diplomatic expulsions, and targeted sanctions, are also advocated.

The report highlights a concerning trend: the increasing use of proxies – including criminal organizations – to carry out repressive acts on behalf of authoritarian regimes. This complicates attribution and accountability, demanding a more sophisticated investigative approach.

Freedom House data cited in the report reveals that France, Germany, and Poland have been frequent targets of transnational repression between 2014 and 2024. However, the problem extends beyond these nations, impacting individuals across the European Union.

China, Russia, and Iran: The Primary Drivers

The study identifies China, Russia, and Iran as the primary sources of transnational repression campaigns. This echoes the findings of the ICIJ’s China Targets investigation, which exposed the extensive scope of Beijing’s efforts to silence critics abroad. The investigation detailed how the Chinese government has exploited international institutions like the United Nations and Interpol to target dissidents, often without intervention from democratic nations. Victims interviewed by ICIJ and its partners recounted harrowing experiences, including threats to family members, doxxing, and financial disruptions.

China has consistently denied allegations of transnational repression, dismissing them as “groundless” and “fabricated” attempts to tarnish its reputation. However, mounting evidence suggests a systematic and coordinated effort to suppress dissent beyond its borders.

While the EU has taken some steps to address the issue – including a November resolution to create a definition of transnational repression – experts warn that a more robust and coordinated response is needed. “There’s clearly awareness of transnational repression as an idea,” Schenkkan noted, “There is an unclear mandate, though, to work on it. It’s not clear whose responsibility it is or what they’re supposed to do, and without that, people are reluctant to take it up and kind of push forward.”

The report also points to a disparity in the EU’s response to different actors. Responses to China’s transnational repression have been comparatively weaker than those directed towards Russia and Iran, potentially due to complex economic ties and a desire to maintain diplomatic relations.

Emile Dirks, a co-author of the report, explained, “Many Democratic states, including within the European Union, are also looking to maintain workable relations with China in a range of areas, trade being one of them. The dynamics are not necessarily there when it comes to say Iran or even Russia.”

The study highlighted incidents detailed in ICIJ’s China Targets investigation, such as instances of Chinese police intimidating activists’ families during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to France in May 2024, aiming to suppress protests in Paris.

The authors emphasize the urgent need for increased resources and support for victims of transnational repression, many of whom face precarious immigration status and limited access to assistance.

What level of economic risk is the EU willing to accept to prioritize human rights and counter transnational repression? And how can international cooperation be strengthened to hold authoritarian regimes accountable for their actions beyond their borders?

Frequently Asked Questions About Transnational Repression