Freedom & Democracy

Confronting Authoritarian Regimes

Recognizing that democracy is a global struggle against authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and developing policies to counter threats to freedom.

Authoritarian powers erode confidence in democracy and expand their influence. They do this via military force, election interference, cyberattacks, illicit financing, and persecuting vulnerable populations.

China, Russia, and Iran project influence in Africa, Latin America, Afghanistan, and the Middle East, and they align with other authoritarian powers like North Korea and the Taliban. Such alliances pose a serious threat to democracies globally.

Combating authoritarian regimes is most effectively addressed by collaborating with our allies. We stress the need to:

  • Reduce corruption that fuels authoritarian governments
  • Support democratic activists in closed societies
  • Coordinate political and economic pressure on autocrats to isolate them from the global arena
  • Recognize that protecting human rights advances national security

Our Team

Read David J. Kramer's biography.
David J. Kramer
David J. Kramer

Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President George W. Bush Presidential Center

Read Jessica Ludwig's biography.
Jessica Ludwig photo.
Jessica Ludwig

Director, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute

Read Igor Khrestin 's biography.
Igor Khrestin

Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute

Read Chris Walsh's biography.
Chris Walsh

Director, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute

Read William McKenzie's biography.
William McKenzie

Senior Editorial Advisor George W. Bush Institute

Read Nicole Bibbins Sedaca's biography.
Nicole Bibbins Sedaca

Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow George W. Bush Institute

Read Victor Cha's biography.
Victor Cha

Senior Fellow George W. Bush Institute

Read Ellen Bork's biography.
Ellen Bork

Fellow George W. Bush Institute

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