Authoritarian powers are challenging the democratic world on every front, using military force, economic coercion, disinformation, and subversion to expand their influence and weaken open societies. Russia and China lead this effort, joined by partners such as Iran and North Korea, in an authoritarian alignment that spans hard security, technology, and the global economy. This hub is the gateway to analysis of the authoritarian threat: Russian aggression and hybrid tactics, Chinese influence over trade and technology, energy coercion, and the campaigns aimed at eroding trust in democratic institutions. Fellows and analysts assess how Russian aggression and Chinese influence reinforce this authoritarian alignment, where these regimes are vulnerable, and how the transatlantic community can push back. Explore analysis and commentary across the threats that authoritarian states pose to Europe and North America.
Authoritarian Threats
Western engagement with Chinese biotech is accelerating. It’s dangerous.
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July 31, 2026
The West Must Confront China’s Biotech Offensive
Western engagement with Chinese biotech is accelerating. It’s dangerous.
July 28, 2026
Russian Mass Mobilization? A Non-Denial Denial
When Putin’s mouthpieces talk about something, there’s always a reason. Russians have renewed cause to worry.
July 28, 2026
No Road Back to Putin, the Shakespearean Villain
Ill-considered European statements about talks with Russia demonstrate confusion and lessons still unlearned.
July 27, 2026
Spoofing and Spillover: Russia Targets NATO
Russia is using electronic warfare as another technique in its shadow war against NATO.
July 24, 2026
Kremlin Throttles the Internet
The Kremlin’s incessant, restrictive attack on the Internet has apparently scored some successes in limiting the population's usage.
July 23, 2026
Use Technology to Manage Risk from Chinese Drones
Building a supply chain independent from China is impractical. For now, leverage data, connectivity, and automation to reduce risk.
July 21, 2026
The False Choice Between Europe and Asia
Simple geographic binaries cannot address the threats the US faces, especially as its enemies pursue a broad alliance across the globe.
July 17, 2026
How to Pile the Pain on Putin
Ukraine's audacious long-range strike campaign has exposed Russian vulnerabilities. Western allies can make these worse.
July 16, 2026
Russia’s Raddled Stock Market
Vladimir Putin hoped to double the size of the stock market. He has comprehensively failed, and there’s no obvious fix to be found.