IntelBrief: Transnational Repression on the Rise as States Struggle to Respond

Bottom Line Up Front

• With the recent murder of a Canadian citizen in Vancouver, allegedly by agents of the Indian government, the issue of transnational repression is once again front and center.
• Russia, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, India, and Türkiye are just some of the countries that engage in transnational repression, which occurs when foreign governments stalk, intimidate, or assault individuals outside of their home countries.
• Beijing has been accused of establishing secret police stations around the world, including in North America and Europe, which collect information on dissidents, political opponents, and critics of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
• Autocrats and strongmen who engage in transnational repression may reach the conclusion that taking the risk is worthwhile, especially if they feel that the consequences will be minimal, as they appear to be in the case of Saudi Arabia.