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Resources
Browse resources on authoritarian sharp power and its effects on the integrity of institutions and globalized spaces.
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Source: Voice of America
Publication Date: March 6, 2023
South Africa’s ANC Received Big Donation from Russian Oligarch-Linked Firm
Authoritarian Country: Russia
Affected Region: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa
Author: Kate Bartlett
The African National Congress, South Africa’s ruling party, received a large donation from a mining company used by a Russian oligarch to evade sanctions. Critics say this gift is a bribe in exchange for the ANC’s support for the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Source: All Africa
Publication Date: February 1, 2023
Africa: Taking a Toll – Lessons from Nairobi’s Expressway
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya
Author: Msingathi Sipuka
A new Chinese-built highway was billed as a benefit for citizens in Nairobi. However, an exploitative toll agreement benefitted the Chinese operators and made the expressway inaccessible for Kenyans.
Source: Gulf International Forum
Publication Date: January 4, 2023
Saudi Investment in Africa Surges as Iran’s Influence Sputters
Authoritarian Country: Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Affected Region: Senegal, Mali, Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Djibouti, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Mozambique, Guinea, Benin, The Gambia
Author: Jonathan Fenton-Harvey
In an effort to diversify its investments and counter Iran, Saudi Arabia developed new relationships across Africa. For the Saudis, Emiratis, and Iranians, African economies present an opportunity to develop political influence outside of the Middle East, while reaping Africa’s natural resources.
Source: New York Times
Publication Date: December 23, 2022
Putin Wants Fealty, and He’s Found It in Africa
Authoritarian Country: Russia
Affected Region: Sub-Saharan Africa, Central African Republic
Author: Roger Cohen
Kremlin-backed Wagner Group mercenaries have worked closely with the Central African Republic’s pro-Russia president. The Wagner Group is working to exploit mineral and economic resources in the country and ensure that the CAR remains in Russia’s favor.
Source: Time Magazine
Publication Date: December 20, 2022
Autocrats Are Weaponizing Globalization. Ukraine Is Where They Must Be Stopped
Authoritarian Country: China, Iran, Russia
Affected Region: Global
Author: Peter Pomerantsev
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine showcased a myriad of projections of sharp power, from Iran selling new drone technology to Chinese economic support for Russian oil. This combined threat emphasizes the need for democracies to push back against this exploitation of interconnected global systems.
Source: Eurasia Daily Monitor
Publication Date: November 7, 2022
Iran Expanding Its Influence in the Muslim Regions of Russia
Authoritarian Country: Iran
Affected Region: Eurasia, Russia
Author: Paul Goble
Iran is expanding its influence in Muslim regions of Russia, mainly through economic agreements. Iran aims to circumvent Western sanctions and gain added favorability of Muslim citizens in Russia.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: September 19, 2022
Getting Ahead of the Curve: Chinese Influence in Central and Eastern Europe
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe, Serbia, Czechia, Lithuania, Hungary
Author: James Lamond, Edward Lucas
China used the 14+1 Initiative as a means for spreading economic and political influence, employing various tactics such as anti-Western propaganda, sharing Chinese media content with local outlets, infrastructure investments, and vaccine exports.
Source: Civic IDEA
Publication Date: September 19, 2022
China Watch: CSCEC in Georgia
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Eurasia, Georgia
Author: Ani Kintsurashvili, Mariam Usenashvili
Two decades of scandals have exposed the corruption, fraud, pollution, dangerous practices, legal violations, and misconduct that are characteristic of projects by China’s largest state construction company, CSCEC, in Georgia.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: September 6, 2022
Chinese Influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Author: Tijana Cvjetićanin
The Chinese Communist Party strives to cultivate cultural, political, and academic ties in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These efforts are more pronounced in the Republika Srpska, where the authorities tend to adopt a pro-Russian and anti-Western foreign policy stance.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: September 1, 2022
Chinese Influence in Serbia
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe, Serbia
Author: Stefan Vladisavljev
Chinese influence in Serbia is spread through various means. The most conspicuous and successful tools have been economic cooperation between Serbia and China, activities of the Chinese embassy, bilateral visits, “mask and vaccine diplomacy,” and cooperation with Serbian media.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: August 30, 2022
Chinese Influence in Bulgaria
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe, Bulgaria
Author: Ruslan Stefanov
China’s objective is to build an influential pro-Beijing lobby and prevent Bulgaria from joining the group of China’s outspoken critics. In the absence of any substantial initiative as the 16/17+1 format peters out, old-style Chinese propaganda is unlikely to sway many Bulgarians.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: August 29, 2022
Chinese Influence in North Macedonia
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe, North Macedonia
Author: Ana Krstinovska
North Macedonia is a member of several international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and NATO, where the vote of each country counts. Thus, China seeks to ensure North Macedonia’s friendship, or at least neutrality, on resolutions tabled by Western governments.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: August 24, 2022
Chinese Influence in Montenegro
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe, Montenegro
Author: Milica Kovačević
China exerts influence in Montenegro through economic clout, primarily through huge debt for construction projects that will burden Montenegro for years. China’s investments in Montenegro benefit from a loophole that allows them to escape public scrutiny, competitive bidding, and national regulations.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: August 23, 2022
Chinese Influence in Greece
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe
Author: Plamen Tonchev
China’s strategic objectives in Greece are to make the most of the country’s position in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative; win over Greek political, business, and academic leaders and ensure Athens’ backing of China; and exert influence over the EU through “friendly” member states.
Source: Center for European Policy Analysis
Publication Date: August 22, 2022
Chinese Influence in Albania
Authoritarian Country: China
Affected Region: Europe, Albania
Author: Bledar Feta
China has inserted itself into Albania’s economy and politics via major investments in air transportation, energy, agriculture, and mining, creating new avenues for leverage. Collaboration with key economic players and networks in turn creates dependencies through which China gains systematic influence.