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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

View Resource: South Africa’s ANC Received Big Donation from Russian Oligarch-Linked Firm

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

View Resource: Africa: Taking a Toll – Lessons from Nairobi’s Expressway

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

View Resource: Saudi Investment in Africa Surges as Iran’s Influence Sputters

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

View Resource: Putin Wants Fealty, and He’s Found It in Africa

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

View Resource: Autocrats Are Weaponizing Globalization. Ukraine Is Where They Must Be Stopped

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

View Resource: Iran Expanding Its Influence in the Muslim Regions of Russia

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

View Resource: Getting Ahead of the Curve: Chinese Influence in Central and Eastern Europe

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

View Resource: China Watch: CSCEC in Georgia

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

View Resource: Chinese Influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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

View Resource: Chinese Influence in Serbia

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

View Resource: Chinese Influence in Bulgaria

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

View Resource: Chinese Influence in North Macedonia

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

View Resource: Chinese Influence in Montenegro

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

View Resource: Chinese Influence in Greece

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

View Resource: Chinese Influence in Albania

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.