Transnational Repression Working Group
The Transnational Repression Working Group brings together respected experts and scholars to produce rigorous, policy-relevant research on how authoritarian states commit transnational repression and how host countries can effectively respond. The Working Group focuses its research on both the tactics employed by repressive regimes and the legal, institutional, and diplomatic tools available to counter them. Through in-depth reports and analyses, the Working Group addresses critical gaps in current policy responses and identifies practical reforms that can strengthen the ability of democratic governments to protect vulnerable communities within their borders.
Expert-Driven Research
The Working Group convenes scholars with deep expertise in transnational repression, international law, human rights, and national security policy. By drawing on this collective knowledge, the Working Group produces high-quality research that reflects both the complexity of the threat and the practical realities of policymaking. This collaborative model ensures that findings are grounded in evidence and informed by diverse perspectives from across government, academia, and civil society.
Actionable Policy Recommendations
Each Working Group report offers concrete, implementable recommendations designed to help the United States and other host countries better defend their sovereignty and protect at-risk communities. The Working Group identifies weaknesses in existing legal frameworks and institutional practices, and proposes targeted reforms that policymakers can pursue at the national and international levels. By bridging the gap between academia and governmental policymaking, the Working Group equips governments with the tools they need to respond effectively to transnational repression.