Kristen Anna - Human Rights Foundation

Kristen Anna

Research Fellow

Kristen Anna is a research fellow at the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), where she researches the connection between authoritarianism and issues such as human trafficking, corruption, and refugeeism. Kristen also contributes to HRF’s Anti-Corruption Initiative, which aims to hold human rights abusers and corrupt actors accountable through targeted sanctions and visa restrictions. Prior to joining HRF, Anna worked on human rights-related visa restrictions and sanctions for the US Department of State. Anna holds a master’s in human rights from the University of London and both a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Colorado State University.

Kristen's Work

Aug 11, 2023

Russia’s Influence in Mali

Squeezed by Western sanctions — first in response to its illegal annexation of Crimea and then its subsequent invasion of Ukraine — Vladimir Putin’s regime has increasingly turned to new partnerships across Africa for greater global influence and economic lifelines.

Apr 7, 2023

Like, Tweet, & Torment: Activists Push Back

After news broke that a young Egyptian, Khaled Saeed, had been tortured and killed by police in June 2010, Wael Ghonim created the Facebook page, “We are all Khaled Saeed.”

Apr 7, 2023

Like, Tweet, & Torment: Transnational Repression in the Digital Age

A typical move in the dictator’s handbook is not only oppressing those within the country but silencing voices of dissent outside the country. And technology has only made it easier.

Jul 30, 2022

Authoritarianism Lies at the Heart of Human Trafficking

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, there are over 24.9 million people subject to human trafficking, or modern slavery.

May 10, 2022

Refugees, Human Trafficking, and Authoritarianism

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, shook the world as the first invasion of a sovereign European nation since World War II.