Research Reports

Delve into our original research examining the human rights abuses and violations taking place under authoritarian regimes.

Research Reports

Delve into our original research examining the human rights abuses and violations taking place under authoritarian regimes.

Dictators and Diplomas: Why Foreign Autocracies Funding American Universities Threatens Democracy, Destroys Academic Freedom, and Entrenches Anti-Democratic Regimes

For years, foreign dictatorships and their proxies have searched out any number of ways to influence policy and discourse in the United States. From hiring fleets of lobbyists to setting up dark money networks, from bankrolling sports leagues to launching disinformation campaigns on American social media platforms, from backing strategic investments to hiring consulting firms and white-shoe law firms, the list of targets is lengthy.

The Quantum Threat to Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a financial lifeline for dissidents resisting authoritarian regimes. The rise of cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) with the ability to crack Bitcoin’s underlying cryptography could threaten the network’s security foundations.

Youthquake: Youth-led Movements Shaking Up East and Southeast Asia

In recent years, youth across East and Southeast Asia, and around the world, have spearheaded the demand for democracy, justice, and freedom.

Zimbabwe’s Ruling Party and Military: Joined at the Hip “Until Donkeys Grow Horns”

This policy note chronicles the Zimbabwean military’s deep entrenchment in politics and the evolution of its relationship with ZANU-PF.

HRF Authoritarianism Partnerships Report

Modern slavery, also known as “human trafficking” and “trafficking in persons” exists everywhere, and is on the rise.

Infiltrating America: How the United Arab Emirates Launched an Unprecedented Political Interference Campaign in the United States

For years, one foreign dictatorship has overseen an unprecedented interference effort aimed at the heart of the U.S. political process, unleashing squadrons of lobbyists while launching illicit campaigns that reached directly into the highest ranks of the American government.

HRF Report: Sex Trafficking in Cuba

For years, the Cuban regime has failed to comply with its international law obligations aimed at protecting victims of human trafficking.

Human Trafficking in Saudi Arabia Report

Saudi Arabia has a vast and varied track record of human rights violations. As an absolute monarchy, the King- dom has established laws and practices that serve to maintain the ruling family’s hold on power.

Arabic Edition of “Human Trafficking in Saudi Arabia”

Saudi Arabia has a vast and varied track record of human rights violations. As an absolute monarchy, the Kingdom has established laws and practices that serve to maintain the ruling family’s hold on power.

HRF Report: Authoritarianism and Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, considered a modern form of slavery, exists in every region of the world.

Qatar’s Human Rights Record in the World’s Spotlight

Qatar, a country ruled by a monarchic authoritarian government, is hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hosting the top global football tournament is the result of a decade-long project by the government of Qatar to strategically exploit the prestige and popular appeal of sports to grow its global influence, cultivate a favorable image in popular culture, and boost its economy.

Arabic Edition of Qatar Human Rights Report

Qatar, a country ruled by a monarchic authoritarian government, is hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Hosting the top global football tournament is the result of a decade-long project by the government of Qatar to strategically exploit the prestige and popular appeal of sports to grow its global influence, cultivate a favorable image in popular culture, and boost its economy.

Framing Justice in Syria: The Road Toward Comprehensive Justice

Only by listening to the demands of Syrians and standing with those who want a peaceful and democratic future for the country will stability come to Syria.

Arabic Edition of “Framing Justice in Syria”

Only by listening to the demands of Syrians and standing with those who want a peaceful and democratic future for the country will stability come to Syria.

HRF Report: CCP 100 Years of Suppression

2021 marks the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the sole ruling party of China.

Building and Uniting a Movement in the Arab World

In November 2019, HRF held its first Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) Working Retreat for the Arab World, bringing together a group of 60 human rights advocates. The global community established…

Corporate Intimidation and Censorship in China

Since China’s rise as a global trade giant, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has leveraged its position in the global economy to intimidate foreign companies into becoming indirect messengers of its political ideology. Since the 1990s, the Chinese government has exerted pressure…

The Cost and Consequences of the War on Drugs

The “war on drugs” was first declared by U.S. President Richard Nixon in 1971, with the goal of eradicating what he viewed as the growing problem of drug addiction. Since then, it has had dire consequences, including the exacerbation of human rights violations …

The Collapse of the Rule of Law and Human Rights in Turkey

In recent years, Turkey has experienced a massive deterioration of its human rights record, judicial independence, and adherence to the rule of law. This decline began in December 2013, when two major corruption scandals surfaced, incriminating many in the inner circle of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Authoritarianism and Trafficking in Persons

Though trafficking is present in every country, including democracies, our analysis shows that there is a connection between trafficking and authoritarianism. A possible explanation for this is that…

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