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.

The CCP’s Deepening Footprint in Latin America and the Stakes for Democracy in the Region

Following a period of U.S. retreat that lasted until the end of 2025, and amid an ongoing realignment of the international democratic bloc, illiberal actors — particularly China, Russia, and their closest allies — continue to look for opportunities to gain influence and undermine institutions to their advantage, especially in middle-income countries, where American actions are viewed with disdain and alliances with alternative powers are seen as economic opportunities.

AI for Activists: A Guide to Supercharging Your Movement with Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often described as the most transformative technology of our time. Its meteoric development is reshaping industries, economies, and the way people work, communicate, and create. Governments are investing billions of dollars into it. Corporations are racing to build ever more capable AI systems. News headlines alternate between promises of extraordinary breakthroughs and warnings about existential risks.

Manipulation of Sustainable Development: Framing of the UN SDGs by Authoritarian Regimes

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global sustainability benchmarks adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to guide an inclusive and sustainable transformation by 2030.

How the Regime in Equatorial Guinea Exploits Football

Equatorial Guinea’s regime has strategically exploited the global appeal of football as a political tool.

Cómo el régimen de Guinea Ecuatorial instrumentaliza el fútbol

HRF agradece a los valientes defensores de los derechos humanos, expertos y otras personas entrevistadas que han contribuido con su tiempo, conocimientos y testimonios a este informe.

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.

Human Trafficking in Cuba’s Medical Missions

For 59 years, Cuba’s authoritarian regime has engaged in a state-run human trafficking enterprise involving its medical missions.

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.

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