Authoritarianism is a persistent threat to democracy and the transatlantic alliance. The Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine is only its latest effort to expand its influence, while it continues to spread disinformation abroad and crush dissent at home. The Chinese Communist Party has continued to seek influence across the transatlantic space through disinformation and strategic economic investment as it starts to flex newly found military power.
Authoritarian Threats
The Latest
How to Exploit Myopic Western Cost Cutting
Divisions and cheeseparing in the Western alliance are playing into the Kremlin’s hands. Walter Clemens imagines its celebrations.
Romania Pays the Price for Kremlin Interference
The country has been plunged into political instability by a Russian campaign that no one saw coming.
Fantasyland: Russian General ‘Assassinated by the British’
The Kremlin and its mouthpieces are struggling to swallow a terrible truth — Ukraine’s agents regularly penetrate Russia’s security state.
Europe — Look East to Rebuild the Western Alliance
Europe needs to embrace the incoming Trump administration’s priorities if it wants to strengthen transatlantic relationships.
Read More
Article
Learn More
Getting Ahead of the Curve: Chinese Influence in Central and Eastern Europe
China’s influence in Central and Eastern Europe poses challenges and opportunities for Western policymakers as they work to strengthen resilience.
Related Events
Discover the latest CEPA events on how the transatlantic alliance can respond to growing authoritarian threats.
January 17, 2023
Chinese Media Influence: Lessons Learned from Central and Eastern Europe
Event
China
Disinformation
January 12, 2023
Shaping a Transatlantic Response to Chinese Influence
Event
China
Disinformation
Regional Security
December 22, 2022
Melitopol: Life Under Russian Occupation
Event
Hybrid Threats
Regional Security
Russia
September 8, 2022
Russian Cyberwarfare: Unpacking the Kremlin’s Capabilities
Event
Cybersecurity
Regional Security
Russia
Event
Get the Latest
Sign up to receive regular emails and stay informed about CEPA's work.
Related Experts
Explore More
No Result Found
December 20, 2024
Europe — Look East to Rebuild the Western Alliance
Europe needs to embrace the incoming Trump administration’s priorities if it wants to strengthen transatlantic relationships.
December 20, 2024
How to Exploit Myopic Western Cost Cutting
Divisions and cheeseparing in the Western alliance are playing into the Kremlin’s hands. Walter Clemens imagines its celebrations.
December 20, 2024
Romania Pays the Price for Kremlin Interference
The country has been plunged into political instability by a Russian campaign that no one saw coming.
December 19, 2024
Fantasyland: Russian General ‘Assassinated by the British’
The Kremlin and its mouthpieces are struggling to swallow a terrible truth — Ukraine’s agents regularly penetrate Russia’s security state.
December 19, 2024
Betraying Ukraine for ‘Blood Gas’
On January 1, Ukraine can sever one of its last remaining ties with Russia if it ignores a last-minute campaign by Moscow’s friends in the West.
December 18, 2024
Changing the Rules of NATO’s Numbers Game
Emerging plans for new and higher NATO defense spending risk fixating on inputs (spending) rather than measuring outputs (effectiveness).
December 18, 2024
Tales of the Unexpected: How Ukraine May Save Russia’s Gas Industry
Ukraine has a historic opportunity to slam the door on Russian gas imports. But will it?
December 18, 2024
Celebrating Russian Propaganda
Russian art shouldn’t be “canceled.” Instead, it should be examined for what it reveals about the country’s imperial mission.
December 18, 2024
Chip Wars: How to Trump China
The US chips strategy for the next administration will rely less on subsidies and more on tariffs. Here’s the playbook.
December 17, 2024
Russia’s Spies Party After a Hectic Year
The Kremlin’s secret policemen and women will gather for vodka at the big drinks parties on December 20, the Day of the Chekist, and reflect on the busiest year in recent memory.
December 17, 2024
Georgia’s Political Football Gets Dirty
Police officers are resigning as repression rises and a sportsman is elected President.
December 16, 2024
A Sinister Confessional: Russian Church Persecution
Protestant clergy and believers are regarded as little better than foreign agents by the Russian authorities, with dire consequences for their freedom to worship.
December 15, 2024
Vortex: Stand-Off at Sea
Russia, China, and the West are at odds over the Yi Peng 3.
December 13, 2024
The Dangers of ‘Chicken Kyiv’ Thinking
The West is vacillating in its support for Ukraine and has failed to learn the lessons of its past appeasement of Russia.
December 13, 2024
Why Is Turkey’s Erdoğan Not Ecstatic?
There is huge uncertainty over what happens next in Syria, but while the losers are clear enough it’s too early to judge the winners.
December 12, 2024
Russian Hate Crime Fueled by the Church
Hate crimes are soaring as immigrants and alternative lifestyles are blamed for Russia’s ills — and the Orthodox Church is leading the charge.
December 12, 2024
Russia the Winner as ICC Descends Into Chaos
The ICC is now in serious trouble, with rising problems both outside and inside the court.
December 12, 2024
Behind the Lines: The Workaday Agents Resisting Russia
The Angry Mavka movement uses old techniques and new technology to undermine Ukraine’s occupiers and remind them they’re not welcome.
December 10, 2024
Kicking Russia Out of Syria
The rapid fall of the Assad regime in Syria has created opportunity for the West, but it will need to be nimble to exploit the moment.
December 9, 2024
Baltic Power Shows Way on Hybrid Threats
The Baltic states, with a long history of Russian interference, offer a model for tackling hybrid threats.
December 9, 2024
Where Could Putin Flee?
Russia’s despot has given refuge to his murderous Syrian counterpart, but will be asking himself – Where do I run when things turn ugly?
December 9, 2024
Fighting for Russia Becomes Less Profitable
There’s a new sign of distress from the Russian state — Vladimir Putin is cutting financial payments for personnel wounded in the war of aggression in Ukraine.
December 9, 2024
Someone Else’s Fault — Kremlin Propagandists Explain Syrian Collapse
As Syria’s fleeing dictator arrived in Moscow, the state’s mouthpieces battled to shield Putin from any blame.
December 9, 2024
Russian Incursions Expose NATO’s Frail Air Defenses
Russian breaches of NATO airspace have exposed gaps in the alliance’s defenses and could encourage Moscow to push further.
December 9, 2024
The Best Way to Boost Ukraine’s Security
Ukraine is unlikely to join NATO anytime soon, but granting it Major Non-NATO Ally status would strengthen its ties to the West and enhance its security.
December 8, 2024
End Game: Putin and Assad
The Syrian regime fell fast. Surprised? Don’t be.
December 6, 2024
Security in the Arctic and High North
Geopolitics and strategic competition are fast changing the Arctic security landscape, a trend compounded by climate change.
December 6, 2024
Turmoil in Romania as Election Canceled Over Russian Interference
Romania’s Constitutional Court has cancelled the presidential runoff vote after declassified intelligence reports showed Russian involvement.
December 5, 2024
Russian Spooks Find Rich Pickings in the Diaspora
An arrest in the US has revealed a little-known aspect of Russian espionage recruitment.
December 5, 2024
Romania’s Shady TikTok Election
The rise of an ultranationalist signals a dangerous moment for Romania’s democracy and its place in Europe.
December 4, 2024
Russia’s Weakness Illuminated by Syrian Collapse
Rebel advances through the cities and hinterland of Syria reveal a Russia that’s strong on rhetoric and short of hard power.
December 4, 2024
Between East and West: Georgia Hangs in the Balance
A government decision has sparked widespread protests over EU membership. There’s little sign of compromise.
December 3, 2024
Georgia Nears its Moment of Truth
Protesters have been angered by a sudden decision that has put the country’s future on the line.
December 3, 2024
How to Stop Putin’s Winning Streak
The West need not be mesmerized by Russia’s slow advances in Ukraine.
December 2, 2024
Transatlantic Tariff Tussle Targets China
European and US authorities want to tax low-priced Chinese e-commerce imports that now escape import duties. It’s not easy.
December 2, 2024
Why Did Navalny Risk Death?
The testimony of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is a lesson in the need to stand up in the face of brutal tyrannies.
December 2, 2024
Baltic Triumvirate Bring a ‘Typhoon’ to Brussels
The nomination of Kaja Kallas as European Union foreign policy chief promises a heavyweight and eastern-centered reworking of the bloc’s foreign policy.
December 2, 2024
Boxing Clever: Deterrence
Responses to Russian mischief should be inventive.
December 2, 2024
Moldova Seeks a Russian Noose for its Energy Supplies
Moldovan government officials have been traveling to Russia to secure cheap Russian gas ahead of the upcoming elections. What price will the Kremlin demand?
November 27, 2024
Ruble Plunges as New Sanctions Hit a Friendless Putin
The sudden revelation of Russian economic weakness should not surprise anyone. The question is simply why it took so long.
November 27, 2024
Kremlin Options Narrow as Ruble Slumps
The Putin regime still has options to halt its currency slide, but they will cause consequences elsewhere in an already troubled economy.
November 27, 2024
Can Trump Deliver his Overseas Agenda?
Donald Trump’s second term will need to steer a course between his desire to withdraw from global entanglements and the geopolitical reality.
November 26, 2024
Ukraine Should End its Kursk Gamble
Kyiv has dealt the Kremlin a salutary lesson with its Kursk offensive, but now it’s time to bring back the invading units to home soil.
November 25, 2024
European Defense: Close the Finance Gap
The new European Defense Commissioner’s priority should be boosting private finance for European defense companies.
November 25, 2024
China, the US, and Averting Nuclear Götterdämmerung
Examination of Chinese small print reveals reasons for optimism in restraining Russia but worse news on its nuclear doctrine.
November 25, 2024
How to Counter Russia’s Hybrid Threats? First, Make Them a Priority
Moscow’s hybrid war on the West needs a robust and smart response, which means coordinated action from the European Union.
November 25, 2024
Stakes Rise in Baltic ‘Sabotage’ Standoff
The West once again faces a choice after the latest apparent attack on its critical infrastructure. Any response will come at a high price.
November 25, 2024
Fogged Up: The Muddle in the Gray Zone
The real target of Russia’s sub-threshold attacks is our decision-making.
November 22, 2024
Germany’s China Challenge: Security Versus Business as Usual
Although Germany is waking up to the China challenge, it still struggles to respond. The watchword is business as usual.
November 22, 2024
An Explosive Choice: Landmines and Ukraine
President Biden has authorized the use of anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine. That may be a reasonable decision, given the circumstances.
November 22, 2024
The European ‘Herbivore’ Must Change its Diet
What if American protection for Europe vanishes, and Europe cannot replace it?
November 22, 2024
Romania’s Pro-Ukraine Policy in Focus as Elections Near
Three weekends of voting will reveal how far the nationalist right has advanced and the Romanian commitment to Europe.
November 21, 2024
A European Tech Agenda 2.0
How Europe Can Harness Tech Innovation to Compete on the World Stage. Seven Key Policy Recommendations for the new European Commission
November 21, 2024
Camouflage and Lipstick: Russia’s New Diplomats
There was a time quite recently when young Russian diplomats were allowed a personal conscience and private ideas. That’s now gone.
November 21, 2024
Georgia in Limbo
In the post-election period, Georgia is neither completely shunned nor progressing on its EU path.
November 20, 2024
Rebuilding Ukrainians: An Epidemic of Limblessness
Large numbers of service personnel are returning from war without limbs. A huge and expensive industry is rising up to meet their needs.
November 20, 2024
Is Ukraine the Lost Cause? Or Putinism?
As the West reconsiders its support for Ukraine, the future prospects of the war’s two combatants are less than clear.
November 20, 2024
Putin’s Men Dream of Feasting on Ukraine
As developments on and off the battlefield appear to favor Moscow, Vladimir Putin’s mouthpieces are talking revealingly about the prospect of a Russian victory, and what would come next.
November 19, 2024
Russia Sanctions — No Time to Wobble
The impending arrival of a new US President provides opportunities to improve the measures and seek transatlantic unity.
November 19, 2024
Laughing at Russia’s Bombs
Every Ukrainian needs a coping strategy for Russia’s never-ending nighttime attacks. It can even be funny, until it isn’t.
November 17, 2024
High Time: Why Sanctions Failed
The West’s squeeze on Russia was half-hearted and slow.
November 15, 2024
Fall in Ukraine: When Nature Strips Away Illusions
This time of year exposes the reality hidden by foliage. It’s also demonstrating where Ukraine really stands, and the coming challenges.
November 15, 2024
Making Russia Pay for Hybrid Attacks
There is a range of actions the West can take to counter Russia‘s malign activities. With the problem worsening, they need to be swiftly considered and implemented.
November 14, 2024
US Approves UN Cybercrime Convention That Legitimizes Censorship
Over objections from business, civil society, and senior Democratic lawmakers, the Biden administration is moving to join authoritarian regimes to support a new United Nations cybercrime treaty. It’s a mistake.
November 14, 2024
Harry Potter and the Borderlands of Terror
Daily life in Ukraine involves uncertainty and its suppression. And teaching kids to manage in a world of danger and evil.
November 14, 2024
The Compass of My Love
My husband and constant companion is at the front fighting the Russians, writes Veronika Puhach.
November 14, 2024
The Russian Church — Spreading Putin’s Poison
The Russian Orthodox Church is an increasingly important part of Russia’s information war, both domestically and worldwide.
November 13, 2024
Great Power Dynamics: Not as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Understanding the rise of the totalitarian axis of China and Russia can’t be reduced to an easy formula — and the West must recognize the complex geopolitical reality.
November 13, 2024
What Does Trump Mean for the Baltics?
There is uncertainty about what Trump II might mean, but the essentials of Baltic state security are unchanged.
November 12, 2024
Trump and Transatlantic Tech: A Ticking Time Bomb
The Biden administration agreed with much of the recent European crackdown on large US tech firms. President Trump might not.
November 12, 2024
Is Russia’s New Felon Fighter a Fraud?
There are significant and so far unanswered questions about Russia’s troubled fifth-generation Sukhoi 57 combat aircraft (NATO codename Felon.)
November 12, 2024
Moldova: Europe Wins an Early Battle
President Sandu and her allies just pulled off a victory against Russia’s election interference. Now the hard work of European integration begins.
November 12, 2024
Russia and China: Two Countries, One Threat
Since the outbreak of all-out war in Ukraine, debate has raged in the US on whether the Russian and Chinese threats can be separated. They can’t.
November 12, 2024
1,000 Missed Chances to Support Ukraine
As the world prepares to mark 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion, it’s time to take urgent steps to stop a humanitarian catastrophe this winter and commit to Ukrainian victory.
November 12, 2024
Russia’s Google ‘Joke’ Is Sourer Than it Looks
The Russian enthusiasm for the use of foreign courts against its enemies is undiminished by war.
November 8, 2024
The Trump Ukraine Victory Fund: A Proposal
If Europe is smart enough, the Trump presidency can be made a success.
November 8, 2024
Trump’s Election Must Wake Europe from its Complacency
It has taken the re-election of Donald Trump to make the political conversation about Ukraine relevant again. The UK and Europe must urgently work for Kyiv’s victory.
November 7, 2024
Caveat Emptor: Putin’s Misadventures in Trumpworld
Donald Trump’s re-election may have been cheered in Moscow, but it is unlikely to be the gift the Kremlin was hoping for.
November 7, 2024
Ukrainians Warn Putin Will Scupper Trump’s Peace
Those who think Donald Trump’s election signals the end for Ukraine should listen to its people — they’re both more hopeful and more cynical. Francis Harris reports from Kyiv.
November 6, 2024
The Illusion of Choice — Will the West Fail Georgia Over Rigged Election?
Manipulation of the electoral process by Georgia’s ruling party calls for a strong response from the West, but many Georgians doubt it will come.
November 6, 2024
Security is No Longer a Dirty Word in Brussels
The new European Commission term can re-set Europe’s approach to technology. Donald Trump’s election makes action urgent.
November 6, 2024
Trump’s Victory Celebrated in the Other Georgia
With Donald Trump returning to office, a reset in ties with Washington are among the hopes harbored by the illiberal government in Tbilisi.
November 5, 2024
Is Western Sea Power Adrift?
The decision by German warships to avoid the Red Sea so they don’t come in range of Houthi rebels is a sign of the alarming decline of Western sea power.
November 4, 2024
Trump or Harris: Either Way Expect a Transatlantic Trade Tussle
The US and Europe have the world’s largest bilateral trade and investment relationship. It’s in jeopardy.
November 4, 2024
Moldova’s Voters Choose Europe — Now Comes the Fight
Moldova’s pro-European President won a decisive victory, but lasting stability and EU integration will hinge on urgent reforms and the 2025 parliamentary election.
November 3, 2024
Game Plan: After Ukraine
Russia is preparing for war in the Baltic.
November 1, 2024
EU Halloween Message: The Russian Ghoul Is Right Behind You
The Niinistö report is the latest in a series of EU blockbusters warning the bloc must get its act together and quickly.
October 31, 2024
The High North: NATO Confronts Russian and Chinese Ambitions
The Arctic region, once an isolated expanse of ice and silence, is rapidly transforming into a key geopolitical focal point.
October 31, 2024
Draghi Deficit: Overlooking Europe’s Eastern Strength
The former European Central Bank chief wants to boost European competitiveness. His growth recipe may help lagging Western Europe, but risks hurting the fast-growing East.
October 30, 2024
Russia’s Remorseless Moldova Campaign Nears a Crescendo
The impending vote for Moldova’s head of state is a key moment in the new East-West conflict.
October 29, 2024
UN Avoids Surrendering the Internet to Russia and China — For Now
The United Nations has adopted a Global Digital Compact to regulate the Internet. Authoritarians are fuming.
October 29, 2024
Moscow Fails to Cash-In on the West’s Problems
Russia is successfully regaining some of the sphere of influence it lost after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, mostly because of the West’s failings. But it’s not all going Moscow’s way.
October 29, 2024
Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan and Possible Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined a strong plan for keeping the peace, but first, the guns must be silenced. And to do that, there will have to be talks with Moscow.