The New Global Authoritarianism: China and Russia's Strategic Support for Autocracies

Project Expert

Joshua Kurlantzick

Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia and South Asia

About the Project

In the past decade, militaries around the world have become involved in domestic politics and public policy formulation at levels not seen since the Cold War. At the same time, authoritarian regimes overall have drawn closer to each other, often supporting each other financially, strategically, diplomatically, and militarily. 

There are multiple reasons for these two trends, but China and Russia have played a critical role in fomenting, enabling, and accelerating coups and other revivals of military power, and have led the broader revival of a network of authoritarians around the world. This global trend has a range of significant policy implications: for publics in affected countries, including their democracies, rights, political parties, and governance; for the broader future of the global balance between democracy and authoritarianism, as China in particular pushes for an alternative, authoritarian world order and control of more strategic assets and minerals; for U.S. policymakers and other democratic powers dealing with the influence of the major autocrats in important regions; and, for policymakers attempting to navigate the changing global order. The rise of global authoritarianism and militarization will make for extensive and thoughtful discussions and, ultimately, a book on this subject.  

This project is made possible by the generous support of the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Project on the Future of Democracy and the Henry Luce Foundation.

Blogs

Thailand

The government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has done little to address Thailand’s pressing issues, and now, after a Cabinet reshuffle and high-profile resignations, it seems to be in chaos.

Myanmar

Myanmar’s civil war between resistance groups and the ruling military junta has reached a decisive phase.

Asia

As President-Elect, Prabowo Subianto, widely accused of past rights abuses, is already showing signs that he may further damage Indonesia's fragile democracy.

Thailand

The current Thai government, which assumed power in 2023, has proven ineffective in tackling the nation’s challenges, while its politics have become increasingly fractious.

Vietnam

Resignations in Vietnam’s top political leadership have exposed widespread societal corruption and prompted a succession crisis for the party. 

Myanmar

Myanmar’s military faced a significant loss in the town of Myawaddy, bordering Thailand, this week.

Indonesia

An anticipated Prabowo presidency poses many questions about Indonesia’s democratic future and global role.

Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto was named the winner of the Indonesian presidential election. But it is unclear which version of Prabowo—the more moderate candidate from the campaign trail or the self-styled strongman—will govern Indonesia.

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian responses to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza have aligned with each country’s broader foreign policy stances.

Myanmar

As the Myanmar military faces a record level of defections, its control of the country looks increasingly tenuous.
No publications were found for this project.