Countering the China, Russia, Iran, North Korea Challenge
Freedom & Democracy
Confronting Authoritarian Regimes
Recognizing that democracy is a global struggle against authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and developing policies to counter threats to freedom.
“The great democracies face new and serious threats – yet seem to be losing confidence in their own calling and competence. Economic, political, and national security challenges proliferate, and they are made worse by the tendency to turn inward. The health of the democratic spirit itself is at issue. And the renewal of that spirit is the urgent task at hand.”
— President George W. Bush
Authoritarian powers erode confidence in democracy and expand their influence. They do this via military force, election interference, cyberattacks, illicit financing, and persecuting vulnerable populations.
China, Russia, and Iran project influence in Africa, Latin America, Afghanistan, and the Middle East, and they align with other authoritarian powers like North Korea and the Taliban. Such alliances pose a serious threat to democracies globally.
Combating authoritarian regimes is most effectively addressed by collaborating with our allies. We stress the need to:
- Reduce corruption that fuels authoritarian governments
- Support democratic activists in closed societies
- Coordinate political and economic pressure on autocrats to isolate them from the global arena
- Recognize that protecting human rights advances national security
Our Team
Read David J. Kramer's biography.
![David J. Kramer]()
David J. Kramer
Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President George W. Bush Presidential Center
Read Natalie Gonnella-Platts's biography.
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Natalie Gonnella-Platts
Director, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute
Read Chris Walsh's biography.
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Chris Walsh
Director, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute
Read Joseph Kim's biography.
![Joseph Kim]()
Joseph Kim
Program Manager, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute
Read Celia Siade-Cox 's biography.
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Celia Siade-Cox
Associate, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute
Read William McKenzie's biography.
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William McKenzie
Senior Editorial Advisor George W. Bush Institute
Read Nicole Bibbins Sedaca's biography.
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Nicole Bibbins Sedaca
Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow George W. Bush Institute
Read Victor Cha's biography.
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Victor Cha
Senior Fellow George W. Bush Institute
Read Jessica Ludwig's biography.
![Jessica Ludwig photo.]()
Jessica Ludwig
Fellow, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute
Read Igor Khrestin 's biography.
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Igor Khrestin
Senior Advisor, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute
Publications
FEATURED
Getting Ukraine Right
America must win the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism
Vladimir and Evgenia Kara-Murza -- Their Struggle for Freedom and Fight for Democracy in Russia
The Struggle for Freedom: A Conversation with President George W. Bush and David J. Kramer
LATEST
Bush Institute signs joint statement on International Day of Political Prisoners
The Struggle for Freedom: Tanzanian opposition leader Lissu faces treason charges after calling for election reform
By: Jessica Ludwig
New sanctions on Russia are a step in the right direction
By: Albert Torres
Chances of a U.S.-North Korea summit fade as Kim Jong Un doubles down on Russia, China alliances
By: Joseph Kim
Updates on Russia’s war in Ukraine
By: David J. Kramer
Afghan students react to the Taliban’s recent internet ban
By: Natalie Gonnella-Platts