In an interconnected world with porous borders, the threat of transnational repression jeopardizes the very fabric of global democracy and human rights. Authoritarian governments reach beyond their borders to persecute dissenters and political opponents. The United States must take concerted action to stop such repression and safeguard the principles of freedom and justice.

Transnational repression takes various forms. It includes the harassment and surveillance of individuals abroad as well as the abduction and extrajudicial rendition of political exiles. Autocratic regimes exploit advancements in technology and global networks to stifle dissent, silence opposition, and undermine the basic tenets of democracy. Such actions not only violate the sovereignty of other states but also erode the foundations of a just and equitable global community.

One glaring example is the use of Interpol Red Notices as a tool for transnational repression. Originally intended to facilitate international police cooperation, this mechanism has been exploited by authoritarian regimes to target political dissidents and activists who have sought refuge abroad. These notices can result in the arbitrary arrest and extradition of individuals to face persecution back home.

This issue is starkly illustrated by the case of Bill Browder, a prominent U.S. critic of the Kremlin. Browder, a financier turned human rights activist, has faced repeated attempts by Russia to exploit Interpol Red Notices in order to target him. Other notable governments engaged in aggressive transnational repression campaigns include Turkey, China, Egypt, Bahrain, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. Shockingly, there are over 1,034 confirmed cases of transnational repression. An additional 3.5 million people outside their home country are at risk of persecution.

To combat transnational repression, the United States should urge others to adopt legislation similar to the Global Magnitsky Act. This legislation allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions on foreign government officials involved in human rights abuses, regardless of their location. Presently, only 11% of these U.S. sanctions have seen collaboration from two or more states. It is imperative for states to closely align their sanctions, ensuring a more significant impact on those responsible. In addition, the U.S. should create an international contact group with Magnitsky-style laws to exchange best practices, share technical expertise, and promote effective implementation.

Furthermore, the international community must prevent the abuse of extradition requests. States should implement additional vetting processes for extradition requests and Interpol notices originating from the 44 governments known for transnational repression. Rigorous scrutiny and oversight are imperative to guarantee these mechanisms genuinely foster international cooperation and do not become instruments for authoritarian overreach. To prevent individuals from manipulating U.S. government agents into supporting transnational repression, legislation should mandate independent verification of notices from countries lacking an extradition agreement with the U.S. before applying them to individuals in the U.S. with lawful visas or seeking asylum. The existing Department of Justice policy, which prohibits the arrest of an individual based solely on an Interpol Red Notice, should be formally codified.

Finally, civil society plays a crucial role in exposing and opposing transnational repression. Non-governmental organizations, human rights advocates, and the media must continue to shed light on these abuses, amplifying the voices of the oppressed and holding repressive governments accountable for their actions. The United States must invest in programs that strengthen the capacity of these organizations, offering financial support and resources to amplify their work.

Critics may question the urgency of addressing this issue, arguing that it is remote from the everyday concerns of the average citizen. However, the reality is that in an interconnected world, the erosion of democratic values and human rights in one corner of the globe has far-reaching consequences for all. The abuses perpetrated by autocratic regimes should not be dismissed as isolated incidents but viewed as alarming indicators of a global trend. Bill Browder’s case serves as a reminder that even prominent figures can fall victim to transnational repression, illustrating the vulnerability of dissenters everywhere.

Ultimately, the battle against transnational repression is not an isolated endeavor: It is a shared responsibility. States committed to democratic values must unite in solidarity, demonstrating that the principles of justice, human rights, and freedom are non-negotiable. In an era defined by global connectivity, our collective response to transnational repression will shape the future of democracy. By standing against transnational repression, we will contribute to a world where human rights are upheld, where individuals can speak their minds without fear of retribution, and where freedom becomes a reality for all.