Currently, legislation on countering foreign interference is a double-edged sword—it has been developed in democratic countries as a tool of protection against malicious foreign influence, while at the same time being actively used by autocratic and illiberal actors to suppress dissent. This lecture will focus on the contemporary features of autocratic legalism and the weaponization of transparency of foreign influence, using as an example legislation on so-called “foreign agents” and its analogues in Russia and beyond. This presentation is intended as an invitation to discuss the anatomy of autocratic legalistic practices and the risks they may pose to human rights and the rule of law, as well as the steps that can be taken to ensure the resilience of democracy in the face of these challenges.
Sponsored by: Global and Intercultural Studies and the Havighurst Center
