Exporting Repression: Extraterritorial Practices and Central Asian Authoritarianism

Abstract

Post-Soviet authoritarian states view diaspora communities and political exiles as dangerous threats to their political dominance at home. Faced with political activism among their citizens abroad, they seek to expand their domestic modes of repression beyond their own borders. Central Asian states, such as Uzbekistan, have been particularly active in this regard, using a wide range of mechanisms to maintain political influence over citizens who have moved abroad. These activities pose a serious threat to the security of dissidents in exile, but also serve to export the dynamics of political repression around the world. EU states should resist unwarranted extradition requests and Interpol ‘Red Notices’ against political exiles, ensure that those seeking political asylum are fully protected and constrain foreign intelligence activities targeting activists, journalists and dissidents under their jurisdiction.