China’s Authoritarian Challenge to International Human Rights Institutions: A Conversation with Sophie Richardson

In recent years, international institutions have become an increasingly critical arena of contestation between autocracies and democracies. China, in particular, has leveraged its participation in those institutions and relationships with autocratic regimes to proffer narratives that support authoritarian models of governance and hide its human rights abuses.

Sophie Richardson, visiting scholar at Stanford's Center for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law and former China Director at Human Rights Watch, joined John K. Glenn, senior director for the International Forum for Democratic Studies, to discuss how the Communist Party of China, among other authoritarian actors, seeks to undermine human rights bodies within the UN system. Together, they unpack the importance of these institutions for civil society organizations and explored how democracy practitioners can shore up the global human rights system. 

For further insights on modern authoritarian influence, check out the International Forum’s companion blog, “Power 3.0 Understanding Modern Authoritarian Influence,” and the report, “Defending the Global Human Rights System from Authoritarian Assault: How Democracies Can Retake the Initiative,” by Dr. Rana Siu Inboden. You can find additional resources on the NED website and join the conversation with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. 

The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: [hxdbzxy/Shutterstock]