Alliance of Autocracies Part 2: Understanding How the Broader Network Collaborates

As the network of aligned autocracies continues to grow, examining how these regimes operate, support one another, and pose strategic, economic, and migratory threats to the world is increasingly critical. Below are examples illustrating how this network endangers global stability and democratic governance.

Ethiopian leader Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, has since become increasingly authoritarian, presiding over one of the most brutal conflicts in recent history in the Tigray region. Some observers have labeled the atrocities committed by Abiy’s forces as genocide against the ethnic Tigray people. Regardless, the conflict has devastated Ethiopia and allowed Abiy to entrench his repressive rule.

Abiy’s military success has been aided by support from Turkey, a state that has shifted toward authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Turkey’s military cooperation agreement with Ethiopia enabled Abiy to use advanced Turkish drones, reportedly responsible for significant civilian casualties. The instability in Ethiopia, compounded by Turkey’s involvement, has had far-reaching effects, destabilizing the Horn of Africa—a region critical to global shipping lanes. This broader conflict has drawn in Sudan, Somalia, and other regional actors, creating further chaos.

Turkey’s alliance with Ethiopia exemplifies the growing global network of authoritarian regimes. By fostering ties with Ethiopia, Turkey has strengthened its influence in Africa and built a cooperation network with other autocratic states.

In South America, external support from fellow autocrats has enabled Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to maintain his grip on power. Cuba has been critical in bolstering Venezuela’s intelligence and military capabilities. Secret agreements revealed by Reuters detail how Cuba has trained Venezuelan soldiers, restructured military operations, and helped the Maduro regime surveil its citizens. These measures have been instrumental in Maduro’s ability to suppress opposition and rig elections, ensuring his continued rule.

Turkey has also facilitated Maduro’s regime, buying illegal Venezuelan gold exports despite U.S. sanctions. This trade has provided Venezuela with much-needed hard currency, further stabilizing Maduro’s autocracy. Meanwhile, Russia has established a military training center in Venezuela, extending its influence into the Western Hemisphere.

Maduro’s authoritarian governance has led to economic collapse, triggering a mass exodus of approximately eight million Venezuelans over the past decade. This migration has strained neighboring countries, destabilized the region, and created political and economic challenges for the United States, as Venezuelan migrants account for a significant portion of arrivals at the U.S. southern border.

Finally, Pakistan has long been dominated by its military, but in recent years, it has transformed into an outright authoritarian regime. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted from power and barred from running for office, and his supporters have faced violent crackdowns. The military’s consolidation of power has been accompanied by widespread restrictions on freedoms, earning Pakistan the distinction of the most significant decline in democratic freedoms in Asia in 2023, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Pakistan’s alignment with other autocracies, including China, has significant strategic implications. For instance, Pakistan has allowed China to establish a strategic base at Gwadar, granting Beijing influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Pakistan has also supported Myanmar’s brutal junta, which has conducted a scorched-earth campaign against its citizens, spreading instability across South Asia. Myanmar’s actions have fueled arms smuggling, drug trafficking, disease outbreaks, and refugee flows into neighboring countries, creating a destabilizing ripple effect in the region.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s authoritarianism has provided fertile ground for extremist groups to regain strength, posing renewed threats of terrorism in South Asia, Europe, and possibly North America.

These examples highlight the dangers posed by the global authoritarian network, which has proven adept at evading sanctions and establishing long-term cooperation through military agreements, financial channels, and infrastructure projects. This network poses significant challenges to democratic governance, human rights, and global stability.

Addressing this growing alliance of autocracies requires urgent action. In a forthcoming post, I will explore strategies to counter the influence of this dangerous network and support the preservation of democratic norms worldwide.