Human Rights

As the United States pulls away from global multilateral institutions like the United Nations, CSIS scholars undertake research and analysis on the critical role that human rights and democratic values play in a comprehensive and sustainable foreign policy.

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

When Faith and Geopolitics Collide

The Dalai Lama is widely revered as an advocate for human rights and nonviolence, but Beijing considers him an existential threat. When the 90-year-old monk passes, a succession crisis will ignite geopolitical flashpoints that world leaders are not yet prepared to manage.

Report by Henrietta Levin and Alison Bartel — January 9, 2026

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Benjamin Jensen

Benjamin Jensen

Director, Futures Lab and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

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Can Washington Counter Beijing Without Repeating Cold War Mistakes?

Efforts to counter Beijing across the globe, including countering Chinese military bases, need to prioritize consulting civil society in host countries. A sole focus on government is more fickle and less sustainable than getting true popular buy-in for U.S. partnership.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman — June 26, 2025

Africa’s Complicated Democratic Landscape

Africa’s upcoming year of elections signals both great promise and potential peril. Despite its growing population’s increasing demands for responsive governance, economic opportunity, and equitable treatment, many of their aspirations remain unmet.

Report by Cameron Hudson, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, and Khasai Makhulo — June 17, 2025

USAID Cuts Weaken U.S. Influence at the United Nations

Recent cuts to U.S. foreign assistance made by the Trump administration include major pullbacks on U.S. contributions to the United Nations. This jeopardizes U.S. leadership on humanitarian aid, global health, and disasters, as well as strategic competition and leadership in the UN system.

Commentary by Allison Lombardo — May 19, 2025

Support Civil Society, Counter Autocracy

The United States should provide robust and long-term support for civil society. Ending this support cedes the space to dictators looking to build a more authoritarian world.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman — April 28, 2025

What Are the U.S. Department of State Human Rights Reports?

The U.S. Department of State is anticipated to release its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. As many expect the Trump administration to modify this year’s reports, this CQ unpacks the reports’ relevance, history, and changes from previous administrations.

Critical Questions by Anne Frederick, Lily Kennedy, Andrew Friedman, and Michelle Strucke — April 25, 2025