Sociology Department Colloquium Series: Dana Moss

Abstract:

Authoritarian regimes in countries like Syria, Egypt and China are infamous for cracking down on domestic opposition movements and democracy activists. Yet, the repression of dissent and civil society is not contained within a state’s borders. In the contemporary age of globalization, migration and technological development, dictators are increasingly able to extend their authoritarian power over their critics abroad through transnational repression practices.

Using tactics that include surveillance, physical violence, and the punishment of family members at home, transnational repression threatens the lives of democracy defenders, the human and civil rights of diaspora communities, and the rule of law in host-countries like the United States. Moss’ draw on her extensive research to highlight how previously overlooked forms of repression impact “voice after exit” in refugee and emigrant communities, how host states contribute to the problem, and what can be done about it.