Authoritarian Threats

Authoritarianism is a persistent threat to democracy and the transatlantic alliance. The Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine is only its latest effort to expand its influence, while it continues to spread disinformation abroad and crush dissent at home. The Chinese Communist Party has continued to seek influence across the transatlantic space through disinformation and strategic economic investment as it starts to flex newly found military power.

The Latest

Putin Exposed by Ukraine’s Wicked Witches

February 27, 2026 | By David Kirichenko

Vladimir Putin made a rare admission of weakness when he admitted Ukraine has better heavy drones than Russia, and that Moscow is struggling to catch up. Why does it matter?

The War? Getting Better and Better, Say Kremlin Mouthpieces

February 26, 2026 | By Julia Davis

The words used by the Kremlin’s talking heads are at odds with their gloomy facial expressions.

Behind the Lines: The Agents Driving Ukraine’s Covert War of Attrition

February 25, 2026 | By Elina Beketova

Ukraine’s Atesh movement is a thorn in the Kremlin’s side. With 2,000 agents in the Russian army and working in the occupied territories, its tactics have evolved for a war of attrition.

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Sound of Silence — The Russian Military Comms Collapse

Russian military communications collapsed in early February along much of the 1,200 km (750 mile) front line. For Ukrainian forces it was a rare opportunity to counterattack.