This project examines how contemporary authoritarian practices are reshaping the protection of human rights, with a particular focus on repression, the shrinking of civic space, and the instrumentalisation of law, information, and identity. Through three complementary research strands, it analyses how states deploy targeted strategies against minority groups, use disinformation to reconfigure public discourse, and rely on private military and security companies (PMSCs) to extend coercive power.
Covering the period January–December 2025 and co-financed by Sweden and Switzerland, the project builds on a previous year of work and combines rigorous desk research with in-depth consultations involving civil society actors, human rights defenders, and international experts. It aims to generate evidence-based analysis of authoritarian trends and to identify how international human rights mechanisms and multilateral institutions can adapt to these evolving threats.
The project explores authoritarian dynamics through three interconnected strands, each examining how state-led repression combines legal, informational, and security tools to constrain civic space and erode human rights protections.
Repression of SOGI Minorities: this strand analyses how minority groups—particularly those defined by sexual orientation and gender identity—are targeted through narratives on “traditional values”, securitisation discourses, and administrative and criminal measures. It investigates how state and non-state actors work together to normalise rights restrictions, the legal implications of these practices under international human rights law, and the extent to which they form part of a broader authoritarian playbook with effects beyond the national context.
Disinformation, Indoctrination, and the Manipulation of Children’s Rights: this component examines how disinformation, digital censorship, and identity-based indoctrination operate as tools of cognitive warfare. A particular focus is placed on the targeting of children in situations of conflict and occupation, including through curriculum engineering, propaganda embedded in education systems, and restrictions on access to independent information. The research assesses the consequences of these practices for children’s rights and explores possible accountability and protection strategies under international humanitarian and human rights law.
Private Military and Security Companies and the Expansion of Coercive Power: this strand studies the role of PMSCs in the proliferation of weapons and coercive practices, and the challenges their activities pose for accountability, transparency, and arms control. It considers how PMSCs are integrated into broader authoritarian strategies and evaluates gaps and opportunities within existing international processes aimed at regulating their conduct.
Cross-cutting questions:
- How do contemporary authoritarian governments combine repression, legal narratives, and information manipulation to reshape civic space?
- What strategies are used to target specific minority groups, and how do these methods inform broader authoritarian models?
- In what ways do disinformation and indoctrination—particularly those affecting children—constitute violations under international law?
- How do PMSCs contribute to coercive structures and undermine accountability in authoritarian settings?
- How should international human rights mechanisms and multilateral institutions adapt to respond effectively to these evolving trends?
Methodology
The research employs a mixed-method approach consisting of desk research, non-public background papers, semi-structured interviews with civil society, consultations held under the Chatham House Rule, and engagement with international actors through workshops, expert meetings, and multilateral briefings. This approach ensures a grounded understanding of evolving authoritarian practices and their implications for human rights protection.
The project generates a range of analytical and policy-oriented outputs that document emerging authoritarian practices and propose avenues for strengthening international human rights responses.
Research reports:
- A report on the targeting and repression of SOGI minorities.
- A report on the manipulation of children’s rights through disinformation, indoctrination, and digital control.
- A study on the role of PMSCs in the proliferation of weapons and coercive practices.
Background papers: non-public background papers prepared for each research strand have guided consultations,
interviews, and expert discussions.
Policy and Communication Outputs: opinion pieces, blog posts, policy briefs, thematic notes, and complementary materials such as event summaries or short working papers produced to support practitioner and policy dialogue.
Contribution to International Discussions: findings inform expert meetings, policy dialogues, and multilateral briefings, contributing evidence-based analysis to discussions on authoritarian trends, information manipulation, and accountability gaps.
A series of consultations and policy discussions that bring together civil society actors, human rights defenders, researchers, and representatives of international and regional institutions.
Expert Consultations: closed-door expert meetings in Geneva and other European locations address minority rights, disinformation and information manipulation, and the security and accountability implications of PMSCs.
Civil Society Dialogues: Targeted consultations in bilateral formats and medium-sized workshops with civil society organisations and human rights defenders provide insights into repression dynamics, advocacy strategies, and the effects of shrinking civic space.
Multilateral Discussions: Findings shared in briefings and policy exchanges with member states and international actors, including meetings held alongside sessions of the Human Rights Council and other multilateral processes.
Public Events: contributions to public events and panel discussions in Geneva on issues such as disinformation, civic space, minority rights, and the activities of PMSCs, aiming to broaden awareness of authoritarian trends and their broader implications.
The project (January–December 2025) is funded through the generous support of the Governments of Sweden and Switzerland.
Sweden finances the full scope of the research, including the strands on the repression of minority groups, the manipulation of children’s rights through disinformation and indoctrination, and the analysis of coercive practices involving private military and security companies. Swedish support also contributes to expert consultations, multilateral briefings, and communication outputs.
Switzerland co-finances the strands on minority rights and on disinformation affecting children and civic space. This contribution supports analytical work, background research, consultations with civil society actors, and the production of policy-oriented outputs.
This combined support enables the Geneva Academy to conduct independent research on evolving authoritarian practices, facilitate informed dialogue among stakeholders, and contribute evidence-based analysis to international discussions on human rights protection.