Tell me where you live and I’ll tell you the repression you face: Venezuelan authoritarianism across borders

Transnational repression refers to tactics used by authoritarian regimes to silence dissent beyond their borders, particularly targeting political activists. This paper examines how institutional conditions in host countries shape the forms of repression experienced by Venezuelan exiled activists, one of the largest displacement populations in recent years. Drawing on interviews with politically active refugees who have lived in multiple countries, the study finds that weaker democratic institutions in destination countries facilitate transnational repression. Specifically, limited separation of powers, weak rule of law, low accountability, and absent liberal ideology create conditions that enable authoritarian interference. The research highlights how domestic political dynamics and geopolitical interests in host countries, such as the presence of pro-regime actors or alignment with the Venezuelan government, further mediate these practices. By analyzing cross-country variation, the study advances understanding of how host-state contexts influence the reach and form of authoritarian control abroad.