@humanrights.csis.org
What do Darth Vader, Willy Wonka, and Flock cameras all have in common? You'll have to read @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social's latest director's note to find out.
September Edition: bit.ly/4iLHaf5
September Edition: bit.ly/4iLHaf5
CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director's Note - September 2026
bit.ly
September 23, 2026 at 5:25 PM
What do Darth Vader, Willy Wonka, and Flock cameras all have in common? You'll have to read @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social's latest director's note to find out.
September Edition: bit.ly/4iLHaf5
September Edition: bit.ly/4iLHaf5
The 1926 Slavery Convention's centennial is this Friday. HRI Senior Adviser John Richmond shares why he thinks the centennial is worth celebrating "without allowing complacency to mute the urgency to take additional steps."
Read the piece here: bit.ly/4hftTZS
Read the piece here: bit.ly/4hftTZS
The 1926 Slavery Convention’s Centennial in Context
What do you do when you realize moral failure has underwritten your life? This is the story beyond the 1926 Slavery Convention, which was deeply imperfect, but 100 years ago constituted the internatio...
bit.ly
September 22, 2026 at 8:58 PM
The 1926 Slavery Convention's centennial is this Friday. HRI Senior Adviser John Richmond shares why he thinks the centennial is worth celebrating "without allowing complacency to mute the urgency to take additional steps."
Read the piece here: bit.ly/4hftTZS
Read the piece here: bit.ly/4hftTZS
Will LLMs help or hinder the democratic process?
In a new commentary, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social explores how LLMs will impact elections and other exercises in political accountability.
Read it here: bit.ly/4cXlkSj
In a new commentary, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social explores how LLMs will impact elections and other exercises in political accountability.
Read it here: bit.ly/4cXlkSj
Will LLMs Help or Hinder the Democratic Process?
With growing reliance on LLMs for information gathering, it is critical to examine how this technology will impact elections and other exercises in political accountability.
bit.ly
September 10, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Will LLMs help or hinder the democratic process?
In a new commentary, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social explores how LLMs will impact elections and other exercises in political accountability.
Read it here: bit.ly/4cXlkSj
In a new commentary, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social explores how LLMs will impact elections and other exercises in political accountability.
Read it here: bit.ly/4cXlkSj
In this month's director's note, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social shares his thoughts on democracy's tendency toward self-correction and how, if an election is held under conditions that limit fundamental freedoms, democracy's ability to self-correct will be impeded.
Read it here: bit.ly/3T0up5P
Read it here: bit.ly/3T0up5P
CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director's Note - August 2026
pardot.csis.org
August 26, 2026 at 4:10 PM
In this month's director's note, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social shares his thoughts on democracy's tendency toward self-correction and how, if an election is held under conditions that limit fundamental freedoms, democracy's ability to self-correct will be impeded.
Read it here: bit.ly/3T0up5P
Read it here: bit.ly/3T0up5P
Revenues from gold are a key driver of the conflict in Sudan. EU sanctions are a start, but more needs to be done to ensure the gold trade no longer finances bloodshed.
Read Andrew Friedman and Brad Brooks-Rubin's piece on approaches to address the role of gold in Sudan's Civil War: bit.ly/4wUDoEg
Read Andrew Friedman and Brad Brooks-Rubin's piece on approaches to address the role of gold in Sudan's Civil War: bit.ly/4wUDoEg
August 11, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Revenues from gold are a key driver of the conflict in Sudan. EU sanctions are a start, but more needs to be done to ensure the gold trade no longer finances bloodshed.
Read Andrew Friedman and Brad Brooks-Rubin's piece on approaches to address the role of gold in Sudan's Civil War: bit.ly/4wUDoEg
Read Andrew Friedman and Brad Brooks-Rubin's piece on approaches to address the role of gold in Sudan's Civil War: bit.ly/4wUDoEg
Critical infrastructure, including satellite internet, with a single shut off, is dangerous and unpredictable, and can be targeted by authoritarians trying to limit communications and connection.
Check out @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social's new publication here: bit.ly/4z13Du7
Check out @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social's new publication here: bit.ly/4z13Du7
August 6, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Critical infrastructure, including satellite internet, with a single shut off, is dangerous and unpredictable, and can be targeted by authoritarians trying to limit communications and connection.
Check out @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social's new publication here: bit.ly/4z13Du7
Check out @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social's new publication here: bit.ly/4z13Du7
A Global Forced Labor Import Regime Is Emerging—Can It Work? In a new publication, CSIS' @lauratmurphy.bsky.social shares her insights.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/glo...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/glo...
A Global Forced Labor Import Regime Is Emerging—Can It Work?
USTR announced sweeping tariffs across 60 economies to address unfair trade practices related to the importation of forced labor-made goods. This presents significant opportunities for promoting worke...
www.csis.org
July 31, 2026 at 3:45 PM
A Global Forced Labor Import Regime Is Emerging—Can It Work? In a new publication, CSIS' @lauratmurphy.bsky.social shares her insights.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/glo...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/glo...
Andrew Friedman and Hadeil Ali tackle the question “Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?” in the finale of a three-part series covering the need to center rightsholders in the future of U.S. foreign assistance.
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/who...
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/who...
Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?
As aid budgets shrink and the development landscape evolves, this commentary outlines key recommendations for civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector to rebalance power dynamics and build ...
www.csis.org
June 17, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Andrew Friedman and Hadeil Ali tackle the question “Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?” in the finale of a three-part series covering the need to center rightsholders in the future of U.S. foreign assistance.
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/who...
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/who...
In a recent Just Security article, HRI Director Andrew Friedman and Arcadia Impact and Centre for AI and Digital Policy researcher Tara Thwing explore what Zambia's last-minute cancellation of RightsCon reveals about the structural challenges of international democracy promotion.
Read more here:
Read more here:
RightsCon Cancellation and International Democracy Promotion
The once-lauded Zambian president's nixing of a major digital rights conference shows the risks of lionizing leaders without a backup plan.
www.justsecurity.org
June 16, 2026 at 2:51 PM
In a recent Just Security article, HRI Director Andrew Friedman and Arcadia Impact and Centre for AI and Digital Policy researcher Tara Thwing explore what Zambia's last-minute cancellation of RightsCon reveals about the structural challenges of international democracy promotion.
Read more here:
Read more here:
This past Tuesday, the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and Stephenson Ocean Security Project cohosted the 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum.
Watch the event or read the transcript here: www.csis.org/events/ocean...
Watch the event or read the transcript here: www.csis.org/events/ocean...
June 12, 2026 at 7:03 PM
This past Tuesday, the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and Stephenson Ocean Security Project cohosted the 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum.
Watch the event or read the transcript here: www.csis.org/events/ocean...
Watch the event or read the transcript here: www.csis.org/events/ocean...
TOMORROW | 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum
There’s still time to register for the 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum!
There’s still time to register for the 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum!
Join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and the Stephenson Ocean Security Project on June 9 for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum!
This event will be held at CSIS in Washington, DC and streamed online. For both in-person and virtual attendance, register here: bit.ly/4vcUhsE
This event will be held at CSIS in Washington, DC and streamed online. For both in-person and virtual attendance, register here: bit.ly/4vcUhsE
Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum | CSIS Events
Join the CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project and Human Rights Initiative for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
bit.ly
June 8, 2026 at 6:42 PM
TOMORROW | 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum
There’s still time to register for the 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum!
There’s still time to register for the 2026 Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum!
Join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and the Stephenson Ocean Security Project on June 9 for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum!
This event will be held at CSIS in Washington, DC and streamed online. For both in-person and virtual attendance, register here: bit.ly/4vcUhsE
This event will be held at CSIS in Washington, DC and streamed online. For both in-person and virtual attendance, register here: bit.ly/4vcUhsE
Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum | CSIS Events
Join the CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project and Human Rights Initiative for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
bit.ly
June 1, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Join the CSIS Human Rights Initiative and the Stephenson Ocean Security Project on June 9 for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum!
This event will be held at CSIS in Washington, DC and streamed online. For both in-person and virtual attendance, register here: bit.ly/4vcUhsE
This event will be held at CSIS in Washington, DC and streamed online. For both in-person and virtual attendance, register here: bit.ly/4vcUhsE
In this month's Director's Note, HRI's Director Andrew Friedman shares his reflections on the recent election in Hungary and what Orbán's reaction does (and doesn't) say about how he ruled. Read it here: bit.ly/4tBDL52
Sign up here: bit.ly/4t3xhL4
Sign up here: bit.ly/4t3xhL4
CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director's Note - April 2026
bit.ly
April 29, 2026 at 7:05 PM
In this month's Director's Note, HRI's Director Andrew Friedman shares his reflections on the recent election in Hungary and what Orbán's reaction does (and doesn't) say about how he ruled. Read it here: bit.ly/4tBDL52
Sign up here: bit.ly/4t3xhL4
Sign up here: bit.ly/4t3xhL4
Reposted
"[Hungary’s] new ruling party’s coming redemocratization and anticorruption efforts will offer valuable lessons to those trying to reverse authoritarian trends," writes @erep.csis.org expert Donatienne Ruy and Human Rights Initiative Director, Andrew Friedman.
Read more: https://bit.ly/48N8l3x
Read more: https://bit.ly/48N8l3x
Hungary After Orbán: The Hard Road Back to Democracy
The road back to democracy from authoritarianism is a difficult one, filled with fits and starts that thwart even the best attempts; Hungary holds some lessons for others trying to walk that path back...
www.csis.org
April 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM
"[Hungary’s] new ruling party’s coming redemocratization and anticorruption efforts will offer valuable lessons to those trying to reverse authoritarian trends," writes @erep.csis.org expert Donatienne Ruy and Human Rights Initiative Director, Andrew Friedman.
Read more: https://bit.ly/48N8l3x
Read more: https://bit.ly/48N8l3x
In a new HRI report, "The Sanctions Switch: Zimbabwe as a Model for a New Approach," Judd Devermont and Brad Brooks-Rubin dig into what it means to reimagine dated or ineffective programs when they no longer help achieve a policy goal.
Read it here: bit.ly/4cBVkfo
Read it here: bit.ly/4cBVkfo
The Sanctions Switch: Zimbabwe as a Model for a New Approach
Two years ago, the U.S. government took an action it almost never takes and sunset an economic sanctions program that was past its prime. Why? Instead of sticking to the status quo, officials recogniz...
bit.ly
April 28, 2026 at 8:53 PM
In a new HRI report, "The Sanctions Switch: Zimbabwe as a Model for a New Approach," Judd Devermont and Brad Brooks-Rubin dig into what it means to reimagine dated or ineffective programs when they no longer help achieve a policy goal.
Read it here: bit.ly/4cBVkfo
Read it here: bit.ly/4cBVkfo
New analysis from @csis.org unites Global Development Department leaders to examine policy challenges shaping post-conflict recovery.
@humanrights.csis.org Director Andrew Friedman emphasizes that the U.S. must maintain strong civil society ties to ensure stability.
www.csis.org/analysis/can...
@humanrights.csis.org Director Andrew Friedman emphasizes that the U.S. must maintain strong civil society ties to ensure stability.
www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Can the United States Enable Post-Conflict Stability?
When the United States takes military action, how can it help countries go from that military action to prosperity, democracy, and stability?
www.csis.org
April 13, 2026 at 5:58 PM
New analysis from @csis.org unites Global Development Department leaders to examine policy challenges shaping post-conflict recovery.
@humanrights.csis.org Director Andrew Friedman emphasizes that the U.S. must maintain strong civil society ties to ensure stability.
www.csis.org/analysis/can...
@humanrights.csis.org Director Andrew Friedman emphasizes that the U.S. must maintain strong civil society ties to ensure stability.
www.csis.org/analysis/can...
Check out HRI Non-Resident Senior Associate
@lauratmurphy.bsky.social 's conversation on the Harvard Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights’ Justice Matters podcast discussing freedom movements, human rights challenges, and sustaining hope amid backlash. Listen here! www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr...
@lauratmurphy.bsky.social 's conversation on the Harvard Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights’ Justice Matters podcast discussing freedom movements, human rights challenges, and sustaining hope amid backlash. Listen here! www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr...
Uncovering Forced Labor
Together they discuss: what led Laura to this work, the role of storytelling in human rights work, the complexity of violence in freedom movements, the terminology and uses of “forced labor” and “modern slavery”, forced labor among the Uyghur population in China, difficulties faced by academics and activists in addressing human rights abuses, and hope amidst the backlash.
www.hks.harvard.edu
April 7, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Check out HRI Non-Resident Senior Associate
@lauratmurphy.bsky.social 's conversation on the Harvard Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights’ Justice Matters podcast discussing freedom movements, human rights challenges, and sustaining hope amid backlash. Listen here! www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr...
@lauratmurphy.bsky.social 's conversation on the Harvard Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights’ Justice Matters podcast discussing freedom movements, human rights challenges, and sustaining hope amid backlash. Listen here! www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr...
“Chaos empowers malign actors—and makes the vulnerable more vulnerable.”
In a @csis.org short, @humanrights.csis.org Andrew Friedman breaks down how the war in Iran impacts civil society and why the U.S. must consider how its strategies shape the aftermath.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5bp...
In a @csis.org short, @humanrights.csis.org Andrew Friedman breaks down how the war in Iran impacts civil society and why the U.S. must consider how its strategies shape the aftermath.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5bp...
Iran War Fueling a New Wave of Repression | Asked & Answered
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
www.youtube.com
April 2, 2026 at 8:56 PM
“Chaos empowers malign actors—and makes the vulnerable more vulnerable.”
In a @csis.org short, @humanrights.csis.org Andrew Friedman breaks down how the war in Iran impacts civil society and why the U.S. must consider how its strategies shape the aftermath.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5bp...
In a @csis.org short, @humanrights.csis.org Andrew Friedman breaks down how the war in Iran impacts civil society and why the U.S. must consider how its strategies shape the aftermath.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5bp...
Check out HRI's March Director's Note to find reflections on the implications of US action in Iran and Venezuela for those working for human rights and democracy as well as read about HRI's goings-on. Read it here: bit.ly/4d5Bee7
Sign up here: bit.ly/3PvyooW
Sign up here: bit.ly/3PvyooW
CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director's Note - March 2026
bit.ly
March 25, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Check out HRI's March Director's Note to find reflections on the implications of US action in Iran and Venezuela for those working for human rights and democracy as well as read about HRI's goings-on. Read it here: bit.ly/4d5Bee7
Sign up here: bit.ly/3PvyooW
Sign up here: bit.ly/3PvyooW
What does a new era of global development look like?
Join the CSIS Global Development Department (GDD) on Tuesday, February 10, from 4–6:30 pm ET for the launch of the department’s inaugural report, A New Landscape for Development.
Register here: bit.ly/4cbfi0z
Join the CSIS Global Development Department (GDD) on Tuesday, February 10, from 4–6:30 pm ET for the launch of the department’s inaugural report, A New Landscape for Development.
Register here: bit.ly/4cbfi0z
A New Landscape for Development | CSIS Events
Join the CSIS Global Development Department for the launch of A New Landscape for Development. This event will examine recent U.S. foreign assistance shifts and what they mean for the future of global...
bit.ly
February 6, 2026 at 9:24 PM
What does a new era of global development look like?
Join the CSIS Global Development Department (GDD) on Tuesday, February 10, from 4–6:30 pm ET for the launch of the department’s inaugural report, A New Landscape for Development.
Register here: bit.ly/4cbfi0z
Join the CSIS Global Development Department (GDD) on Tuesday, February 10, from 4–6:30 pm ET for the launch of the department’s inaugural report, A New Landscape for Development.
Register here: bit.ly/4cbfi0z
As governments race to secure critical minerals, Brad Brooks-Rubin's new Just Security piece cautions against repeating past mistakes. He argues that broad certification regimes often become paper exercises, while minerals from high-risk regions continue to flow. www.justsecurity.org/129008/miner...
Getting Critical Minerals Certification and Due Diligence Right In the DRC-Rwanda Accord and Beyond (With a Lesson from a Punk Band?)
Concentrating on decision-making, investment, and accountability will lead to more impactful minerals agreements in DRC-Rwanda and others.
www.justsecurity.org
January 21, 2026 at 5:55 PM
As governments race to secure critical minerals, Brad Brooks-Rubin's new Just Security piece cautions against repeating past mistakes. He argues that broad certification regimes often become paper exercises, while minerals from high-risk regions continue to flow. www.justsecurity.org/129008/miner...
Though the United States remains engaged in major UN institutions, it is withdrawing from many smaller bodies. CSIS HRI’s Allison Lombardo examines what this selective disengagement means for the future of U.S. influence and multilateralism. www.csis.org/analysis/opt...
Opting Out: United States to Stop Engaging with More UN Entities
Prioritizing and refining the coalitions and organizations an administration engages with makes sense, but budget cuts and an anti-multilateralism philosophy come with risks and mean a broader rupture...
www.csis.org
January 20, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Though the United States remains engaged in major UN institutions, it is withdrawing from many smaller bodies. CSIS HRI’s Allison Lombardo examines what this selective disengagement means for the future of U.S. influence and multilateralism. www.csis.org/analysis/opt...
In a new @justsecurity.org analysis, Friedman and Hart analyze how aid shrinkages and closing civic space will increase risk but provide opportunities for human rights defenders in the years ahead.
www.justsecurity.org/128753/who-w...
www.justsecurity.org/128753/who-w...
Who Will Stand Up for Human Rights in 2026 – and How?
The deterioration in human rights in 2025 heightens the risks for defenders going forward, with fewer resources to combat the threats.
www.justsecurity.org
January 16, 2026 at 3:18 PM
In a new @justsecurity.org analysis, Friedman and Hart analyze how aid shrinkages and closing civic space will increase risk but provide opportunities for human rights defenders in the years ahead.
www.justsecurity.org/128753/who-w...
www.justsecurity.org/128753/who-w...
As U.S. foreign aid shifts into State, what happens to local input? Friedman and George examine impacts on localization, expertise, and access.
www.csis.org/analysis/why...
www.csis.org/analysis/why...
Why Losing Local Voices in Foreign Aid–Diplomacy Mergers Threatens National Security
Merging USAID’s functions with those of the State Department could weaken U.S. foreign policy, potentially reducing local input in the policymaking process and eroding access, context, and long-term r...
www.csis.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:43 PM
As U.S. foreign aid shifts into State, what happens to local input? Friedman and George examine impacts on localization, expertise, and access.
www.csis.org/analysis/why...
www.csis.org/analysis/why...
Today marks the 75th International Human Rights Day. In a new video, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social and Anne Frederick from the CSIS Human Rights Initiative share the history of the day, why we observe it, and the state of human rights in the world today. Watch it here: bit.ly/4s4WTrY
Human Rights in 2025: The 75th International Human Rights Day
On the 75th International Human Rights Day, Andrew Friedman and Anne Frederick share the history the day, why we observe it, and the state of human rights in the world today. --------------------------------------------- A nonpartisan institution, CSIS is the top national security think tank in the world. Visit www.csis.org to find more of our work as we bring bipartisan solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Want to see more videos and virtual events? Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: https://cs.is/2dCfTve Follow CSIS on: • Twitter: https://twitter.com/csis • Facebook: https://facebook.com/CSIS.org • Instagram: https://instagram.com/csis/
bit.ly
December 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Today marks the 75th International Human Rights Day. In a new video, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social and Anne Frederick from the CSIS Human Rights Initiative share the history of the day, why we observe it, and the state of human rights in the world today. Watch it here: bit.ly/4s4WTrY