China in Xi’s “New Era”

In 2016, established democracies figured prominently on the list of countries experiencing declines in freedom, while emboldened autocracies stepped up their repression at home and interference abroad. 

Through its “16+1” initiative, China is building relationships with postcommunist Europe that could threaten to undermine the European Union.

While “autocracy promotion” presents a real danger, its influence so far has been limited. Because authoritarian regimes are concerned first with furthering their own interests, their interventions often have contradictory…