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Transnational Repression (TNR)

Mission

Transnational repression (TNR) refers to a range of tactics that foreign governments employ to reach beyond their borders to harm, intimidate, threaten, harass, or coerce individuals.  Targeted victims of transnational repression often include political dissidents and activists, journalists, political opponents, religious and ethnic minority groups, and members of diaspora and exile communities.

Transnational repression represents a threat not only to those who seek to exercise their basic rights and freedoms in the United States and abroad, but also to United States’ sovereignty and democracy.

Holding those who engage in transnational repression against U.S. persons or on U.S. soil accountable is a top priority for the National Security Division.

Updated February 13, 2025