Beyond Counterterrorism: How CIA Collaboration Harms Authoritarian Human Rights Practices

This study evaluates the broader consequences of the CIA's rendition, detention, and interrogation program during the war on terror. Rather than focusing solely on whether the program disrupted plots or saved American lives, we examine its impact on partner states' human rights records.

Covert Collaboration & Coerced Compliance

We demonstrate that authoritarian countries collaborating with the US intelligence agency saw worsening domestic human rights practices following involvement in secret detention programs. This finding illustrates a critical learning effect: security cooperation appears to coerce rather than persuade governments to adopt better human rights standards.

Policy Implications

This suggests policymakers must consider unintended geopolitical consequences when evaluating counterterrorism tools. The research highlights the importance of democratic institutions among partner states as safeguards against these negative repercussions.