We often think of international actors as sources of support of democratization, but when and why do international actors actually support the stability and consolidation of authoritarian rule? This paper examines the role of influential authoritarian ‘sponsors’ who encourage and reinforce authoritarian rule outside their own borders by providing rhetorical and material assistance to anti-democratic forces. The article addresses three aspects of these activities. First, it examines the motives of authoritarian sponsors, and identifies both value-based motivations in which the support is provided due to an underlying commitment to authoritarian rule, and interest-based motivations, where support for authoritarian regimes abroad brings with it direct benefits for regime security at home. Second, the paper addresses the different mechanisms through which such support is provided, ranging from diplomatic support and financial assistance to, in some cases, military aid or intervention. Many of the mechanisms identified are the same as those that enable international actors to support democratic rule, and one of the goals of the paper is to highlight the ways in which the international dimensions of democratization are mirrored by corresponding, and competing, international authoritarian influences. Finally, the paper examines two cases of authoritarian sponsorship, and examines the range of regimes that have defended the Robert Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe, as well as Russia’s motives and strategies in bolstering authoritarian regimes in its neighbouring countries.
