ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Transnational repression

Transnational repression is a big and complicated topic, but I'll try my best to explain it to you in a way that is very easy to understand!

So, let's imagine two countries, Country A and Country B. Normally, people are free to live in their own countries and express their thoughts and opinions. But sometimes, the governments in these countries might not agree with what their own people are saying or doing.

Now, what happens when someone from Country A travels to Country B and starts speaking out against their government? Well, sometimes the government of Country A might get very angry and want to punish that person for speaking out. They might even want to bring that person back to Country A to face consequences or punishment.

But here's the tricky part: Country B is supposed to protect the person who traveled there because they might be in danger if they are sent back to Country A. They have a right to express their thoughts and opinions without being hurt or punished.

However, in some cases, Country B might actually help Country A instead of protecting the person. They might capture the person and send them back to Country A, even though they know the person will face trouble there. This is what we call transnational repression.

Transnational repression is when one country, usually the person's home country, tries to unfairly control or punish its citizens who are living in another country. It's like Country A is using its power to reach across borders and intimidate or harm people who speak out against it.

Sometimes, countries work together to make sure people are kept safe, but when they allow transnational repression, it means they are not doing their job of protecting their residents. It's like they are not being fair or being a good friend to the people who need their help.

Transnational repression is a problem because it goes against the idea of freedom and fairness. It's important for countries to respect the rights of their citizens no matter where they are, and to work together to create a safe and just world for everyone.