Although the influence of China and other authoritarian regimes in Central Europe has been growing over time, the lack of systematic analyses complicates the ability of decision-makers and the public to respond adequately to these threats.
The MapInfluenCE project (formerly ChinfuenCE, 2017–2020) focuses on analyzing the influence of China and other authoritarian regimes in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. Its goal is to provide thorough and independent analysis, uncover connections between politics, business, and media, and track changes in political parties’ positions toward China since 1990.
The project employs various analytical methods, including media discourse analysis, mapping of agenda setters, and monitoring political changes. MapInfluenCE outputs include expert articles, interviews, research reports, briefings, open and closed events, and presentations. These outputs shape public and expert debates on the influence of China and other authoritarian regimes in the region. The project has gained international recognition, with analyses cited in media outlets such as The New York Times, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, POLITICO, Le Temps, and Sydney Morning Herald, etc. Its findings appeared in briefings to the U.S. Congress, Belgian Senate, Canadian parliament, European Parliament, NATO, etc.
The MapInfluenCE team, composed of international analysts, has published more than 25 policy and briefing papers in five languages (English, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Slovak). In 2020, the project expanded to include additional analysts and was renamed MapInfluenCE to reflect a broader focus on authoritarian influences in general.
The project is coordinated by the Association for International Affairs (AMO), and its activities can be followed on the project’s website and X.
