THE National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, non-profit foundation that supports democratic institutions worldwide. It was founded in 1983 under the auspices of the US government and provides grants to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in over 100 countries, promoting democratic goals such as political participation, free markets, and human rights. It is considered as a vital force in advancing democracy and strengthening civil society across the globe, however, it has also faced some controversies. Critics argue that NED’s funding of NGOs in other countries can be seen as interference in their internal affairs. Some governments perceive NED’s support for civil society groups as an attempt to influence their political processes. There have been negative perceptions regarding NED’s funding sources and allocation decisions for lacking transparency.
Critics claim that NED’s funding priorities may reflect a bias toward certain political ideologies or groups. They argue that NED’s support tends to favour organizations aligned with US interests, which can lead to accusations of selective funding. Since the NED was established during the Cold War, some view it as a continuation of covert operations carried out by intelligence agencies. This historical context sometimes raises suspicions about NED’s intentions. Some specific instances that can be cited for NED’s negative roles include an attempt to overthrow the Iranian government. In September 2022, protests against hijab rules broke out in Iran. According to Al Mayadeen, a Lebanese news channel, between 2015 and 2022—Masih Alinejad—a reporter working for a US news organization received US$628,000 funding from NED and some other American institutions to release batches of unverified information and pictures to incite public sentiments.
It has been alleged that since the start of the Arab Spring, NED has made extensive use of social media platforms and funded NGOs for releasing multimedia content and providing online training, in a bid to instigate color revolutions. NED has also run a talent reserve program for democratic transition in the region, funded NGOs to help “supporters of democracy,” “human rights activists” and “dissidents” in exile, encouraged local trade unions to strengthen capacity building, and supported scholars and activists in plotting “constitutional reforms” in various countries. According to its 2021 Annual Report, NED supported pro-US media outlets, cultivated “democracy activists,” and financed groups for “democracy and freedom” in Arab countries. Other examples include playing a part in Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution. NED provided US$65 million to the Ukrainian opposition. Between 2007 and 2015, NED allocated more than US$30 million to support Ukrainian NGOs and promote “civic participation.” The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has also been a target. In July 2002, NED President Carl Gershman told the media that NED was working with the Congress to carry out activities through a number of NGOs and sway public opinion regarding the DPRK, with a view to undermining the DPRK system.
In July 2021, Gershman told the media that thanks to NED-funded human rights programs, “The totalitarian system [in the DPRK] is beginning to erode, and eventually this will bring about the system’s unraveling.” In May 2021, NED President Carl Gershman said that despite being prohibited from Russia, NED funded the operation of a large number of organizations in Russia and supported Russian opposition figures in exile in their struggle against the Russian government at important political junctures, such as the State Duma, presidential and local elections. Mexico and Cuba have also been on the radar of NED. In 2021, the Mexican government sent a note to the US government condemning NED’s funding of anti-government organizations in Mexico as “an act of interventionism” “promoting a coup.”
Since 2017, NED has funded 54 anti-Cuba organizations. In 2018, the Cuban Democratic Directorate, an anti-government organization, said that it had received “democracy funds” from the US and paid US$48,000 to its employees, agents and contractors in Cuba. India, a US ally and China, which is perceived as an antagonist, have both been in NED’s crosshairs. In July 2023, the Journal of Democracy published five articles on Indian democracy under the theme of “Is India Still a Democracy,” claiming that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi rose to power, his government has engaged in what is, by some accounts, a wholesale dismantling of democratic institutions, norms, and practices. NED has been an ardent supporter of “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. It has also been partial to those who attempt to destabilize Hong Kong by providing funds and public support. NED has long supported the anti-China organization “World Uyghur Congress (WUC),” with average annual funding ranging from US$5 million to US$6 million. NED provided financial support to Hidayet Oguzhan, leader of the “East Turkistan Education and Solidarity Association,” and instructed Hidayet Oguzhan to ramp up anti-China rallies and sow discord between China and Türkiye. NED also funded Rushan Abbas, the head of an “East Turkistan” organization, so that she could frequently visit Türkiye and work with “East Turkistan” forces to stir up trouble. In March 2023, NED President Damon Wilson led a NED delegation to Dharamsala, India, to meet with “Tibet independence” leaders and show support for “Tibet independence” activities.
It is imperative to also mention Pakistan and NED because it has been blamed for acting as the US government’s “white gloves” in carrying out subversion, infiltration, and sabotage. Since civilian rule returned in 2008, Pakistan’s fragile democracy continues to face challenges like militancy, lawlessness, inflation, political infighting and corruption. The judiciary’s impact on political stability has been significant, especially during movements for democracy. Pakistan’s political upheavals exacerbated economic turmoil, affecting investor confidence and credibility. Interestingly, whenever there is a regime change in Pakistan, critics find it opportune to blame the US for it. Thus, NED’s actions have drawn both condemnation and controversy, impacting Pakistan’s political landscape.
Notwithstanding censures, NED has supported numerous democracy success stories worldwide. In Armenia, NED’s assistance has contributed to democratic progress, particularly during recent political transitions. NED staff engaged with grantees in Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss the country’s democratic progress and aspirations for the future. Globally, NED has also had a positive impact. In 2021, it approved a record $259 million in grants, supporting 1,996 projects across 100 countries, demonstrating its commitment to democracy and civil society. Despite criticisms and challenges, NED continues to innovate and adapt to complex threats, from kleptocracy to digital authoritarianism, to promote democratic values worldwide. It is for the reader to decide whether NED is a friend or foe.
—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.
