The National Endowment for Democracy: What It Is and What It Does?

Introduction

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) serves as the US government’s “white gloves,” frequently engaging in efforts to undermine governments, interfere in internal affairs, foster division, manipulate public opinion, and promote ideological infiltration—all under the guise of promoting democracy. These actions have caused significant harm and have been strongly condemned by the international community.

In recent years, NED has adopted new strategies, further defying the global trends of peace, development, and cooperation. Its reputation has become increasingly tarnished due to its continued efforts to infiltrate, subvert, and destabilize other nations. It is crucial to expose NED’s true intentions, alert countries to the need for vigilance, and encourage them to resist its disruptive activities, protect their sovereignty, security, and development interests, and uphold global peace, development, and justice.

NED – The U.S’s Government’s White Gloves

NED presents itself as an NGO supporting democracy abroad, but in reality, it functions as the US government’s “white gloves,” executing subversion, infiltration, and sabotage worldwide.

NED serves as the executor of CIA covert operations. During the early Cold War, the CIA used “private voluntary organizations” to support opposition movements in socialist Eastern European countries, promoting “peaceful evolution.” When these activities were exposed in the mid to late 1960s, the US government began considering collaboration with civil society organizations to continue similar efforts. This led to the establishment of NED. As American scholar William Blum noted, “The idea was that the NED would do somewhat overtly what the CIA had been doing covertly for decades, and thus, hopefully, eliminate the stigma associated with CIA covert activities.”
NED was created under the direction of the US government. After taking office in 1981, President Ronald Reagan sought to advance his “Project Democracy” abroad and proposed the creation of a government-funded, privately-run foundation to openly support “democratic movements” in other countries. Established in 1983, one of NED’s primary objectives is to promote democratic development in ways that align with US national interests while catering to the specific needs of the democratic groups it supports in other countries.
NED is funded by the US government. On November 22, 1983, the US Congress passed the NED Act, which outlined the purposes of NED and addressed issues such as congressional appropriations, government financial audits, and the requirement to report to Congress and the President. In its founding year, Congress allocated $18 million to NED. Over the past 40 years, congressional appropriations have generally increased. According to USAspending.gov, NED received $315 million in FY2023. A report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace noted that “Almost all the NED’s funds come from the US Congress.”
NED programs operate under the guidance of the US State Department and embassies abroad. As mandated by its enabling legislation, NED must consult with the State Department to align its program plans with US foreign policy. According to a USAID report titled “Democracy Promotion Programs Funded by the US Government,” NED maintains ongoing consultations with the State Department, particularly through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, as well as with USIA and US embassies abroad on programmatic issues.
NED is required to report its activities to the US government and is subject to government audit and oversight. According to the NED Act, the organization must submit an annual report to the President by December 31, detailing its operations, activities, and achievements from the previous fiscal year. The US Government General Accounting Office conducts an annual audit of NED, and the results are reported to Congress, with a copy also provided to the President.
The US government has full access to information on all NED-funded programs. As per the NED Act, NED and its authorized representatives can review any books, documents, papers, and records related to the assistance provided through NED. Additionally, the US Comptroller General and his authorized representatives are granted access to this information as well.
NED’s mission is fully endorsed by the US government. Former CIA officer Philip Agee once remarked in a 1995 TV show that instead of covert CIA operations, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) now serves as a public counterpart, openly influencing political processes with financial and strategic support. Kim Holmes, former Assistant Secretary of State, highlighted in a report titled “The National Endowment for Democracy: A Prudent Investment in the Future,” that funding NED is a cost-effective strategy, as it is cheaper to support friendly democratic movements than to combat hostile regimes.

Instigating color revolutions to subvert state power in other countries

Attempting to overthrow the Iranian government: In September 2022, protests erupted in Iran over hijab regulations. Masih Alinejad, a journalist for Voice of America Persian Service, fueled public unrest by disseminating unverified information and images. According to Lebanese news channel Al Mayadeen, Alinejad received $628,000 from NED and other American institutions between 2015 and 2022. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that NED leveraged its relationship with Alinejad to meddle in Iran’s internal affairs during the hijab protests. NED also backed the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) and the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) in fabricating news and supporting dissidents to collaborate with anti-government groups and media for smear campaigns. NED’s Journal of Democracy frequently called for regime change in Iran through human rights movements. Iranian media has labeled NED as a “National Enemy for Democracy” and a “Trojan horse” disrupting order and inciting unrest in the country.

Using various tactics to infiltrate Arab countries: Since the onset of the Arab Spring, NED has extensively utilized social media platforms and funded NGOs to disseminate multimedia content and offer online training aimed at sparking color revolutions. NED has also implemented a talent reserve program for democratic transitions in the region, provided funding to NGOs that support “democracy advocates,” “human rights activists,” and “dissidents” in exile, encouraged local trade unions to enhance their capacity, and supported scholars and activists in devising “constitutional reforms” across various countries.

Playing a role in Ukraine’s “color revolution”: During the 2004 Orange Revolution, NED provided $65 million to support the Ukrainian opposition. From 2007 to 2015, it allocated over $30 million to Ukrainian NGOs to enhance “civic participation.” In the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests, NED funded the Mass Media Institute to disseminate provocative information. Additionally, NED invested tens of millions of dollars in social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to spread disinformation, exacerbate ethnic tensions, and fuel antagonism in eastern Ukraine.

Attempting to undermine the DPRK government: In July 2002, The National Endowment for Democracy President Carl Gershman revealed that NED was collaborating with Congress to use various NGOs to influence public opinion and undermine the DPRK system. In July 2021, Gershman claimed that NED-funded human rights programs were contributing to the erosion of the DPRK’s totalitarian system, with the potential to eventually dismantle it.

Collaborating with all sorts of elements to interfere in internal affairs of other countries

Cultivating pro-US forces in target countries

According to its 2021 Annual Report, NED supported pro-US media outlets, cultivated democracy activists, and funded groups advocating for “democracy and freedom” in Arab countries.

In May 2021, NED President Carl Gershman revealed that despite being banned in Russia, NED financed numerous organizations and supported Russian opposition figures in exile during crucial political events, including State Duma, presidential, and local elections.

NED has been involved in infiltrating Europe and influencing EU officials, promoting trans-Atlanticism while suppressing strategic autonomy, and funding “independent media” in Europe to sway public opinion towards the US.

Focusing on Mexico, The National Endowment for Democracy has supported organizations like Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity (MCCI) and the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), while obstructing electricity reforms. In 2021, the Mexican government condemned The National Endowment for Democracy’s funding of anti-government groups as “interventionism” and “promoting a coup.”

Since 2017, NED has funded 54 anti-Cuba organizations. In 2018, the Cuban Democratic Directorate disclosed receiving “democracy funds” from the US, using $48,000 for payments to employees, agents, and contractors in Cuba.

NED has also funded scholars and journalists over the years to promote “democratization reforms” in Iran and conduct cultural infiltration against the country.

Misrepresenting the human rights situation in other countries

The NED-sponsored Journal of Democracy frequently holds developing countries to the standards of American-style democracy, criticizing their elections, economic policies, human rights records, and democratic transitions.

In July 2023, the Journal published five articles on Indian democracy, questioning if India remains a democracy and alleging that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been significant dismantling of democratic institutions. In April 2024, the Journal warned that if Modi and his party win a third term, the future of India as a plural, secular democracy could be at risk.

Moreover, labeling members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as “dictatorships,” NED has continued to promote its values in these countries through academic, cultural, and media initiatives. In 2021, NED invested $1.8 million in 11 programs across the GCC to support “democracy activists,” criticize human rights records, and stir social tensions under the guise of promoting press freedom.

Manipulating and interfering in other countries’ elections

In April 2022 and December 2023, Serbia held presidential, National Assembly, and local elections. NED interfered extensively, supporting pro-US opposition candidates and, following two shootings in May 2023, sponsored human rights groups and opposition organizations staged mass protests demanding the resignation of the Serbian government.

NED has consistently funded the Philippines’ Rappler news website, providing $786,000 between 2017 and 2021. During the 2022 general election, Rappler’s lobbying for internal election information raised concerns about election fairness, leading to the revocation of their access under public pressure.

NED has supported anti-Iran organizations like the Foundation for Democracy in Iran (FDI) to undermine elections, as confirmed by Kenneth R. Timmerman, the executive director of FDI.

Also, in January 2023, NED President Damon Wilson publicly voiced concerns about the democracy and fairness of the Nigerian general election during an interview with a Nigerian TV program.

Inciting division and confrontation to undermine the stability of other countries

Kenneth Wollak, chairman of the NED board of directors, informed the US Congress about NED’s ongoing efforts to empower opponents of US adversaries and their potential to influence foreign governments.

Supporting “Taiwan Independence” Separatists: In 2022, The National Endowment for Democracy, in collaboration with Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, co-hosted a Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy. They aimed to rally “democratic forces” against perceived threats, promoting the idea that “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow.” In July 2023, NED President Damon Wilson visited Taiwan to celebrate the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy’s 20th anniversary, awarding Tsai Ing-wen the “Democracy Service Medal.”
Colluding with Anti-China Forces in Hong Kong: NED has supported groups attempting to destabilize Hong Kong, funding projects with over $310,000 in 2020. In 2023, NED worked with organizations like Hong Kong Watch and Amnesty International, and anti-China lawmakers from the US, UK, and Germany, to nominate Jimmy Lai Chee-ying for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize.
Funding Anti-China Uyghur Groups: NED has consistently funded the anti-China organization World Uyghur Congress (WUC), with annual support ranging from $5 million to $6 million. In March 2024, NED invited a WUC leader to speak at its event, criticizing China’s ethnic policies. NED also supported figures like Hidayet Oguzhan and Rushan Abbas, promoting anti-China rallies and efforts to create discord between China and Türkiye.
Promoting “Tibet Independence”: In March 2023, NED President Damon Wilson visited Dharamsala, India, to meet “Tibet independence” leaders and show support. In November 2023, NED awarded Jigme Gyatso, a “Tibet independence” activist, with the Democracy Award for Individual Courage. In April 2024, NED hosted Penpa Tsering, the “Kalon Tripa” of the “Tibetan government-in-exile,” at its headquarters.
Influencing Georgia’s Political Landscape: The National Endowment for Democracy funded the creation of local NGO groupings in Georgia early in the 21st century to organize demonstrations in Tbilisi. In May 2024, NED supported and instigated protests in Georgia against a foreign agents bill.

Fabricating false information to mislead public opinion

False Allegations About China: NED President Damon Wilson falsely claimed in an interview with Asahi Shimbun that China uses technology and AI to surveil its citizens. On November 30, 2023, NED Vice President Christopher Walker made untrue statements about the CPC monopolizing ideas during his testimony before the US House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party.
Fabricating China-Related Fake News in Serbia: NED-supported Serbian NGOs collaborated with CNN’s Serbia branch to create false news about China, criticizing Chinese projects and exaggerating issues related to environmental protection, labor, and corruption.
Funding Anti-CPC Projects in Europe: The National Endowment for Democracy funded the International Republican Institute (IRI) for the second phase of the Bolstering Europe Against the Subversive Tactics of the CPC project, which fabricates and spreads claims about the CPC threatening democratic values and transatlantic unity.
Supporting Anti-DPRK Propaganda: NED invested $17.41 million in 92 projects related to “DPRK defectors.” It funded South Korean NGOs to run DPRK-themed radio programs and online publications, producing and broadcasting stories on “defectors” from a “democracy and human rights” perspective, and training defectors to write and speak against the DPRK.
Anti-Iran Media Campaign: NED established an information network with Iran International, VOA’s Persian service, BBC, and other anti-Iran media outlets. This network provides negative information about Iran to incite intensive media coverage against the country.

Utilizing “academic activities” as a facade for interference and infiltration

Iraq Democracy Index: NED funded the Governance Center for Public Policies (GCPP) in Iraq, which for six years released the National Index for Democratic Transformation in Iraq, consistently giving low scores and labeling Iraq as a “partial authoritarian transitional” country. This has been criticized in Iraq as it does not accurately reflect the country’s progress and is seen as a pretext for continued US interference and delay in military withdrawal.
Imposing Carbon Standards on the Philippines: In March 2024, NED’s core grantee, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), along with the Makati Business Club and other associations, published the State of Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines. This report unfairly imposed carbon emission standards akin to those of industrialized countries, pressuring the Philippines to alter its economic structure.
Funding EU Policy Shifts: NED provided substantial funding to think tanks like the European Values Center for Security Policy (EVC) and the Global Security Center (GSC) to organize seminars and activities promoting the EU’s adoption of the US “small yard, high fence” policy.
Supporting Anti-Serbia Protests: Since the onset of the Ukraine crisis, the NED-funded Belgrade Center for Security Policy has backed pro-Western protests and criticized Serbia’s foreign policy.
Inciting Conflict in Turkey: From January 2022 to January 2023, NED funded, through the Atlas Network, the Turkish digital media platform daktilo1984.com, supporting content that spread discontent and incited ethnic tension, social conflict, and political differences.
Instigating Tensions in Kosovo: NED has long supported NGOs in “Kosovo” to create friction between the Serbian government and the Pristina provisional self-governance institution. In December 2023, the NED-funded think tank Sbunker published a report promoting Kosovo as a success story of American nation-building and democracy promotion, obscuring US intentions.
Social Media Warfare Against Iran: NED utilized social media to wage information warfare against Iran during hijab protests, deploying bots disguised as personal accounts or independent media to spread anti-Iran messages and mislead the public.
Deceptive Fact-Checking in Ukraine: NED and USAID funded several Ukrainian organizations to act as “fact-checkers” on social media. However, these “fact-checkers” served as information filters created by the US to mislead the Ukrainian populace.

NED exposed and criticized by the US and the international community

NED’s true nature exposed by Americans

Former federal congressman Ron Paul criticized NED for misusing American taxpayers’ money to support foreign politicians and parties aligned with US interests. He argued that such actions, disguised as “promoting democracy,” violate US domestic law by manipulating foreign elections with “soft money.”

In the 1980s, former federal congressman Barney Frank proposed cutting NED’s funding, arguing that using taxpayer money for political purposes, such as supporting a French union, was less justifiable than funding public transportation or cancer research.

The New York Times, in its January 29, 2006 issue, reported on how the US government, through NED, undermined Haiti’s democratically elected government, contributing to the country’s instability.

Moreover, in September 2021, Stephen Kinzer, a former New York Times reporter, revealed in the New York Review of Books that NED collaborates with the CIA and USAID to support insurgent forces aiming to overthrow regimes disfavored by the US. His articles noted that early NED board members were warmongers, and current members include former senators keen on regime change in Cuba and Nicaragua, with The National Endowment for Democracy’s mission focused on installing regimes aligned with American interests.

NED’s misdeeds exposed and criticized by the international community

Russia’s Ban on NED: On July 29, 2015, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared NED an “undesirable organization,” banning its activities in the country. The Ministry criticized the US for its hypocritical concerns about Russian civil society while accusing NED of destabilizing nations pursuing independent policies contrary to Washington’s interests.

NED’s Influence on Russian Youth: In May 2022, Russian Assistant Secretary of the Security Council Nail Mukhitov stated that NED targets young people in Russia to undermine patriotism and alter perceptions of Russia’s role in the world, using “liberation” as a cover for promoting negative views about the country.

NED’s Activities in France: French journalist Frédéric Charpier’s 2008 book “CIA in France: 60 Years of Interference in French Affairs” revealed NED’s operations in France, indicating it operates with funding from the US State Department, USIA, and USAID, aligning with US diplomatic and military goals.

Voltaire Network Exposé: In 2010, Thierry Meyssan’s article on the Voltaire Network described NED as a legal front for the CIA, alleging its direct involvement in French NGOs and interference in French elections.

Hungarian Media Accusations: In 2018, Hungarian media outlet Figyelo labeled the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, funded by NED, as “Soros mercenaries” and accused it of colluding with foreign forces to destabilize Hungary.

NED’s 2023 Funding Applications: In April 2023, NED sought applications for funding non-partisan media to support human rights and free speech. Stephen Kinzer warned that NED’s true aim is to destabilize governments disfavored by Washington.

IMEMO’s Analysis: The Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) in Russia argued that NED allows the US to engage in dual-level foreign policy – maintaining relations with current governments while cultivating political forces to replace them in the future.

Brazilian Critique: In June 2023, Agencia Brasil quoted Camila Feix Vidal from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, who described National Endowment for Democracy as evidence of democracy being used as a pretext for foreign intervention and gaining moral excuses for meddling.

India’s Watch List: In 2016, the Indian government placed the National Endowment for Democracy under a watch list due to its donations to NGOs in violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

Conclusion

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is viewed by some as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy, with its actions—despite being presented as promoting democratic values—seen as interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.

Finally, The call for a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations emphasizes the importance of respecting each country’s right to determine its development path without external interference. It advocates for international exchanges and dialogue based on mutual respect and equality, focusing on common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. It advocates for a more balanced approach to international relations.

Further Readings

China’s ambassador to US: China is opening doors