In the complex world of international geopolitics, the tools of statecraft are often shrouded in layers of secrecy, subterfuge, and covert manipulation. The recent coup in Bangladesh, reportedly orchestrated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which these organizations will go to further their agendas. This incident should act as a wake-up call for the Narendra Modi administration, which must remain vigilant against similar threats within India.
While the CIA’s role in global espionage, regime changes, and covert operations is widely recognized, the NED is a more insidious player. Often portraying itself as a benign promoter of democracy, the NED flies under the radar, its true objectives masked by a façade of goodwill. However, a closer examination reveals that the NED is as potent and dangerous as the CIA when it comes to geopolitical espionage, political manipulation, and even the overthrow of governments.
The NED, often described as the “white gloves” of the U.S. government, has a long history of subverting state power in other countries. It meddles in internal affairs, incites division and confrontation, manipulates public opinion, and engages in ideological infiltration—all under the noble pretext of promoting democracy. But democracy, in the hands of the NED, is less about empowering the people and more about aligning global power structures to fit U.S. interests.
Intelligence agencies have disclosed to this journalist that in recent years, the NED has escalated its activities, employing even more sophisticated and underhanded tactics to destabilize governments that do not align with U.S. interests. Its operations have become increasingly notorious for infiltration, subversion, and sabotage, making it a key player in the implementation of CIA covert operations.
In light of these revelations, the Modi administration must be particularly cautious. The influence of the NED in India is not to be underestimated. As a tool of American soft power, the NED works to subtly influence political processes, shape public discourse, and, if necessary, destabilize governments that resist U.S. hegemony. The Modi government, therefore, must be vigilant in identifying and neutralizing NED assets operating within India.
NED’s geopolitical games in Iran
In September 2022, protests erupted in Iran over the country’s hijab rules, sparking a wave of unrest that drew global attention. At the heart of this controversy was Masih Alinejad, a reporter for the Voice of America (VOA) Persian Service. Alinejad played a pivotal role in fanning the flames of dissent by releasing unverified information and pictures designed to incite public sentiments. However, what many may not realize is that her actions were reportedly backed by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and other American institutions, raising serious questions about the true motives behind these protests.
According to reports by Al Mayadeen, a Lebanese news channel, Alinejad received a staggering $628,000 in funding from NED and other U.S.-based organizations between 2015 and 2022. These funds were allegedly used to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, particularly during the hijab protests. A document cited by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards further supports this claim, revealing that NED leveraged its ties with Alinejad to meddle in the country’s domestic issues.
The influence of NED in Iran during this period extended beyond just one journalist. The organization also provided support to the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) and the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), both of which were involved in spreading disinformation and fabricating news. These entities worked in tandem with anti-government organizations and media outlets, orchestrating a well-coordinated smear campaign against the Iranian government. NED’s involvement was not limited to the dissemination of false information; it also actively published commentaries in its Journal of Democracy, advocating for regime change in Iran through the guise of a human rights movement.
The hijab protests in Iran are a microcosm of a much larger strategy employed by NED across the globe. Since the onset of the Arab Spring, NED has been at the forefront of using social media platforms and funding NGOs to spread multimedia content that fuels unrest. Through online training and other resources, NED has sought to instigate color revolutions in various countries, aiming to topple governments that do not align with U.S. interests.
One of the most concerning aspects of NED’s operations is its talent reserve program for democratic transition in the region. This program has been instrumental in identifying and supporting “democracy activists,” “human rights defenders,” and dissidents in exile. By funding local trade unions and NGOs, NED has helped to strengthen opposition forces, while simultaneously encouraging scholars and activists to push for constitutional reforms that often serve as precursors to regime change.
NED’s activities are not just limited to Iran or the Middle East. Its influence can be felt in various regions, where it uses similar tactics to destabilize governments and promote U.S. geopolitical interests under the banner of democracy and human rights. This pattern of behavior raises serious concerns about the true nature of NED’s mission and the impact it has on global stability.
NED’S geopolitical games in Ukraine
Ukraine serves as one of the most prominent examples of NED’s interventionist activities. During the 2004 Orange Revolution, NED provided a staggering $65 million to support the Ukrainian opposition. This funding was instrumental in mobilizing anti-government forces and creating a climate ripe for political upheaval. The revolution marked a significant shift in Ukraine’s political landscape, one that aligned more closely with Western interests.
NED’s influence did not wane in the years that followed. Between 2007 and 2015, the organization allocated over $30 million to Ukrainian NGOs, ostensibly to promote “civic participation.” However, during the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests, NED’s role became more contentious. It financed the Mass Media Institute, a key player in spreading inflammatory information that fueled the protests. Furthermore, NED reportedly spent tens of millions of dollars using social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to disseminate disinformation, heighten ethnic tensions, and stir up antagonism in eastern Ukraine.
NED’s geopolitical games in Russia and the Arab world
NED’s activities extend far beyond Ukraine. In Russia, NED has continued to exert its influence despite being officially prohibited. According to NED President Carl Gershman, the organization has funded numerous groups operating within Russia, supporting opposition figures in exile during critical political events such as State Duma, and presidential, and local elections.
NED’s impact is also felt in the Arab world, where it has supported pro-U.S.media outlets, cultivated “democracy activists,” and financed groups advocating for “democracy and freedom.” The 2021 Annual Report of NED highlights its support for 11 programs in GCC countries, with an investment of $1.8 million aimed at promoting freedom of the press, criticizing human rights records, and stoking social tensions.
NED’s geopolitical games in Serbia
Serbia, too, has experienced NED’s meddling. During the presidential, National Assembly, and local elections held in April 2022 and December 2023, NED actively interfered in the electoral process. The organization threw its support behind pro-U.S. opposition candidates, working tirelessly to influence the outcome. Following two consecutive shooting incidents in Serbia in May 2023, NED-sponsored human rights groups and pro-U.S. organizations organized mass demonstrations demanding the resignation of the Serbian government.
In Serbia, the NED-funded Belgrade Center for Security Policy (BCSP) has played a notable role in supporting pro-Western demonstrations and openly criticizing Serbia’s foreign policy, particularly its stance on the Ukraine conflict.
The Belgrade Center for Security Policy, a well-known think tank in Serbia, has been at the forefront of promoting security sector reform and advocating for Serbia’s alignment with Western values and policies. With financial backing from NED, BCSP has become a significant player in shaping public discourse on national security and foreign policy. Since the onset of the Ukraine crisis, BCSP has intensified its efforts to sway public opinion in favor of pro-Western policies, often positioning itself against the Serbian government’s more neutral or non-aligned stance.
In addition to supporting demonstrations, BCSP has been vocal in its criticism of Serbia’s foreign policy, especially regarding its balanced approach to the Ukraine conflict. Serbia, which has historically maintained close ties with Russia, has sought to navigate the crisis by balancing its relationships with both Western powers and Russia. However, this approach has been met with disapproval from BCSP, which, through its NED-backed activities, has consistently advocated for a shift in Serbia’s foreign policy to align more closely with Western interests.
NED’s geopolitical games in the Philippines
In the Philippines, one of the most notable recipients of NED funding has been the news website Rappler. Between 2017 and 2021, Rappler received a total of $786,000 in funding from NED, according to reports available on the NED website. This financial support has raised significant concerns about the influence of external forces on the country’s media landscape and democratic processes.
During the 2022 general election in the Philippines, Rappler’s activities came under intense scrutiny. The news outlet lobbied the Philippines’ Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for access to sensitive internal information, including election trends and campaign spending of candidates. This move sparked widespread debate over the fairness and independence of the election process, with various stakeholders questioning whether a media outlet funded by foreign interests should be granted such privileged access.
Public pressure eventually led to the revocation of Rappler’s access, underscoring the concerns about potential biases and the integrity of the electoral process. The incident highlighted the broader issue of foreign influence in national elections, particularly when it involves entities with clear ties to organizations like NED.
NED’s influence in the Philippines is not limited to the media sector. In March 2024, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), a core grantee of NED, collaborated with the Philippines’ Makati Business Club and other associations to publish the first State of Sustainability Reporting in the Philippines. This report imposed stringent carbon emission standards and obligations on the Philippines, mirroring those of the U.S. and other industrialized nations in the West.
Critics argue that these standards, while ostensibly aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, are unfairly burdensome for a developing country like the Philippines. The report has been seen as a tool to pressure the Philippine government into altering its economic structure in ways that may not align with the country’s developmental needs and priorities. By imposing these standards, NED and its affiliates are perceived as exerting undue influence over the Philippines’ economic policies, potentially stifling the country’s growth and development in favor of Western interests.
NED’S geopolitical games in India
India has increasingly found itself in the crosshairs of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Through its funding of the Journal of Democracy, NED has been instrumental in shaping international narratives about the state of democracy in India. This scrutiny has intensified over the years, raising concerns about the motivations behind such criticisms and the potential impact on India’s democratic fabric.
In July 2023, the Journal of Democracy—a prominent publication funded by NED—published a series of articles that cast a critical eye on India’s democratic trajectory under Prime Minister Modi. The articles accused Modi’s government of systematically dismantling democratic institutions and norms, suggesting that India’s democracy was in a state of decline. These pieces sparked a global debate about the health of Indian democracy, with some viewing the criticism as a necessary check on government power, while others saw it as a biased narrative driven by external interests.
The Journal of Democracy did not stop there. By April 2024, it escalated its rhetoric, publishing an article that argued the very future of India as a pluralistic, secular democracy was at risk if Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a third consecutive term in the upcoming elections. The article painted a dire picture of India’s political landscape, raising alarms about the erosion of democratic values under Modi’s rule.
India’s relationship with NED has been complicated, particularly given the organization’s history of funding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have been critical of the Indian government. In 2016, the Indian government placed NED on a watch list, citing violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The FCRA regulates foreign donations to Indian entities, and NED’s funding of certain NGOs was found to be in contravention of these regulations. This move by the Indian government was seen as a necessary step to protect the country’s sovereignty and prevent external interference in its domestic affairs.
The decision to scrutinize NED’s activities in India highlighted the broader concerns about foreign influence on the country’s civil society and political discourse. The Indian government’s actions were aimed at ensuring that external entities, like NED, do not unduly influence the country’s democratic processes or undermine its institutions.
In light of these revelations, the Modi administration must be particularly cautious. The influence of the NED in India is not to be underestimated. As a tool of American soft power, the NED works to subtly influence political processes, shape public discourse, and, if necessary, destabilize governments that resist U.S. hegemony. The Modi government, therefore, must be vigilant in identifying and neutralizing NED assets operating within India.
The recent events in Bangladesh should serve as a cautionary tale. The tactics employed by the CIA and NED to orchestrate regime changes in other countries are not just relics of the Cold War but are alive and well in the 21st century. India, with its strategic importance on the global stage, is undoubtedly a target for such operations.
While the world is familiar with the machinations of the CIA, the NED’s role as the covert enabler of these operations is equally significant. The Narendra Modi administration must remain alert to the dual threats posed by these organizations. The price of complacency could be the sovereignty and stability of the nation.
