The National Endowment for Democracy and U.S. Influence Abroad, The Right to Self-Determination on the Brink of Collapse

By Tetsuya Kuroyabu

When we think about U.S. foreign strategy, especially its influence on the media and grassroots political movements, we should pay close attention to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

The NED is a private, nonprofit organization, but most of its funding comes from the U.S. Congress. It provides money to civil society groups, independent media, and other organizations around the world. The NED says its goal is to promote democracy, human rights, and freedom of information.

However, critics see another side to these activities. When a U.S.-funded organization gives large amounts of money to political and media groups in other countries, it may influence their domestic politics.

For example, NED provided financial support to anti-Sandinista organizations in Nicaragua around the time of the 2018 violent political crisis, as well as to organizations in Hong Kong before and during periods of major political unrest.

◆Latin America

In fiscal year 2025 (FY2025), NED funding for Latin America and the Caribbean totaled about $36.8 million.

A large amount went to programs related to Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.

◆Asia and China

NED funding for Asia was even larger, totaling about $53.2 million in FY2025.

China-related programs are a major focus. The NED itself says that China-related programs will remain its “single largest area of investment.” These include projects concerning mainland China, Tibet, Xinjiang and Uyghurs, Hong Kong, and China’s international influence.

◆Democracy Promotion or Political Intervention?

Every country has the right to determine its own political future. Yet foreign funding can strengthen certain media organizations, activists, and political movements and therefore influence public opinion.

But one thing is certain: no one has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another country.