Stuff They Don't Want You To Know National Endowment for Democracy: The New CIA?
Jan 7, 2026
Just back from a break, the hosts dive into the controversial National Endowment for Democracy. They explore its quasi-governmental nature and its troubling comparisons to the CIA. From its Cold War origins to modern-day accusations of astroturfing, the conversation reveals the complexities of how NED influences foreign affairs. Global reactions range from bans in Russia and China to debates in the US Congress. The intriguing debate on whether NED promotes democracy or just instigates chaos adds an unexpected twist.
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NED's Quasi‑Government Identity
- The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a government-funded NGO created in 1983 to promote democracy, often as an anti-communism tool.
- Its quasi-private structure creates ambiguity about who controls and directs its foreign activities.
Funding As Influence, Not Charity
- NED channels U.S. government funds into grants for unions, political groups, and business associations overseas.
- That funding model lets the U.S. pursue influence with plausible deniability through a private nonprofit.
Investigate Funding And Board Ties
- Be skeptical when private philanthropy claims pure altruism, especially with government funding involved.
- Track funding sources and board ties to assess an NGO's real objectives.