PANAJI: 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.
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 organisations 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 recognised, the NED is a more insidious player. Often portraying itself as a benign promoter of democracy, the NED operates under 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.
NED: BENEVOLENCE OR MANIPULATION?
The NED, often described as the “white gloves” of the US 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 US interests.
Intelligence agencies have disclosed that in recent years, the NED has escalated its activities, employing more sophisticated and underhanded tactics to destabilise governments that do not align with US interests. Its operations have become increasingly notorious for infiltration, subversion, and sabotage, making it a key player in the implementation of CIA covert operations.
IRAN: A CASE STUDY IN NED’S SUBVERSIVE TACTICS
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, who played a pivotal role in fanning the flames of dissent. However, what many may not realise is that her actions were reportedly backed by the 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 US-based organisations 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.
NED’s influence in Iran extended beyond just one journalist. The organisation also provided support to entities like 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 organisations and media outlets, orchestrating a well-coordinated smear campaign against the Iranian government.
NED’S GLOBAL FOOTPRINT: FROM UKRAINE TO THE PHILIPPINES
NED’s involvement in Ukraine during the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests is well-documented. It provided substantial funding to Ukrainian opposition groups, which played a crucial role in mobilising anti-government forces and creating a climate ripe for political upheaval. Between 2007 and 2015, NED allocated over $30 million to Ukrainian NGOs, ostensibly to promote “civic participation.” However, during the Euromaidan protests, NED’s funding was seen as exacerbating tensions and stoking unrest.
In the Philippines, NED’s influence was felt through its support of media outlets like Rappler, which received significant funding from NED. During the 2022 general election, Rappler’s activities came under scrutiny for potentially influencing the electoral process, raising concerns about the role of foreign-backed media in national elections.
INDIA: A TARGET FOR COVERT OPERATIONS
India has increasingly found itself in the crosshairs of 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. In July 2023, the Journal published a series of articles criticising India’s democratic trajectory under Modi, suggesting that the country’s democracy was in decline. By April 2024, the rhetoric escalated, with articles arguing that India’s pluralistic, secular democracy was at risk if Modi secured a third consecutive term.
India’s relationship with NED has been complicated, particularly given the organisation’s history of funding non-governmental organisations (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). This move was seen as necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty and prevent external interference in its domestic affairs.
THE ROAD AHEAD FOR INDIA
In light of these revelations, the Modi administration must be particularly cautious. The influence of NED in India is not to be underestimated. As a tool of American soft power, NED works to subtly influence political processes, shape public discourse, and, if necessary, destabilise governments that resist US hegemony. The Modi government, therefore, must be vigilant in identifying and neutralising 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 organisations. The price of complacency could be the sovereignty and stability of the nation.
Author and journalist Savio Rodrigues is Founder and Editor in Chief of Goa Chronicle.