Podcasts about democracy ned

John Solomon and Michael Chamberlain discuss the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its funding of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) to suppress conservative voices and Trump's message. The grant, which started in July 2020 and was supposed to end in September 2022, was canceled due to publicity. GDI's reports boasted of diverting $100 million in ad revenue from conservative sites on their dynamic exclusion list. The work, initially framed as academic research, was actually about demonetizing and de-amplifying dissenting voices. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) documents revealed GDI's impact on American politics and media. Later, esteemed legal expert Dr. John Eastman analyzes the implications of the recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly those affecting President Trump's immigration policies and the contentious issue of birthright citizenship. Dr. Eastman shares his insights on the evolving dynamics within the judiciary and the potential constitutional crises looming on the horizon. Finally, Shannon Davis, CEO of American Alternative Assets, discusses the economy and how precious metals can help you plan for your financial future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ein Kommentar von Tilo Gräser.Regimewechsel, Staatsstreich, Putsch – das gehört seit Jahren zu den Mitteln, mit denen die herrschenden Kreise der USA mit Hilfe der Geheimdienste, Stiftungen und angeblicher Nichtregierungsorganisationen andere Länder unter Kontrolle bringen. Die Liste der Beispiele dafür ist lang, sie beginnt nicht erst im 20. Jahrhundert und wird in diesem Jahrhundert fortgesetzt. Ein deutliches Beispiel ist die Ukraine, wo die USA 2014 einen Staatsstreich gegen einen gewählten Präsidenten organisierten und finanzierten. Das Ergebnis war und ist ein gespaltenes Land, auf dessen Territorium der US-geführte Westen Krieg gegen Russland führt, um so auch in Moskau einen Regimewechsel zu erreichen.Die Übernahme andere Länder hat verschiedene Motive – entweder, um sie als mögliche Konkurrenten oder als potenzielle, störende Regionalmächte in US-Interessensphären auszuschalten oder um ihre Rohstoffe in Besitz zu nehmen und sie als Absatzmärkte für die eigenen Konzerne zu sichern. Wenn die Führung eines Landes Nein sagt, wird sie mit Hilfe eines Staatsstreiches ausgetauscht. Die dabei eingesetzten Mittel variieren, von „Wirtschaftskillern“, wie sie John Perkins beschrieb, der selbst einer war, über „Demokratieförderung“ mit viel Geld und Unterstützung von oppositionellen und subversiven Kräften in dem jeweiligen Land, bis zu eigenen verdeckten Operationen und zuletzt dem Einsatz der eigenen Militärmacht. Meistens bleibt den Ländern der direkte Einsatz des US-Militärs erspart, aber nichtsdestoweniger werden sie zerstört, zu „failed states“ oder zu Kolonien degradiert.Ein Beispiel dafür ist derzeit Serbien, das als eines der Überbleibsel des zerstörten Jugoslawiens dem US-geführten Westen weiterhin ein Dorn im Auge ist, wie Thomas Röper im Februar dieses Jahres feststellte. Er beschrieb, wie westliche Kräfte in dem Land wieder zündeln, weil ihnen die Politik von Präsident Aleksandar Vučić nicht passt, der den antirussischen Kurs nicht mitmacht.Röper machte deutlich, wie der Westen in dem Land die prowestliche Opposition finanziert, die angeblich für nichts anderes als Demokratie und gegen Korruption eintritt. Das geschieht demnach durch eine Reihe verschiedener Organisationen, die er samt ihrer Verbindungen in den Westen aufführt. Dazu gehört unter anderem das Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), das vorgeblich Organisierte Kriminalität und Korruption aufdecken will. Der Journalist erklärte:„Wenig überraschend liest sich die Liste der Finanziers des OCCRP auch wieder wie ein Who-Is-Who der Transatlantiker und der westlichen Oligarchen-Stiftungen, die sich auf Regimechanges und Farbrevolutionen spezialisiert haben. Unter anderem sind dabei: Das britische, dänische und US-amerikanische Außenministerium, USAID, das National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Rockefeller, der Sigrid Lausen Trust und natürlich die Open Society Foundation von George Soros.“...hier weiterlesen: https://apolut.net/farbrevolution-in-den-usa-von-tilo-graser/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Reaganism, Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff is joined by Damon Wilson who is the President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). They discuss the organization's origins, its connection to President Reagan, and its ongoing mission to promote democracy worldwide. They discuss the importance of supporting grassroots movements, the definition of democracy, and the relationship between U.S. interests and democracy promotion. Wilson addresses criticisms of NED, the impact of U.S. foreign assistance policies, and the need for transparency and accountability in their operations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that old and deteriorating neighborhoods of Pyongyang will be redeveloped in the coming years, according to state media this week. NK News Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy joins the podcast to discuss Kim's revelation that major annual residential construction projects in Pyongyang won't end when the current 50,000-home project wraps up next year, as well as the impact the Trump administration's freeze of National Endowment for Democracy (NED) funds has on DPRK human rights groups and the return of Western tour companies to North Korea for the first time since before the pandemic. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Jeremy Kuzmarov - Warmonger - How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the US Trajectory from Bush II to BidenNov 17, 2023During  the 2016 presidential election, many younger voters repudiated Hillary  Clinton because of her husband's support for mass incarceration, banking  deregulation and free-trade agreements that led many U.S. jobs to be  shipped overseas. Warmonger: How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the Trajectory from Bush II to Biden,  shows that Clinton's foreign policy was just as bad as his domestic  policy. Cultivating an image as a former anti-Vietnam War activist to  win over the aging hippie set in his early years, as president, Clinton  bombed six countries and, by the end of his first term, had committed  U.S. troops to 25 separate military operations, compared to 17 in Ronald  Reagan's two terms. Clinton further expanded America's covert empire of  overseas surveillance outposts and spying and increased the budget for  intelligence spending and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a  CIA offshoot which promoted regime change in foreign nations.   The  latter was not surprising because, according to CIA operative Cord  Meyer Jr., Clinton had been recruited into the CIA while a Rhodes  Scholar at Oxford, and as Governor of Arkansas in the 1980s he had  allowed clandestine arms and drug flights to Nicaraguan  counter-revolutionaries (Contras) backed by the CIA to be taken from  Mena Airport in the western part of the state. Rather than being a time  of tranquility when the U.S. failed to pay attention to the gathering  storm of terrorism, as New York Times columnist David Brooks frames it,  the Clinton presidency saw rising tensions among the U.S., China and  Russia because of Clinton's malign foreign policies, and U.S. complicity  in terrorist acts.   In so many ways, Clinton's presidency set  the groundwork for the disasters that were to follow under Bush II,  Obama, Trump, and Biden. It was Clinton--building off of Reagan--who  first waged a War on Terror ridden with double standards, one that  adopted terror tactics, including extraordinary rendition, bombing and  the use of drones. It was Clinton who cried wolf about human rights  abuses and the need to protect beleaguered peoples from genocide to  justify military intervention in a post-Cold War age. And it was  Clinton's administration that pressed for regime change in Iraq and  raised public alarm about the mythic WMDs--all while relying on fancy  new military technologies and private military contractors to distance  US shady military interventions from the public to limit dissent.Jeremy Kuzmarov talks to Ed Opperman about his surprising and highly researched new book.BookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Miles sits down with Damon Wilson, president and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the primary American foundation supporting democracy worldwide. They discuss a wide range of issues vital to global freedom and democracy, including NED's origins, mission and current projects, America's role in the world, and the importance of preserving and expanding the existing democratic world order.

The Dr B S Harishankar Memorial Lecture, Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, Trivandrum, 27th August 2024.A Malayalam version of this has been published by Janmabhumi newspaper at https://janmabhumi.in/2024/09/01/3258051/varadyam/geo-political-implications-for-bangladesh/It was startling to hear from retired Ambassador G Sankar Iyer on Asianet's program with Ambassador TP Sreenivasan that the celebrated Malayalam author Vaikom Mohammed Basheer (once nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature) said in 1973: “In Bangladesh, we have created yet another enemy.” With his novelist's insight, Basheer understood that the Two-Nation Theory held sway among certain sections of Bengalis.In the current crisis situation in 2024, the ongoing pogrom against Hindus (amounting to a virtual genocide) and the forced resignation of teachers, police officers and other officials based only on the fact that they are Hindus (there are videos that show them being beaten and humiliated even after resigning) suggests that anti-Hindu feeling is running rampant in Bangladesh. It is another kristallnacht.This is coupled with anti-India feeling. For instance, the current floods in Bangladesh are being blamed on India opening a dam in Tripura after torrential rains, although the Indian government has said that it provided all the hydrological data that it always has. The fact of the matter is that the departure of Sheikh Hasina is a blow to India's geo-political ambitions. It now appears as though India erred in “putting all its eggs into one basket” by cultivating only her Awami League, and not the Bangladesh National Party of her arch-rival Khaleda Zia. The indubitable fact that Indian influence in Bangladesh has now been supplanted by forces inimical to India raises the question of who might be behind the regime change operation. Beyond that, there is the question of whether it was indeed a popular uprising based on the suppressed ambitions of the people that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.The third question is what this means for Bangladesh, India and the region going forward, especially as climate change may alter the very geography of the area. It is predicted that as much as 11% of the land area of Bangladesh could be underwater by 2050. This could displace 18 million people, which would lead to unprecedented migration of their population into India. Regime Change operation: Who benefits from it?Cui bono? Who benefits? That Latin phrase is used to consider who might be motivated to commit a crime (the other part is who has the means to commit it). In this case of regime change in Bangladesh, there are several entities who might benefit. Obviously Pakistan. That country has never lived down its balkanization in 1971, and it had a number of its sympathizers already in place at that time. There were many who collaborated with the Pakistani Army in identifying Hindus and facilitating their killing or rape or ethnic cleansing, and also Muslims who were their political opponents. These are the people Sheikh Hasina referred to as “razakars”, and they are essentially in control now. China is a clear winner whenever something happens that hurts India's interests. There is the perennial issue of the Chicken's Neck, that narrow strip of land that connects the Seven Sister states of India's Northeast to the Gangetic Plain. It is a permanent threat to India that somebody (most probably China) will cut this off and truncate India, with the Northeast then becoming part of a Greater Bangladesh, with associated genocide of Hindus and Buddhists. Former Ambassador Veena Sikri spoke to Ambassador TP Sreenivasan about something very odd indeed: Sheikh Hasina made a state visit to China in mid July, and she was thoroughly humiliated there. Xi Jingping refused to meet her; and she cut her visit short by one day and returned to Dhaka. This is an unheard-of protocol violation for a State Visit; what it suggests is that China had decided that Sheikh Hasina was on the way out. This is in sharp contrast to a Xi visit in 2016 when he made grand promises about Belt and Road Initiative investments. The United States also has interests. Sheikh Hasina had alleged two things: * An unnamed Western power wants St Martin's Island (aka Coconut Island) off Cox's Bazaar as a military base to keep an eye on both China and India, * An unnamed Western power intends to form a new Christian Zo nation (for Mizo, Kuki, Chin) just like Christian homelands were carved out in East Timor and South Sudan.The implication was that the unspecified Western power was the US. It is not entirely clear that the US benefits greatly from a military base in the Bay of Bengal but there has been a long-running Great Game initiated by the British to keep India down as a supplier of raw materials and a market for their products. The US may have inherited this mantle.Intriguingly, the US Deep State and its proxies in the Western media had built a narrative around Sheikh Hasina as a model leader for developing Asia, a woman who also succeeded in improving the economic status of her country. That Bangladesh's per capita GDP had overtaken India's, and that its garment industry was doing well were used to mock India's own economic achievements. The switch to Hasina being a ‘dictator' was a sudden change in narrative.There is, therefore, enough circumstantial evidence to suggest that there was a foreign hand in the happenings in Bangladesh, although we will have to wait for conclusive evidence. Was this indeed a regime-change coup or a true popular uprising?It is true that Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina's fifteen-year rule was not a perfect democracy. But there are mitigating factors, including a violent streak that led to the assassination of her father and independence hero Sheikh Mujibur Rahman just four years after the bloody birth of the new State after the Pakistan Army's assault on its Bengali citizens. The toppling and desecration of his statue shows that his national hero status may not be accepted by the entire population: in fact it looks like friends of Pakistan wish to erase his entire legacy. The history of democracy in independent Bangladesh is checkered and marred by violence. Before he was deposed and killed in 1975, Mujibur Rehman himself had banned all opposition parties. After Mujib, there was outright military rule till 1986, when the erstwhile Chief Martial Law Administrator Hussain Mohammed Ershad became the elected President. When Ershad was deposed after (student-led) agitations in 1991, Khaleda Zia (BNP or Bangladesh National Party) became the PM and after that she and her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina (Awami League) alternated in power. The BNP boycotted the 2018 elections partly because Khaleda Zia was jailed on allegations of corruption. In all of these twists and turns, ‘students' were involved. In 1971, when Yahya Khan launched Operation Searchlight, the Pakistani army went straight for students and professors in Dhaka University, especially if they were Hindus. Later too, ‘student' protests were instrumental in the overthrow of Ershad. The proximate cause of the troubles in 2024 was also a ‘student' uprising. There had been a 30% quota in government jobs for the children of freedom fighters; along with other such set-asides e.g. for minorities and women, a total of 56% of government jobs were ‘reserved' by 2018. This reservation system was largely abolished by Sheikh Hasina's government in 2018 after yet another student agitation. In June 2024, a High Court in Bangladesh overturned the 2018 judgment as unconstitutional. Even though the Supreme Court reversed it, and restored the status quo ante (of drastically reduced reservations to 7% in total), the peaceful ‘student' agitation suddenly morphed into a violent confrontation led by members of the Jamaat e Islami (an Islamist party) and the BNP. There was police firing. The Daily Star, a respected daily, found out that 204 people were killed in the first few days, out of which only 53 were students. It appears the supposed ‘student revolution' was taken over by professional agitators and agents provocateurs, and it rapidly led to the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, with escalating violence, especially against Hindus, and the Army getting involved. Even though the Army is in charge now, there is a smokescreen of an ‘interim government' that allows entities like the UN an excuse to not impose sanctions on Bangladesh. It is hard to take it on face value that this was a popular uprising; circumstantial evidence suggests that there was a clear agenda for regime change, and since it suits both China and the US to keep India constrained, either of them could have been behind it. The diplomatic snub to Hasina in July suggests the Chinese were well aware of the coming coup. On the other hand, the sudden U-turn in the narrative about Hasina in the Western media suggests that the US might have decided to dump her. The process by which the regime change happened is also similar to what happened in other countries that experienced ‘color revolutions'. The actions of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and of some diplomats in supporting the BNP, have been offered as possible evidence of US bad faith.What is obvious is the role of the fundamentalist group, the Jamaat e Islami, which has strong connections with Pakistan. It seems likely that they were the enforcers, and had invested assets within the armed forces. They have called for the secular Bangladesh constitution to be replaced by Islamic Sharia law, and for non-Muslims to be treated as second-class citizens. The Yunus government has just unbanned the Jamaat e Islami.The attacks on Hindus, including large numbers of lynchings, rapes, and abductions of women, suggests that there is a religious angle and the Jamaat e Islami's prejudices are coming to the fore. Notably, the entire Western media, Amnesty International, the United Nations, and the USCIRF, human rights specialists all, had nothing at all to say about the horrific oppression of Hindus. The New York Times even had a headline about “revenge killings” of Hindus, as though somehow the 8% minority Hindus had been responsible for whatever Sheikh Hasina was accused of. Upon being called out, the NYT changed the headline to just  “killings” of Hindus with no explanation or apology.The role of Professor Mohammed Yunus is also intriguing: he had been invited to head an interim government in 2007 but abandoned the attempt and in fact left politics. He had been close to Sheikh Hasina at one point, for instance he got the licenses for his Grameen Phone during her rule, but they later fell out. Yunus' Nobel Peace Prize and his earlier stint in the US have raised questions about whether he is in fact managed by US interests.Given all this, it is much more likely that it was a coup than a popular agitation. It remains to be seen who was behind the coup. What next for India and the region?There are several long-term challenges for India. None of this is positive for India, which is already facing problems on its periphery (eg. Maldives and Nepal). The coup in Bangladesh also makes the BIMSTEC alliance as unviable as SAARC.1. Deteriorating India-Bangladesh RelationsThe overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, seen as a close ally of India, has led to a rise in anti-Indian sentiment in Bangladesh. The new government may not be as friendly towards India, especially on sensitive issues like trade and security. This could jeopardize the gains in bilateral ties over the past decade. The presence of hardliners among the ‘advisers' to the interim government suggests that India will have little leverage going forward.2. Increased Border Security RisksIndia shares a long, porous border with Bangladesh. The political instability and potential increase in extremist groups could lead to more infiltration, smuggling, and illegal migration into India's northeastern states, posing internal security risks. Monitoring the border region will be critical. As it is, there are millions of illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya residing in India, which actually poses a threat to internal Indian security.3. Economic FalloutBangladesh is India's largest trading partner in the region, with $13 billion in commerce under the Hasina government. A deterioration in relations could hurt Indian exports and investments. The economic interdependence means India also has a stake in Bangladesh's stability and prosperity. Brahma Chellaney pointed out that Bangladesh is in dire straits, and has requested $3 billion from the IMF, $1.5 billion from the World Bank, and $1 billion each from the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency to tide over problems. 4. Climate Change ChallengesBoth countries are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, floods, droughts and extreme weather events. Bangladesh is especially at risk due to its low-lying geography. Millions of climate refugees could seek shelter in India, straining resources and social cohesion.  5. Geopolitical ImplicationsThe regime change has opened up space for China to expand its influence in Bangladesh. India will need to balance its ties with the new government while countering Chinese inroads in the region. The U.S. is also closely watching developments in Bangladesh. Instability in the region plays into the hands of Pakistan, whose medium-term ambition would be to detach India's Northeast as revenge for the creation of Bangladesh and for increasing normalization in J&K.6. Quota ImplicationsIndians, especially those agitating for ‘proportional representation' should note that the Bangladesh quota system was abolished in its entirety by Sheikh Hasina's administration in 2018 in response to student demands. India has a constitutional limit of 50% for reservations, but some are agitating for even more, which is a sure recipe for resentment and possibly violence. It is not inconceivable that it could be the spur for regime change in India as well.7. Human rights for Hindus and Buddhists; Citizenship Amendment Act and the Right to ReturnThe Hindu population in Bangladesh has fallen dramatically from about 28% in 1971 to about 8% now, and there is every indication that this is a demographic under extreme duress. Buddhist Chakmas in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are also under stress. India should enhance the CAA or create a formal Right to Return for Hindu and Buddhist Bangladeshis. Writing in Open magazine, Rahul Shivshankar pointed out that Hindus had faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts.In summary, the fall of the Hasina government and the long-term threat of climate change compel India to rethink its Bangladesh policy. Fostering stable, democratic and economically prosperous neighbors is in India's own interest. Rebuilding trust and deepening cooperation on shared challenges will be key to navigating the new realities in the region.2350 words, Aug 26, 2024 Get full access to Shadow Warrior at rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

Everyone knows the long history of the Central Intelligence Agency overthrowing foreign governments, but most are unfamiliar with its two favorite cut-outs that now carry out much of the dirty work openly that the CIA did covertly for decades. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) are the public face of the CIA and operate as sister agencies that report back to the mothership. They seek to influence, corrupt, compromise, and control political groups, business groups, and trade unions in order to ensure that the correct America-friendly regime ends up in office. Sometimes that process is peaceful, but not always. The Octopus of Global Control Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3xu0rMm Anarchapulco 2024 Replay: www.Anarchapulco.com Promo Code: MACRO Sponsors: Chemical Free Body: https://www.chemicalfreebody.com Promo Code: MACRO C60 Purple Power: https://c60purplepower.com/ Promo Code: MACRO Wise Wolf Gold & Silver: www.Macroaggressions.gold True Hemp Science: https://truehempscience.com/ Haelan: https://haelan951.com/pages/macro Solar Power Lifestyle: https://solarpowerlifestyle.com/ Promo Code: MACRO LegalShield: www.DontGetPushedAround.com EMP Shield: www.EMPShield.com Promo Code: MACRO Christian Yordanov's Health Transformation Program: https://christianyordanov.com/macro/ Privacy Academy: https://privacyacademy.com/step/privacy-action-plan-checkout-2/?ref=5620 Coin Bit App: https://coinbitsapp.com/?ref=0SPP0gjuI68PjGU89wUv Macroaggressions Merch Store: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/macroaggressions?ref_id=22530 LinkTree: linktr.ee/macroaggressions Books: HYPOCRAZY: https://amzn.to/3VsPDp8 Controlled Demolition on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ufZdzx The Octopus Of Global Control: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VDWQ5c Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/39vdKeQ Online Connection: Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/Macroaggressions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macroaggressions_podcast/ Discord Link:  https://discord.gg/4mGzmcFexg Website: www.Macroaggressions.io Facebook: www.facebook.com/theoctopusofglobalcontrol Twitter: www.twitter.com/macroaggressio3 Twitter Handle: @macroaggressio3 Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-4728012 The Union Of The Unwanted LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/uotuw RSS FEED: https://uotuw.podbean.com/ Merch Store: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/union-of-the-unwanted?ref_id=22643&utm_campaign=22643&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source

Jeremy Kuzmarov - Warmonger - How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the US Trajectory from Bush II to BidenNov 17, 2023During the 2016 presidential election, many younger voters repudiated Hillary Clinton because of her husband's support for mass incarceration, banking deregulation and free-trade agreements that led many U.S. jobs to be shipped overseas. Warmonger: How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the Trajectory from Bush II to Biden, shows that Clinton's foreign policy was just as bad as his domestic policy. Cultivating an image as a former anti-Vietnam War activist to win over the aging hippie set in his early years, as president, Clinton bombed six countries and, by the end of his first term, had committed U.S. troops to 25 separate military operations, compared to 17 in Ronald Reagan's two terms. Clinton further expanded America's covert empire of overseas surveillance outposts and spying and increased the budget for intelligence spending and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a CIA offshoot which promoted regime change in foreign nations. The latter was not surprising because, according to CIA operative Cord Meyer Jr., Clinton had been recruited into the CIA while a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and as Governor of Arkansas in the 1980s he had allowed clandestine arms and drug flights to Nicaraguan counter-revolutionaries (Contras) backed by the CIA to be taken from Mena Airport in the western part of the state. Rather than being a time of tranquility when the U.S. failed to pay attention to the gathering storm of terrorism, as New York Times columnist David Brooks frames it, the Clinton presidency saw rising tensions among the U.S., China and Russia because of Clinton's malign foreign policies, and U.S. complicity in terrorist acts. In so many ways, Clinton's presidency set the groundwork for the disasters that were to follow under Bush II, Obama, Trump, and Biden. It was Clinton--building off of Reagan--who first waged a War on Terror ridden with double standards, one that adopted terror tactics, including extraordinary rendition, bombing and the use of drones. It was Clinton who cried wolf about human rights abuses and the need to protect beleaguered peoples from genocide to justify military intervention in a post-Cold War age. And it was Clinton's administration that pressed for regime change in Iraq and raised public alarm about the mythic WMDs--all while relying on fancy new military technologies and private military contractors to distance US shady military interventions from the public to limit dissent.Jeremy Kuzmarov talks to Ed Opperman about his surprising and highly researched new book.BookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

In this episode, Kinga Redlowska, Head of CFS Europe, is joined by Zoe Reiter, Director for Kleptocracy at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and Tom Keatinge, CFS Director and author of a new RUSI paper entitled 'Combating Kleptocracy: Lessons from the Response to Russia's War in Ukraine'. They discuss the fight against kleptocracy, how Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has energised governments in their efforts to combat modern kleptocracy, and lessons from the response to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Jeremy Kuzmarov - Warmonger - How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the US Trajectory from Bush II to BidenNovember 17During the 2016 presidential election, many younger voters repudiated Hillary Clinton because of her husband's support for mass incarceration, banking deregulation and free-trade agreements that led many U.S. jobs to be shipped overseas. Warmonger: How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the Trajectory from Bush II to Biden, shows that Clinton's foreign policy was just as bad as his domestic policy. Cultivating an image as a former anti-Vietnam War activist to win over the aging hippie set in his early years, as president, Clinton bombed six countries and, by the end of his first term, had committed U.S. troops to 25 separate military operations, compared to 17 in Ronald Reagan's two terms. Clinton further expanded America's covert empire of overseas surveillance outposts and spying and increased the budget for intelligence spending and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a CIA offshoot which promoted regime change in foreign nations. The latter was not surprising because, according to CIA operative Cord Meyer Jr., Clinton had been recruited into the CIA while a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and as Governor of Arkansas in the 1980s he had allowed clandestine arms and drug flights to Nicaraguan counter-revolutionaries (Contras) backed by the CIA to be taken from Mena Airport in the western part of the state. Rather than being a time of tranquility when the U.S. failed to pay attention to the gathering storm of terrorism, as New York Times columnist David Brooks frames it, the Clinton presidency saw rising tensions among the U.S., China and Russia because of Clinton's malign foreign policies, and U.S. complicity in terrorist acts. In so many ways, Clinton's presidency set the groundwork for the disasters that were to follow under Bush II, Obama, Trump, and Biden. It was Clinton--building off of Reagan--who first waged a War on Terror ridden with double standards, one that adopted terror tactics, including extraordinary rendition, bombing and the use of drones. It was Clinton who cried wolf about human rights abuses and the need to protect beleaguered peoples from genocide to justify military intervention in a post-Cold War age. And it was Clinton's administration that pressed for regime change in Iraq and raised public alarm about the mythic WMDs--all while relying on fancy new military technologies and private military contractors to distance US shady military interventions from the public to limit dissent.Jeremy Kuzmarov talks to Ed Opperman about his surprising and highly researched new book.BookThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/1198501/advertisement

Damon Wilson, président du National Endowment for Democracy (NED) depuis deux ans, en RDC. Son institution pour objectif le renforcement et la progression des institutions démocratiques à l'échelle mondiale. Sa visite au Congo-Kinshasa vise à réaffirmer l'engagement à long terme du NED dans le pays et à mettre l'accent sur l'importance cruciale d'un processus électoral crédible en RDC. Lors d'entretiens avec ACTUALITE.CD et 7sur7, il a répondu à des questions concernant l'agression subie par l'Est du pays, par le Rwanda. « L'agression dans l'Est de la RDC constitue un problème majeur, un véritable cauchemar avec des souffrances et des atrocités horribles. Le Rwanda, le M23 et d'autres milices portent une part de responsabilité, tandis que l'Ouganda était également présent », a-t-il déclaré. Il a expliqué que le travail du NED consiste notamment à aider les populations locales à développer leur capacité à se faire entendre et à obtenir justice. « Nous avons un important programme basé à Goma et à Bukavu pour soutenir les Congolais, les aider à faire pression, à défendre les droits de l'homme, à documenter les violences pour obtenir justice, pour réclamer des comptes, et pour mener des actions de plaidoyer à l'échelle internationale ». Il a souligné l'importance nuancée du rôle du NED dans cette situation, insistant sur la responsabilité des États : « Il est indéniable que les autorités de Kigali portent une part de responsabilité. Les États doivent faire pression, mais nous, au NED, nous avons également des programmes au Rwanda ». L'ancien vice-président de l'influent Atlantic Council a mis en avant l'esprit d'ouverture qui règne en RDC et a évoqué les acteurs de la société civile souffrant dans les pays voisins : « Votre pays est bien plus ouvert que vos voisins. Ici, nous pouvons exprimer nos idées, organiser des actions, mener des campagnes et présenter des candidats. Ce n'est pas parfait, mais il existe un espace (...). Nous soutenons des partenaires au Rwanda, au Burundi, en Angola, en Ouganda, mais c'est très difficile pour eux car il n'y a pas de liberté d'expression ». Pour lui, il est crucial de soutenir les acteurs du changement présents dans d'autres pays de la région pour espérer instaurer la paix dans cette partie du monde, en particulier en RDC: « Soutenir l'avenir du Congo implique de soutenir ceux qui œuvrent pour la promotion des libertés dans les pays voisins, afin de provoquer un changement initié par la population locale ».  

Damon Wilson, président du National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a réitéré l'engagement à long terme du NED envers la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) lors de sa visite dans le pays. Il a souligné l'importance de la tenue d'élections crédibles et transparentes pour l'avenir de la RDC. "Nous sommes en RDC parce que ce pays est crucial pour l'avenir de l'Afrique centrale et du continent africain", a déclaré Damon Wilson dans une interview accordée à ACTUALITE.CD. "Nous voulons soutenir des élections qui reflètent la volonté du peuple congolais et permettent une expérience démocratique ouverte et transparente, une première dans l'histoire de la RDC." Il a insisté sur la nécessité de garantir des élections crédibles et respectées par toutes les parties prenantes, dans un climat exempt de violence. Damon Wilson a souligné que ces souhaits étaient en accord avec les aspirations de la société civile congolaise.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Adam Fivenson of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) discusses his co-authored piece: Shielding Democracy: Civil Society Adaptations to Kremlin Disinformation about Ukraine. Research Questions: Adam Fivenson suggests an interested student examine  How will the many changes taking place in our information ecosystem impact the 50+ national elections coming between now and the end of 2024? Based on their prior actions and their efforts around the world, how might authoritarian actors take advantage of our evolving information space to spread divisive narratives that harm democracy? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #151 Daniel Runde on Chinese Soft Power Shielding Democracy: Civil Society Adaptations to Kremlin Disinformation about Ukraine by Adam Fivenson, Galyna Petrenko, Veronika Víchová, and Andrej Poleščuk We Are Social 2023 Digital Report European Union Digital Services Act Russian War Report (Atlantic Council) Russian War Report: DFRLab releases investigations on Russian info ops before and after the invasion by the Digital Forensic Research Lab Other reports German Marshall Fund's Civic Information Handbook DFRLab's Narrative Warfare and Undermining Ukraine reports Atlantic Council: Scaling Trust on the Web Ukrainian counter-disinfo organizations Detector Media-Ukrainian journalists focused on countering Russian info ops StopFake-Ukrainian fact checkers Vox Ukraine-Ukrainian fact checkers and news organization Ukraine Crisis Media Center-Ukrainian news organizations Other European organizations doing work to counter disinformation European Values-Czech advocacy group Political Capital-Hungarian think thanks and advocacy group Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights-Polish advocacy group GLOBSEC-Slovakian think tank LAC-based organization: Chequeado-Argentine fact checkers with LAC-wide network Counter Disinfo Networks National Democratic Institute's (NDI) Disinformation Hub International Republic Institute's (IRI) BEACON project Zinc Network's Open Information Partnership German Marshall Fund's Black Sea Trust Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: Adam Fivenson is the senior program officer for information space integrity at the National Endowment for Democracy's International Forum for Democratic Studies, where he conducts research on the integrity in the information space and countering authoritarian information activities. Prior to joining the Forum, Adam advised political figures, governments, and international non-profits on communication, technology and data strategy, and led ethnographic research missions on the impact of new technologies on societies across four continents. He holds an MS from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a BA from the University of Michigan. Follow him on Twitter: @afivenson. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Timothy Gill, assistant professor in the department of sociology at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, joins Danny and Derek for a discussion of how the US has attempted to undermine foreign governments, particularly Venezuela, by way of democracy promotion. They discuss the role of government groups like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and parastatal actors like the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the history of US-Venezuelan relations and how they deteriorated, the two-party consensus in the US around democracy promotion interventions, how this tactic has also been used by the US in other regions, and more.Be sure to grab a copy of Tim's book Encountering US Empire in Socialist Venezuela: The Legacy of Race, Neo-Colonialism, and Democracy Promotion: https://shorturl.at/aiEIN This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.americanprestigepod.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into the recent coup in Niger, analyzing its implications and underscoring its significance on the global stage. On July 26th, the Presidential Guard took a daring step by placing President Mohamed Bazoum under house arrest, sealing the borders, imposing airspace restrictions, and boldly proclaiming the seizure of power. The world was caught off guard by this unforeseen upheaval, prompting a wave of sanctions and international condemnations.To provide deeper insights into this complex situation, we were privileged to speak with two distinguished individuals: Kamissa Camara, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Mali and current Senior Advisor on Africa at the U.S. Institute of Peace, and Susan Fine, a retired Foreign Service officer with 30 years of experience at USAID. Their perspectives are informed by their extensive contacts in the region, a profound understanding of Niger, and their ability to share broader contextual insights about how this crisis unfolded.While it is tempting to perceive the coup as having no impact on the United States, the truth is there are several intricate complications that could arise if Niger becomes the fourth West African country to succumb to military leadership in the span of two years. The insights shared by Camara and Fine shed light on these complications and underscore the interconnectedness of global politics and stability. As the situation continues to develop, it becomes increasingly evident that proactive engagement and thoughtful consideration of these events are imperative, even for those geographically distant from the affected region.Kamissa Camara is a senior advisor for Africa at the U.S. Institute of Peace. She is a sub-Saharan Africa policy analyst and practitioner with 15 years of professional experience. She has served as Mali's minister of foreign affairs, minister of digital economy and planning, and most recently, as chief of staff to the president of Mali. Previous to that, she served as senior foreign policy advisor to the president. Prior to working with the Malian government, Camara held leadership positions in Washington, D.C. with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and PartnersGlobal. At NED, Camara co-founded and co-chaired the Sahel Strategy Forum. She also spearheaded a multi-million-dollar program supporting civil society initiatives in West and Central Africa, with a particular focus on the Sahel.From 2015 until 2018, she was the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa instructor at the State Department's Foreign Service Institute where she trained U.S. diplomats. Susan Fine currently serves as the Board Chair of Rain for the Sahel and Sahara, a NH based-NGO that has partnered with rural and nomadic Nigeriens since 2001. She was Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, and Acting Assistant to the Administrator, in USAID's Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning (PPL).  Ms. Fine, a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer with rank of Minister Counselor, served in multiple positions in Washington and overseas including Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator, PPL, Director for Development Cooperation, and Mission Director for Senegal and the Sahel, managing a complex, multi-sector portfolio in Senegal, the Sahel Resilience program and bilateral activities in Niger and Burkina Faso.  Prior to that, she was Director for East African Affairs in the Africa Bureau where she oversaw USAID's programs in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes countries.

Leslie Aun, VP of Communications and Public Engagement for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) recently called Max Blumenthal and Alex Rubenstein of The Grayzone to dispute their characterization of the NED as a “CIA cutout,” although she admitted she didn't know what the term “CIA cutout” means. In response the two journalists educated Aun about her organization's sordid history and many of the ways the NED has served the interests of empire but with the sheen of “democracy” to protect its image. Jimmy and Americans' Comedian Kurt Metzger talk to Max about the surreal conversation and whether he felt Aun was genuinely ignorant of the subject matter. Plus a segment on a recent Israeli Freedom of Information Act request revealing that there have been zero Israeli deaths from COVID among healthy Israelis under 50. Also featuring Stef Zamorano and Mike MacRae! And phone calls from Al Pacino and dual GOP Presidential contenders Mike Pence and Ron DeSantis!

Recebemos a Professora e Pesquisadora Camila Feix Vidal (UFSC) que fala sobre ideias hegemônicas e suas consequências práticas. Camila discute, entre outras coisas, como a disseminação de ideias, que não são naturais ou inocentes, é financiada com recursos públicos pelos Estados Unidos e difundida por meio de instituições tais como o National Endowment for Democracy (NED), o Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) e a USAID. Aperte o play. The post O Poder das Ideias e a Manutenção Hegemônica appeared first on Chutando a Escada.

In this episode of the New York Times Book Review Podcast, we explore Ned Blackhawk's pivotal work, 'The Rediscovery of America, Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History'. We delve into the provocative question of how a nation founded on dispossessed indigenous lands can claim to be the world's leading democracy. The podcast uncovers the overlooked role Native Americans played in shaping U.S. history and the ways in which their story has been distorted by popular culture. Providing vital context to current discussions on citizenship, colonialism, and cultural superiority, this episode challenges our understanding of American history.

The United States Studies Centre and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) hosted a special event to hear from leaders across the region about the state of play for democracy and how aligned countries can work together. The event featured a keynote address followed by a panel discussion.Keynote addressAustralian economist Professor Sean Turnell spent much of his professional career studying the Myanmar economy and moved there to advise the State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi. After the February 2021 coup d'état toppled the democratically-elected government and the military assumed control of the country, Turnell was detained and imprisoned for nearly two years along with almost 6,000 others while more than 800 people were killed in the violent uprising.Panel discussion: Regional approaches to supporting democracy Ambassador Yukio Takasu, Chair, Future of Democracy Study Project and Former Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations Dr Sook Jong Lee, President Emeritus, Senior Fellow and Professor of Public Administration, Sungkyunkwan University Dr Henry Ivarature, Deputy Director, Strategic Engagement, Australia Pacific Security College, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Moderated by Dr Michael Green, CEO, United States Studies Centre  The panel reported on the Sydney round of the Sunnylands Initiative co-sponsored by the NED and USSC to assess the state of democracy in the Indo-Pacific and identify pathways to strengthen democratic partnership. Other participants in the conversation included representatives of Freedom House, the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, and thought leaders from across the Indo-Pacific.

«Війна – це шокова терапія. Це травма, яка пробуджує творчість та підвищує рівень поезії в суспільстві». Як мистецтву рефлексувати про війну? Чи можна розповідати про війну в Україні, не перебуваючи в Україні? Чому митцям важливо працювати з військовими? Чи ефективна арттерапія в реабілітації? Які теми війни мистецтво не проговорює? Коли відбувається надмірна героїзація та спрощення? Про війну, мистецтво та творчість під час безпосередньої загрози життю говоримо з Юрком Вовкогоном, культурним менеджером, у восьмому, останньому, епізоді першого сезону подкасту UKRAINE UNMUTED. Юрко був на фронті двічі: у 2014 та у 2022. Зараз він лікує поранення в Ризі. Наша Євгенія Нестерович переосмислює з Юрком його проєкт «Рани» як місце спогаду травми, дискутує про роль та місію мистецтва та аналізує українську культуру в контексті спільної травми. «Як і багато людей, я усвідомлював, що буде війна і буде опір. Але я не сподівався на такий рівень загальнонаціонального піднесення. Усе, про що ми мріяли ще студентами, розвиваючи в собі націонал-футуризм, збулося. Майбутнє – це хіба зорельоти під синьо-жовтими прапорами й мальви на Марсі». Подкаст UKRAINE UNMUTED з Євгенією Нестерович – це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

«Мистецтво – це єдиний матеріальний доказ існування душі. Зараз будь-яка творча дія – це підтримка життя». Про творіння і створення, про культурну магію і культурний міф говоримо у 7 епізоді подкасту UKRAINE UNMUTED з перформером та художником Костянтином Зоркіним. Хто має говорити про Україну та українське мистецтво? Чи є зараз спільні риси в українських митців? Як проходить сучасне культурне міфотворення? Наскільки в мистецтві важлива колективна дія? Як митці відчувають біль українських міст? Чи допоможе мистецтво подолати прірву між різними досвідами війни? Яким буде Харків після перемоги? «Харків мені болить, як орган мого тіла. Щоб працювати, важливо відчувати. Усе, що я відчуваю до мого міста, я показую в мистецтві». Подкаст UKRAINE UNMUTED з Євгенією Нестерович – це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Українське мистецтво допомагає долати страх! 6 розмова у подкасті UKRAINE UNMUTED якраз про подолання страху, відчуття відповідальності, власний і суспільний тілесний досвіди, інклюзію та практичну взаємодопомогу. Концептуальний художник Стас Туріна відверто розповідає про свій досвід війни, про рефлексії й творчу мовчанку, про нові дефініції відповідальності. Як для Стаса розпочалась війна та чому він був до неї готовим? Про що він зараз найбільше розмірковує і як це відображається у творчості? Що таке тілесні переживання? Якої підтримки потребують люди з інвалідністю і якою є правдива інклюзія? Чи існує радість за межею відчаю? Стас не народився в Києві, але став киянином, переживши разом з містом його найважчі дні після 24 лютого: «Я відчував себе учасником великої битви. Битва за Київ була й моєю битвою. Боротьбою в широкому сенсі цього слова. Як митець, я відчуваю громадянську відповідальність перед своєю країною». Подкаст UKRAINE UNMUTED з Євгенією Нестерович – це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

«Іноземці живуть у привілейованому та відносно безпечному середовищі. Вони не розуміють українську ситуацію не тому, що не хочуть, а тому, що не можуть уявити як в будинок прилітає ракета. Це поза межею їхнього досвіду. Наше завдання – не налякати, а познайомити їх з тим, що ми переживаємо». У цьому епізоді спілкуємось з Лією Достєвою – художницею та культурною антропологинею. Традиційно: про українське мистецтво та його репрезентацію, але розглядаємо тему з іншого кута. У чому складність репрезентації України та українського для іноземців? Чому західні суспільства сприймають нас по-різному? Як українській культурі бути почутою та змусити реципієнтів рефлексувати? Чому не всі іноземці однаково солідарні з нами? Подкаст UKRAINE UNMUTED з Євгенією Нестерович – це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Розглядаємо мистецтво не як форму, а як практику – разом з Богданом Шумиловичем: «Культура – це те, за що вбивають. Нею не можна легковажити». Говоримо про Щекавицю та вітальність у відчуті кінця світу: «Щоб не плакать, я сміялась. Українці будуть ржати, не зважаючи ні на що. Ця риса навколо нас, бо життя перемагає нежиття. Один світлячок у темноті нічого не змінює, але він дає сигнал, що може бути краще. Крім нас більше нема, кому перемагати, тому світіться та не гасніть». Подкаст UKRAINE UNMUTED з Євгенією Нестерович – це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Робимо українське мистецтво гучнішим. Разом з Євгенією Нестерович та Яриною Шумською – художницею, перформеркою та дослідницею мистецтва. «Мистецтво не транслює страх перед смертю. Усі ми рано чи пізно закінчимо свій земний шлях. Питання більш глобальне: що я можу зробити, поки я тут? У світу є питання, на які ми маємо відповідати. У тому числі завдяки мові мистецтва». Як змінилося сприйняття та репрезентація українського мистецтва закордоном за останні 10 років? Як розказати про Україну через перформанс? Чи розуміє світова публіка українську адженду? Про що можна говорити у творах і як (не) травмувати аудиторію? Чи мають українські митці громадянський обов'язок? Як передати біль через мистецтво? «Сховище перестало сприйматися тільки як фізичне укриття. Найкращим сховищем для людини є людина. Справжнє відчуття захищеності приходить з можливістю побути разом». Подкаст UKRAINE UNMUTED з Євгенією Нестерович – це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

«Українська культура, занедбана державою та суспільством, виробила таку стійкість, що зараз є однією з найпрогресивніших галузей». Про набір лінз для пояснення української культури закордоном, стрибок у залученості там наших спеціалістів, фору завдяки причетності до західних інституцій – говоримо з Оксаною Форостиною, яка є кураторкою дискусійної програми «Український зріз» UKRAINE UNMUTED, редакторкою збірки текстів до цього проєкту, стипендіаткою програми Europe's Futures Інститут наук про людину в Відні. Чому важливо створювати контекст? Яким має бути входження України у західний культурний світ? Як перейти на наступний рівень, коли український голос лунатиме не лише у розмовах про Україну? Подкаст UKRAINE UNMUTED з Євгенією Нестерович – це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

«Бойчук, Сікейрос, Рівера – це одного рівня космос». Про українське мистецтво у світовому контексті у першому епізоді нашого нового подкасту UKRAINE UNMUTED говоримо з Влодком Кауфмаром – художником, графіком, перформером. Про найбільшу біду нашої культури, прірву в 70 років, віру в мистецтво, моду на українське бесідуємо на затишній осінній терасі Львівської свічкової мануфактури. Тому крім глибоких думок ви можете почути звуки Львова. Яким є сучасне українське мистецтво? Як воно формується, презентується та сприймається за кордоном? Що на що впливає? У подкасті UKRAINE UNMUTED досліджує Євгенія Нестерович. Це спільний проєкт Radio SKOVORODA та Інституту стратегії культури з нагоди п'ятого триєнале сучасного українського мистецтва «Український зріз» у Каунасі. Слухайте на SoundCloud, Spotify, Google та Apple podcasts. Подкаст вдалось створити в межах програми Supporting Journalim in Distress, яку реалізує ГО «Львівський медіафорум» за підтримки National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Danny and Derek welcome back Aaron Good, host of the American Exception podcast and author of a book by the same name, for a discussion of American foreign policy education and historiography. They talk about what drove Aaron to write the book, individual actors' power within the “US regime,” the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the value of highlighting the US's political dark side for political change, and more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.americanprestigepod.com/subscribe

Ein Kommentar von Ullrich Mies.Die Regime der westlich-kapitalistischen Werteordnung unter US-Führung ringen verzweifelt nach Legitimation. Exklusivabdruck aus „Schöne neue Welt 2030“Sie hören Teil 2 des zweiteiligen Exklusivabdrucks aus dem Buch „Vom Fall der Demokratie und dem Aufstieg einer totalitären Ordnung“ von Ullrich Mies. Teil 1 ist im Schriftartikel verlinkt.Die Ziele des „Globalen Tiefen Staates“ unter US-FührungDie wesentlichen Steuerungsinstanzen geopolitischer Machtkonsolidierung beziehungsweise -Erweiterung, der fortgesetzten Lockdowns, des großen Transformationsprozesses, aber auch die Großprofiteure des Big Pharma-Digital-Sicherheits-Überwachungs- und Militär-Komplexes liegen in den USA, wobei die EU-Staaten als Vasallen und Komplizen, als Subakteure dieses Prozesses handeln.Folgende Ziele des „Globalen Tiefen Staates“ unter US-Führung lassen sich identifizieren:Die maximale Sicherung und Erweiterung der geopolitischen Ordnung — „Full-Spectrum-Dominance“ — unter Einsatz aller militärischen, geheimdienstlichen, destruktiven, wirtschaftlichen, sozial-zerstörerischen Kräfte. Die Durchsetzung von Maßnahmen zur Bevölkerungskontrolle; der schleichende ökonomische Zerfall ganzer Gesellschaften durch Lockdowns/Arbeitslosigkeit/Verelendung/Hunger/Zerstörungen von Lieferketten; Impfungen zur Verminderung der Reproduktionsrate, Robert F. Kennedy spricht von Massenmord; gezielte Immunsuppression durch Maskenterror, Hausarreste, Vernichtung ökonomischer Existenzen, Polizeiterror, Gehirnwäsche sowie Stressoren aller Art. Die gezielte Zersetzung nicht nur der erklärten Feinde, sondern auch aller „befreundeten“ Länder mithilfe offizieller Diplomatie und durch US-Behörden wie USAID, CIA, National Endowment for Democracy (NED) etc., vor allem auch mithilfe transatlantischer Netzwerke wie dem Council on Foreign Relations, Geheimdiensten und medialen Kooperationspartnern sowie zahllosen weiteren „Hilfsorganisationen“. Von großer Bedeutung sind ebenfalls die europäischen und deutschen Einfluss- Agenten in den politischen Parteien. Willy Wimmer schreibt hierzu: ... hier weiterlesen: https://apolut.net/staatsstreich-der-globalfaschisten-teil-2-2-von-ullrich-mies+++Apolut ist auch als kostenlose App für Android- und iOS-Geräte verfügbar! Über unsere Homepage kommen Sie zu den Stores von Apple und Huawei. Hier der Link: https://apolut.net/app/Die apolut-App steht auch zum Download (als sogenannte Standalone- oder APK-App) auf unserer Homepage zur Verfügung. Mit diesem Link können Sie die App auf Ihr Smartphone herunterladen: https://apolut.net/apolut_app.apk+++Abonnieren Sie jetzt den apolut-Newsletter: https://apolut.net/newsletter/+++Ihnen gefällt unser Programm? Informationen zu Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten finden Sie hier: https://apolut.net/unterstuetzen/+++Unterstützung für apolut kann auch als Kleidung getragen werden! Hier der Link zu unserem Fan-Shop: https://harlekinshop.com/pages/apolut+++Website und Social Media:Website: https://apolut.net/Odysee: https://odysee.com/@apolut:aRumble: https://rumble.com/ApolutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/apolut_net/Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/apolut_netTelegram: https://t.me/s/apolutFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/apolut/Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/apolut See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On the anniversary of the violent coup attempt in Tiananmen in 1989, I discuss how CIA cutout the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) boasted of funding regime change in China. I then respond to questions about Colombia's elections, Nicaragua's Sandinistas, women's rights and abortion in Latin America, and Turkey's colonialism in Syria. Download the Callin app for iOS and Android to listen to this podcast live, call in, and more! Also available at callin.com

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

In this edition of The Watchdog Podcast, Lowkey talks to Alan MacLeod about Ukraine, how the media is covering the conflict, and the promotion of supposedly “independent” Ukrainian media outlets that are quietly being funded by Western governments.Chief among these is The Kyiv Independent, a newspaper that was barely three months old at the time of the Russian invasion but has shot to prominence in the West, being relentlessly promoted on television and radio and in print. As a result, it has managed to garner over two million followers on Twitter and raise millions of dollars in crowdfunding.However, far less known is that The Kyiv Independent was born thanks to a grant of over CA$200,000 from the Canadian government, which made the donation through the European Endowment for Democracy. Furthermore, virtually all of The Kyiv Independent's staff came from The Kyiv Post, an outlet that has long been financially supported by NATO, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), and Western governments, meaning that for years they were directly in the pay of the national security state. Perhaps, then, The Kyiv Independent is not quite as independent as it makes itself out to be.Furthermore, as MacLeod explained, many Kyiv Independent journalists come from suspect backgrounds, including individuals who previously worked for NATO think tank The Atlantic Council, the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, or for the Council on Foreign Relations.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/MintPressNews)

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

#ReadyToVote - A civic intervention podcast series that aim to stimulate conversations in Nigeria towards increasing youth voters turnout in elections. This podcast is brought to you by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), powered by Access Media network with the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Today, Watchdog host Lowkey is joined by investigative journalist Matt Kennard to discuss how the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has infiltrated foreign media in an attempt to export obedience to the United States government and promote Washington's interests around the world.In the late twentieth century, the CIA developed an infamous reputation, both inside and outside the United States, as scandal after scandal hit the agency. COINTELPRO quietly infiltrated and subverted all manner of domestic democratic movements, including the student movement, the civil rights campaign, the hippie movement and the Black Panthers. The Church Committee, chaired by Sen. Frank Church (D-ID), revealed to the public that the CIA had also infiltrated hundreds of the largest and most important domestic media outlets in order to shape public discussion. Meanwhile, abroad, the CIA had funded death squads in Central America and organized the overthrow of several foreign leaders.The National Endowment for Democracy was the Reagan administration's solution to the storm of negative publicity. Established in 1983 as a semi-private company, the NED's job was to be the group to which the U.S. government outsourced its dirtiest work. This was done almost completely openly. “A lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA,” NED co-founder Allen Weinstein proudly told The Washington Post.The NED quickly went to work undermining the governments of Eastern Europe in the name of democracy and freedom of speech. Yet, as Kennard told Lowkey, once the Communist-era regimes fell, it actually expanded its scope to act as a worldwide force for projecting U.S. government interests everywhere.In recent years, the NED has been funneling money to protest leaders in Hong Kong, carrying out dozens of operations against the government of Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus, attempting to overthrow the Cuban government, and has even organized rock concerts inside Venezuela in an effort to destabilize the country.But Kennard's latest research shows that the NED is also conducting influence operations in the United Kingdom. The agency is quietly funding British journalistic outlets and press organizations to the tune of $3.5 million. As Kennard told Lowkey today:  From our research, it is quite clear that democracy and freedom are not the priorities of the NED because we could not find even one grant given in any of the six U.S.-backed Gulf dictatorships (Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait). Not one pro-democracy group in those countries received an NED grant that we could find. So it is effectively about projecting American power rather than freedom and democracy.A former reporter for The Financial Times, Kennard is now chief investigator at Declassified UK, an investigative journalism outlet concentrating on British foreign policy, military and state power. He is deeply concerned about his findings, and the presupposition that U.S. actions inside Britain are benevolent.Listen here to the podcast and remember to subscribe.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/MintPressNews)

Exposing the imperialist lies of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). On Thursday, October 28, retired NED President Carl Gershman delivered a speech titled, “Reflections on NED's Past and Democracy's Future." Gershman was President of the NED from its foundation in 1984 until 2021. During today's episode, we listen to Gershman's speech and debunk claims he makes about U.S. foreign policy. We also talk about the disastrous role of the NED as the face of soft-power U.S. imperialism. Today's guest is Ben Norton, an independent journalist. Ben is Assistant Editor of The Grayzone, an independent investigative journalism outlet against empire, and Producer of the Moderate Rebels podcast. Unmasking Imperialism exposes imperialist propaganda in mainstream media. Hosted by Ramiro Sebastián Fúnez.

Non-EU countries especially vulnerable to Gazprom's policies of cutting gas supply to Europe. Moldova, under severe strain to make it through a cold winter, has introduced a 30-day state of emergency to allow purchase of gas through alternative means. Initially failing to secure a long-term contract with the Russian gas giant (unlike Hungary), two Moldovan representatives are on their way to Moscow in hopes of brokering a deal by the end of this month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country is ready to supply additional Russian gas at a discounted transit fee — it is unclear if Moscow will bite until the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is up and running. Historic moment in Strasbourg as majority of the European Parliament took a harsh stance against Poland's rule of law troublemaking. European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen continues to urge Warsaw to comply with the ECJ's ruling that calls for the dissolution of the disciplinary chamber. David Sassoli and the European Parliament are planning to sue the Commission if the latter does not invoke the conditionality mechanism against Poland by 2 November. Chris Walker, Vice President for Studies and Analysis at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), talks with Visegard Insight on the main global challenges facing democracies and the liberal world order. How are authoritarian states re-writing the operating language of key international institutions like the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)? With what degree of success? Tune in to find out. Read more from Chris Walker here.

On this edition of Parallax Views, the recent protests in Cuba were, in some regards, boosted by hip hop artists like rapper Yotuel Romero of the Cuban hip hop group Orishnas. Journalist Alan MacLeod, in a recent article for Mint Press News entitled "The Bay of Tweets: Documents Point to US Hand in Cuba Protests", details how taxpayer dollars have been allocated to musicians, specifically hip hop artists, that are seen as potentially useful in stoking unrest and protest against the Cuban government. He joins us on this edition of the program to discuss this strange story and how it involves organizations like USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED; which has its origins in the CIA and the Reagan Presidency). We also discuss the impact of the embargo and sanctions on the Cuban economy along with a host of other issues related to Cuba and the protests including U.S. responses to it from political figures like Marco Rubio.

With special guest, editor, and investigative journalist Jeremy Kuzmarov. In 2015 Russia enacted laws requiring NGOs financed by outside nations and are seeking to influence the internal politics of Russia to register as ‘foreign agents. This included the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) which outraged US government and NED officials. Investigative journalist Robert Parry accurately described the NED as “a U.S. government-funded organization created in 1983 to do what the Central Intelligence Agency previously had done in financing organizations inside target countries to advance U.S. policy interests and, if needed, help in ‘regime change'.” The US government was outraged despite Russia essentially mimicking the same law, The Foreign Agent Registration Act, that we passed in our own country in 1938. In 1991, the Washington Post essentially validated what Parry was claiming regarding the purposes of the NED, as it quoted one of the founders of the NED Allen Weinstein as saying “a lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA.” Tonight, we are joined by the managing editor of Covert Magazine as we examine the covert manner and outcome in which the American public has been conditioned informationally to be receptive to anti-Russian disposition. Our focus is on the alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny and the rush to judgment that the Russians did it. We review the evidence to date as well as in light of the recent 21st century multiple scenarios in which the US government and the US media has repeatedly come up empty after making claims of certainty that Russia or another US ‘adversary' had committed egregious acts. We review our guest, Jeremy Kuzmarov's recent article Russian Opposition Leader Alexey Navalny a Key Prop in a Psychological Warfare Operation Designed to Bring Down Vladimir Putin? We provide a much fuller and more fully documented and therefore healthier contextual information base to our listeners. It is called investigative journalism rather than ‘promoting a narrative'. in order that our listeners can make a more well-informed estimation regarding what to believe. Who benefits? Who has a higher motive? What is the evidence that is brought forth? Is due process honored or discarded? Where does the preponderance of circumstantial evidence point? Learning how to not be played…. Again, and again!

With special guest, editor, and investigative journalist Jeremy Kuzmarov. In 2015 Russia enacted laws requiring NGOs financed by outside nations and are seeking to influence the internal politics of Russia to register as ‘foreign agents. This included the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) which outraged US government and NED officials. Investigative journalist Robert Parry accurately described the NED as “a U.S. government-funded organization created in 1983 to do what the Central Intelligence Agency previously had done in financing organizations inside target countries to advance U.S. policy interests and, if needed, help in ‘regime change'.” The US government was outraged despite Russia essentially mimicking the same law, The Foreign Agent Registration Act, that we passed in our own country in 1938. In 1991, the Washington Post essentially validated what Parry was claiming regarding the purposes of the NED, as it quoted one of the founders of the NED Allen Weinstein as saying “a lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA.” Tonight, we are joined by the managing editor of Covert Magazine as we examine the covert manner and outcome in which the American public has been conditioned informationally to be receptive to anti-Russian disposition. Our focus is on the alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny and the rush to judgment that the Russians did it. We review the evidence to date as well as in light of the recent 21st century multiple scenarios in which the US government and the US media has repeatedly come up empty after making claims of certainty that Russia or another US ‘adversary' had committed egregious acts. We review our guest, Jeremy Kuzmarov's recent article Russian Opposition Leader Alexey Navalny a Key Prop in a Psychological Warfare Operation Designed to Bring Down Vladimir Putin? We provide a much fuller and more fully documented and therefore healthier contextual information base to our listeners. It is called investigative journalism rather than ‘promoting a narrative'. in order that our listeners can make a more well-informed estimation regarding what to believe. Who benefits? Who has a higher motive? What is the evidence that is brought forth? Is due process honored or discarded? Where does the preponderance of circumstantial evidence point? Learning how to not be played…. Again, and again!

Recorded on January 21, 2021 Christopher Walker discusses Sharp Power as a Concept GUEST PROFILE Christopher Walker is vice president for studies and analysis at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. In this capacity, he oversees the department responsible for NED's multifaceted analytical work. Walker is an expert on authoritarian regimes and has been at the forefront of the discussion on authoritarian influence on open systems, including through what is often termed “sharp power.” His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, and the Journal of Democracy. He is coeditor of the volume Authoritarianism Goes Global: The Challenge to Democracy and of the report Sharp Power: Rising Authoritarian Influence.

Mr. Florindo Chivucute is the founder and Executive Director of Friends of Angola (FoA), and Paginas Tech, activist, and blogger. Florindo earned his Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and has over 6 years of experience working in non-profit organizations, international development, international relations, peace-building, and education while being active in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) in the United States. Since founding Friends of Angola in April 2014, he has led the design and implementation of five projects in Angola: Radio Angola (an online radio station); Strengthening Nonviolent Civic Engagement Among the Youth; Strengthening Democracy in Angola Through Community Journalism; Zuela Application – a pro-democracy and social networking smartphone app focused on fostering good governance, eradicating corruption, monitoring elections and human right violations and more. All projects were envisioned as part of a larger theory of change (ToC) to strengthen the capacity of civil society, empower women and youth while promoting nonviolent civic engagement by using new and existing technologies in Angola and the South-Western African Region. These projects were funded by The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the Embassy of Canada in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the U.S. Embassy in Luanda, Angola. Florindo has also published two research papers: “Urban Youth Activism and the Peace Process in Angola” and “Angola and China - Bilateral Economic Strategy.” 

We live in unsettled times. Is a revolution possible in the United States of America? It would seem an impossibility even a few years ago. But the question is worthy of analysis. What would it actually take to spark a war? The best answer is found in looking at our own government developed programs to destabilize other regimes. If we look back to the late 90s to early 2000, the US State Department, aided by its National Endowment for Democracy (NED), RAND Corp., and the CIA, we find a blueprint. It is called the Color Revolution Model. It has been deployed dozens of times globally to destabilize other governments. It is ironic the same tactics could destabilize our own country. The color revolution method is simple and ancient: instigate and manipulate a frenzied mob around simplistic demands to accomplish whatever geopolitical goals are intended. There are seven pillars to make this happen. This podcast discussed all of them.  This doesn't mean the United States will end up in a Civil War, but understanding the signs and tactics deployed to instigate war gives us insight into how it could happen in America.

About the lecture: There are opportunities and challenges in Angola and Mozambique to reform the electoral processes. What role can the local stakeholders and USG play to pave the way for a more transparent electoral process? About the coordinator and moderator: Prof. Hashem Mekki, MA, has taught Arabic Language, Culture & Middle East Media at IWP since 2012. He is the owner of Bridge Language Solutions, providing an array of language translation, interpretation and teaching services to the Washington DC metropolitan area, and the founder of Kele Global, a nonprofit organization that promotes education, health, and economic empowerment in the Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan. He also teaches Arabic language to federal employees & professionals at the National Nuclear Security Administration at the Department of Energy. Mr. Mekki volunteers with the IWP Center for Human Rights and International Affairs by providing Arabic translations & strategic cultural perspectives on North Africa and Middle East. He holds Bachelors degrees in both Political Science and International Studies from the City College of New York, and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies and International Politics from IWP. About the panelist: Martina Perino is the Program Manager for the Great Lakes and Southern Africa at the International Republican Institute. Originally from Mozambique and Italy, she has 10 years of democracy and governance experience in Mozambique, DR Congo, Zambia, and Kosovo. In Zambia, she was the Governance and Social sectors Program Manager at the European Union Delegation. There Ms. Perino designed and managed the electoral support project, an Access to Justice project and worked closely with local CSOs and other donors for human rights issues and local governance. In 2017 she joined USAID/Kosovo as the Democracy and Governance Strategic Planning Specialist where, among other tasks, she designed several projects including a local governance and conflict mitigation project, PVE project, media strengthening project, political party and legislative strengthening. Ms. Perino has been an election observer in Mozambique, DR Congo, Zambia, Kosovo, and Albania. Ms. Perino holds a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and a Master's in International Development. Florindo Chivucute is the founder and Executive Director of Friends of Angola (FoA), and Radio Angola (an online radio station), activist, blogger and digital media specialist. Florindo earned his Master's degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and has over 5 years of experience working in non-profit organizations, international development, international relations, peacebuilding, and education while being active in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) in the United States. Since founding Friends of Angola in April 2014, he has led the design and implementation of four projects in Angola: Radio Angola (an online radio station hosted by Florindo); Strengthening Nonviolent Civic Engagement Among the Youth; Strengthening Democracy in Angola Through Community Journalism; Zuela Application – a pro-democracy and social networking smartphone app focused on fostering good governance, eradicating corruption, monitoring elections and human right violations and more. All projects were envisioned as part of a larger theory of change (ToC) to strengthen the capacity of civil society, empower women and youth while promoting nonviolent civic engagement by using new and existing technologies in Angola and the South-Western African Region. These projects were funded by The National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

It's Friday: that means it's panel time!"The April unemployment rate surged to a record 14.7%, and payrolls dropped by a historic 20.5 million workers as the coronavirus pandemic hit the economy, wiping out a decade of job gains in a single month," the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing US Labor Department data. What are we to make of this?Two men are facing charges in the shooting death of an unarmed black man in Brunswick, Georgia. Gregory and Travis McMichael are charged with murder and aggravated assault charges for the death of Ahmaud Arbery back in February. Arbery was jogging down a street when the father and son confronted him with guns drawn. Video of the incident shows the confrontation unfold. Meanwhile, ABC 7 Chicago reported Wedesday, "An Illinois state representative who is black said he was stopped by a police officer while leaving a store and wearing a mask and gloves. In a series of tweets, Representative Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) said he was dressed casually, like most of the other shoppers on Sunday, when an officer asked to see his receipt and ID. Buckner complied. He asked why he was stopped and said the officer told him, 'People are using the coronavirus to do bad things. I couldn't see your face, man. You looked like you were up to something.'" What are we to make of these incidents?In the context of the operation's poor planning and utter failure, Alan MacLeod writes in MintPress News of the recently attempted coup in Venezuela: "In what has been labeled a new 'Keystone Kops Bay of Pigs,' the latest attempt to overthrow the government of Nicolas Maduro failed spectacularly, as both American and Venezuelan paramilitaries were immediately overwhelmed when they came into contact with the navy, or even with armed local fishermen's collectives." What are we to make of this?"Corporate media outlets spread fake news claiming North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had died. The lie originated with a Seoul-based website funded by the US government's regime-change arm the NED," The Grayzone reported on May 4. "Many of these fake news stories originate with Korean opposition groups that are funded to the hilt by the US government's National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a CIA cutout created by the Ronald Reagan administration to push regime change against foreign countries that don't sufficiently kowtow to Washington.""President Donald Trump made clear during both an interview and a press briefing Tuesday that he is willing to sacrifice lives for the sake of reopening US businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic, declaring that jumpstarting the American economy is worth the dire public health risks," Common Dreams reported Wednesday.We've got all these stories and more!GUESTS:Dr. Linwood Tauheed — Associate professor of economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. John Burris — Lead attorney and founder of the Law Office of John L. Burris. He is primarily known for his work in the area of civil rights, with an emphasis on police misconduct and excessive force cases. Caleb Maupin — Journalist and political analyst who focuses his coverage on US foreign policy.David Schultz — Professor of political science at Hamline University. Daniel Lazare — Journalist and author of three books: "The Frozen Republic," "The Velvet Coup" and "America's Undeclared War."

Neste episódio, refletimos sobre o atual modus operandi da direita latino-americana a partir de dois eventos recentes: a Cúpula Conservadora das Américas e o Foro por la Democracia, eventos que contaram com a presença de grupos políticos como os (neo)pinochetistas do Chile, uribistas da Colômbia e a própria família Bolsonaro. Em um debate vigoroso, Eduardo Perondi conversa com a historiadora Rejane Hoeveler, que traça um panorama desses eventos, analisa os projetos dessa direita para a região e fala sobre a nova ordem política regional, conservadora nos costumes e liberal na economia. Não poderíamos deixar de relembrar o golpe de Estado de 1973 no Chile, que completa 46 anos no dia 11 de setembro de 2019. Apresentamos um pequeno balanço dos retrocessos econômicos e sociais que resultaram das políticas neoliberais implementadas pelo ditador Pinochet, com a ajuda dos “Chicago Boys” – experiência que necessita ser melhor estudada no Brasil –, que hoje têm como ministro da economia um verdadeiro admirador do modelo chileno. Introdução: Bruno Miranda / Apresentação: Eduardo Perondi / Seção “Saludos Latinos”: Antônio Ferreira Siga a gente no Twitter: @PulsoLatinoCast. Curta a página Pulso Latino Podcast no Facebook. Mande um e-mail para nós: pulsolatinocast@gmail.com. Abrimos o episódio com o som “Nuestra Escritura Mapuche”, da banda de rap Mapuche Waikil, que nos autorizou a reprodução no programa e divulgação. Músicas utilizadas no episódio: https://youtu.be/3tLNRrU-7yE https://youtu.be/XXtej5deD7k https://youtu.be/VsCRjDxpBXA Na trilha sonora, vocês também escutam a música “Adiós General” do grupo Sol & Lluvia. PARA MERGULHAR NOS TEMAS DO EPISÓDIO: Documentário “I love Pinochet” (2001): https://youtu.be/TddcgLiimSo Filme “Nostalgia de la luz” (2010), dirigido por Patrício Guzmán. Podcast latino-americano indicado: Las Raras http://lasraraspodcast.com (Chile) Outros Materiais citados no episódio Foro por la Democracia: https://bit.ly/2kqgtlv Fake News sobre o Chile para defender Paulo Guedes: https://bit.ly/2lJAVOx Camila Flores na CNN Chile: “Para você é um ditador, para mim não é”: https://youtu.be/4nW92zauVQk Celebração de pinochetistas na plazoleta: https://youtu.be/YkTCu4sNViM Beatriz Sanchez, sobre o pinochetismo: https://youtu.be/eDv9wkZ94ao Denisse Malebrán: “Pode-se governar com o pinochetismo?”: https://youtu.be/HKXBi6iKWVk Kast na Cúpula Conservadora das Américas: https://youtu.be/IHbb9tRC6Xc Discurso pinochetista de Camila Flores: https://bit.ly/2m5GK8Y Eduardo Bolsonaro no Chile: https://youtu.be/tolYnj32lQM Dreyfuss, René. A internacional capitalista: estratégia e tática do empresariado transnacional. Editora Espaço e Tempo, 1986. Barbosa, Letícia Cristina Bizarro. Conquistando corações e mentes: uma análise da National Endowment for Democracy (NED) no Equador (2006-2016): https://repositorio.ufsc.br/handle/123456789/193316 Minella, Ary. Construindo hegemonia: democracia e livre mercado (atuação do NED e do CIPE na América Latina). Salvador, Cadernos CRH, v. 22, n. 55, 2009.

For International Women’s History Month, Democracy That Delivers will feature podcasts for CIPE’s Center for Women’s Economic Empowerment every week of March.   Robin Runge is the senior gender Specialist at Solidarity Center, another core institute of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). She is an expert on the development of policies and laws domestically and internationally to address the impact that gender-based violence and other equality issues have on women in the workplace. The Equality and Inclusion Department at Solidarity Center works to empower women to be able to confront and challenge global systems that subject them to discrimination in the workplace. During this podcast, Runge, along with Barbara Langley, Director of CIPE’s Center for Women’s Economic Empowerment, and host Ken Jaques, discuss the effects of violence in the world of work. They discuss the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) new legally binding convention on violence in the workplace, which is expecting an upcoming vote in the summer. The convention would strengthen and advance the #MeToo movement in three important ways.

Elliott Abrams, the new U.S. Special Envoy to Venezuela, along with witnesses from the State Department and USAID, testified to Congress about the Trump administration's efforts to replace Venezuela's President. In this episode, hear highlights from that hearing and gain some insight into Elliott Abrams' past regime change efforts as a member of the Reagan administration, which will help you to understand why so many people are concerned that he was picked for the Venezuela job. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Click here to contribute monthly or a lump sum via PayPal Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North, Number 4576, Crestview, FL 32536 Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes CD190: A Coup for Capitalism CD186: National Endowment for Democracy CD176: Target Venezuela: Regime Change in Progress Sound Clip Sources Hearing: Venezuela at a Crossroads, House Committee on Foreign Relations, Committee on Foreign Affairs, February 13, 2019. C-SPAN YouTube Witnesses: Elliott Abrams - U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela, U.S. Department of State Sandra Oudkirk - Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State Steve Olive - Acting Assistance Administrator, Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, U.A. Agency for International Development (USAID) Sound Clips: 11:42 Rep. Michael McCaul: When Nicolas Maduro was hand picked by Hugo Chavez in 2013, it was clear that he would follow in his socialist dictatorship footsteps. Since that time, Maduro's policies, rampant corruption and violent crackdowns on peaceful political dissent have turned Venezuela into a failed state. Hyperinflation has skyrocketed. Food and medicine are scarce, and according to the United Nations, up to 3 million people have fled the country since 2014 last week, a fuel tanker and two shipping containers were placed on a bridge to block the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid as seen on the, uh, the screen. This act highlights how evil the Maduro regime really is. 12:34 Michael McCaul: The current crisis highlights the horrifying impact of socialism. Those who continue to preach or shows sympathy, do not understand its history and the abject suffering it has caused. 17:26 Elliot Abrams: Thank you for the opportunity to testify on our efforts to restore democracy. Protestors: Protestors yelling… 24:47 Elliot Abrams: Mr. Chairman, thank you for inviting me here today and thank you for the continuing interest, uh, and support that this committee has shown bipartisan interest in supporting the struggle for freedom in Venezuela. Protestor: Five coverage in your line. Again, that bridge was closed for years where that food was supposed to come down and when you were in charge will remind all persons in the audience any manifestations of approval or disapproval of proceedings is in violation of the rules of a house and committees. 29:47 Steve Olive: State supports local human rights defenders, civil society, independent media, electoral oversight, and the democratically elected national assembly. Over the past five years, we have provided close to $40 million in democratic democracy assistance to these groups, including the planned $15 million in fiscal year 2018 funding, which cleared Congress yesterday. 39:04 Michael McCaul: Mr Abrams, I think we really have a historic opportunity to transform what's been a, you know, socialist dictatorship that has been a humanitarian crisis into a democracy, um, supported by freedom and the, and the people. And at the same time, I think for the first time in decades, have an influence on Cuba in the western hemisphere. 43:44 Rep. Brad Sherman: Um, we've got a situation where Russia expects to be repaid a Mr. Abrams. Um, what steps are we considering to, uh, support an action by the Venezuelan people to say, okay, we owe you so much minus that two, three, $10 trillion of harm you did to our country by, uh, uh, supporting this criminal Maduro. Uh, therefore you only owe us 1 trillion instead of 2 trillion. Uh, Mr Abrams are we, discussing with the Russians how we can make it plain to, the permanent future Venezuelan government that they do not have to pay Russia and that they will not suffer any demerits, uh, in, uh, in their credit rating for western agencies. So in Western banks. Elliot Abrams: We'd begun to have those discussions. Uh, primarily, of course it would be led by treasury, but, um, the interim government and the National Assembly has said that they would repay debts. Some of those debts, I think were never approved by the National Assembly. Ultimately, it is a decision that they're going to put the most of these that they're going to have to make. Brad Sherman: But if we put the Russians on notice that we would support and require our banks to support a decision by the Venezuelan government to offset that by trillions of dollars of claims against Russia, and that we would prohibit, we might choose to prohibit our banks from looking at any credit rating, uh, that, uh, was impaired by failure to repay Russia. Elliott Abrams: Don't believe that exact message. Brad Sherman: I hope you will. 47:23 Brad Sherman: And, uh, we also have Venezuela reportedly owe China, $20 billion. Um, I know that China's policy toward Maduro is, is different than that of Russia, but, uh, uh, what is China doing now to help the legitimate government of Venezuela? Elliot Abrams: They aren't doing anything to help, uh, Mr. Brad Sherman: Are they providing any additional funds to Maduro? Elliot Abrams: No. Uh, my information is that they won't lend any more money because they're worried about getting back what they've already lent. And the message that we've passed at him is you continue to back Maduro and the economy of Venezuela descends further. You will never get paid back. 1:0439* Rep. Albio Sires: Ms. Oudkirk, can you talk to me a little bit about the oil sanctions? I know that in my reports, that Juan Guaido plans to name a new board of directors for Citco the process will require the west to legally recognize the new board members. Would a new board have access to U.S banks, accounts with proceeds from Venezuela's oil sales that have been blocked by the sanctions? Sandra Oudkirk: Thank you, Mr Congressmen. So as I noted in my remarks, the key to sanctions relief for PDVSA, um, it is the transfer of control of that company away from, uh, Maduro and his cronies and to a demo, a democratically elected representatives of the, of the Venezuelan people. It would the, with regards to Citgo, citgo operations in the United States are covered by a general license that Treasury issued on the day the sanctions were announced. So sit goes operations here in the u s um, are continuing under that, that license and that license covers them for six months from the date of announcement. The ban is on remitting, uh, payments back to, PDVSA as long as it is, uh, under, um, the illegitimate control. So if you have, Albio Sires: What would a board do, named by Guaido? What would that do? If he names a new board? Sandra Oudkirk: For Citgo? Albio Sires: Yes. Sandra Oudkirk: I will have to get back to you on the details, uh, of that. Um, I don't have the answer for you right now. I'm sorry, Albio Sires: Mr Abrams? Elliot Abrams: Well, we don't want any of the, uh, one of the funds to go to the, to the regime, so that would not be permitted. But, um, I think there's a lot of lawyers in Washington who were making a lot of money trying to figure out the answer to your question. Albio Sires: My daughter's a lawyer... My thing is if, if we are able to get this money in U.S. banks and obviously under this sanction, good dumb money be used for humanitarian purposes in Venezuela? Elliot Abrams: It can, um, all of these funds, uh, all Venezuelan government funds are in our view, a rightly available to the legitimate interim president, Mr Guaido and the National Assembly. So they can use those funds to purchase additional humanitarian assistance, right. Is a lot of procedures to go through to get them actual control of it. Uh, and they've made it clear that they want to be extremely careful. They're going to be accused of, of misusing the funds. So everything's got to be totally transparent, but in principle, yes, sure. 1:24:44 Rep. David Cicilline: I want to turn to my first series of question because I am concerned by continuing comments from the Trump administration noting that the use of military force is, as the president said, an option. And so for you Mr. Abrams. My first question is we have not, of course, the congress of the United States has not declared war on Venezuela, correct? Elliot Abrams: Correct. David Cicilline: Is there an existing statutory authorization that would allow for a military intervention in Venezuela? Yes or no? Elliot Abrams: Not to my knowledge. David Cicilline: Has Venezuela attack the United States, his territories or possessions or its armed forces? Elliot Abrams: No. David Cicilline: Has the administration increased troop deployments to countries including Columbia neighboring Venezuela at any point in the last month? Elliot Abrams: Don't believe so. David Cicilline: Are there, are there currently any plans to or discussions about moving additional combat troops to Columbia or any other country that neighbors Venezuela? Elliot Abrams: Not to my knowledge. David Cicilline: Is anyone at the White House, National Security Council, the Department of Defense or any other agency making plans for US military engagement in Venezuela? Elliot Abrams: That's a question I can't answer. I know of no such planning. David Cicilline: Well, consistent with the war powers act. I've introduced legislation that expressly prohibits the administration room taking military action in Venezuela without consulting Congress. Will you pledge that the Trump administration will not take any military action in a regarding Venezuela without consulting with Congress in accordance with the war powers act? Elliot Abrams: I don't know that I can answer that question. Mr Cicilline. A series of presidents, you know, have taken a jaundiced view, I might say, of the war powers act. So I'm really not… David Cicilline: Well, under our constitution, as you know, only congress can declare war and we have neither declared war and are granted the administration the authority to send the armed forces into hostilities in Venezuela. In my view, it would be illegal under us law, inappropriate and reckless to attempt and military intervention. The United States must show leadership in our own hemisphere and we must continue to provide aid to suffering Venezuelans. But I want to just build on Mr Keating's question because you said of the 51 countries in this coalition, we are the only one that has threatened the use of military force. And in response to a question from Mr Keating, you said, because we're the only one capable of doing it, surely you're not suggesting the other 50 countries do not have military capability to engage in a military action if they so elected do. Elliot Abrams: Well, some do and some don't. David Cicilline: So some do. And we're not the only ones that have that ability. Elliot Abrams: We have not threatened military action in Venezuela. We've said that all options are on the table. David Cicilline: My question is we're not the only one that has that capability. So when you said that to Mr Keating that was not accurate. Elliot Abrams: We are the only one with the kind of capability obviously, David Cicilline: but others have military capability and have not made the same assertion of that being an option. Isn't that correct? Elliot Abrams: I am actually not sure of the answer to that of whether of what other governments have said. David Cicilline: Okay. So Mr. Abrams, what is particularly concerning to me is that in light of the fact there is no legal authority to, uh, express the use of military force as an option. It's unclear to me how the president or anyone in the administration can claim it's an option on table because it is not. And to the extent that we are suggesting that it is, we are misleading the international community where miss me leading the people in Venezuela. So I urge you to take back the message, the administration that it is not authorized and not helpful. 1:41:03 Rep. Joaquin Castro: Uh, I have in the past supported sanctions against the Maduro regime because as Mr. Meeks mentioned, I do believe in many ways that Mr. Maduro Has oppressed his people. At the same time, I believe that the role of the United States is to promote democracy, freedom and human rights around the world. The role of the United States is not the hand pick. The next leader of Venezuela and Mr Abrams. I have a question for you. My question is whether you're aware of any transfers of weapons or defense equipment by the United States government to groups of Venezuela opposed to Nicolas Maduro since you were appointed special representative for Venezuela and I want to be respectful of you, but also honest and the reason that I asked that question. There's been a McClatchy news report of such an incident. Have you, are you aware of that news report? Elliot Abrams: I saw the report, yes. Joaquin Castro: I asked this question because you have a record of such actions in Nicaragua. You were involved in the effort to covertly provide lethal aid to the contras against the will of Congress. You ultimately pled guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress in regard to your testimony during the Iran Contra scandal. So I asked you the question, can we trust your testimony today? : Well, you can make that decision for yourself, Mr. Castro. I can tell you that the answer to your question is no. It's a simple, uh, and unequivocal no. Uh, there has been no such transfer of arms. 1:41:50 Rep. Ilhan Omar: Mr. Adams in 1991 you pleaded guilty to two counts of withholding information from Congress regarding your involvement in the Iran Contra affair for which you were later pardoned by President George H. W. Bush. I fail to understand, uh, why members of this committee or the American people should find any testimony that you give a today to be truthful. Elliot Abrams: If I could respond to that Ilhan Omar: That wasn't a question. I said that that was not, that was not a question that was high. I reserve the right to my time. It is not. It is not right. That was not a question. On February 8th who is not permitted to reply that that was not okay. Question. Thank you for your participation on February 8th, 1982 you testified before the Senate foreign relations committee about US policy in El Salvador. In that hearing you dismiss As communist propaganda report about the massacre of El Mazote in which more than 800 civilians including children as young as two years old, were brutally murdered by us trained troops doing that massacre. Some of those troops bragged about raping a 12 year old girl before they killed them girls before they killed them. You later said that the u s policy in El Salvador was a fabulous achievement, yes or no. Do you still think so Elliot Abrams: from the day that President Duarte was elected in a free election, To this day, El Salvador has been a democracy. That's a fabulous achievement, Ilhan Omar: yes or no. Do you think that massacre, was a fabulous achievement that happened under our watch? Elliot Abrams: That is a ridiculous question. Yes or no? No, I will. Ilhan Omar: I will take that as a yes. Elliot Abrams: I am not going to respond to that kind of personal attack which is not a question Ilhan Omar: Yes or no. Would you support an armed faction within Venezuela that engages in war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide if you believe they were serving us interest as you did in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua? Elliot Abrams: I am not going to respond to that question. I'm sorry. I don't think this entire line of questioning is meant to be real questions and so I will not reply. Ilhan Omar: Whether you under your watch, a genocide will take place and you will look the other way because American interests were being upheld is a fair question because the American people want to know that anytime we engage a country that we think about what our actions could be and how we believe our values are being fathered. That is my question. Will you make sure that human rights are not violated and that we uphold international and human rights? Elliot Abrams: I suppose there is a question in there and the answer is that the entire thrust of American policy in Venezuela is to support the Venezuelan people's effort to restore democracy to their country. That's our policy. Ilhan Omar: I don't think anybody disputes that. The question I had for you is that the interest does the interest of the United States include protecting human rights and include protecting people against genocide. Elliot Abrams: That is always the position of the United States. Ilhan Omar: Thank you. I yield back my time. 1:42:35 Joaquin Castro: I also want to ask you, I mentioned the promotion of democracy and the fact that the Venezuelan people have to pick their own leader. What is the administration strategy for encouraging elections as soon as possible in Venezuela? Elliot Abrams: Well, that is the heart of really of administration policy. That is, uh, after the Maduro regime, a short transition to an election. And that's the view of all of the 51 nations that are supporting Mr Guido. I completely agree with the way you started. It's not for us to choose the next president of Venezuela. It's for Venezuelans. We can help is a lot of other countries can help in facilitating a free election because there's, you know, there's a lot of experience. The National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, Freedom House and equivalents in a lot of other countries are really quite good at giving assistance. 1:45:40 Elliott Abrams: And once there is a, uh, freely elected government that can deal again with the World Bank and the IMF and a broad international programs of support, I think the Russian role will diminish very quickly. 1:47:00 Rep. Sandra Oudkirk: So one of the reasons why we licensed the continued involvement of US companies in upstream oil production in Venezuela was because the oil and gas sector is the key pillar of the Venezuelan economy and it will be going forward and keeping us the U s corporate presence there, um, with their best practices, with their adherence to all the sorts of practices that we expect here in the United States is we believe one of the best ways to ensure that in the future, Venezuela is able to return to prosperity and sort of an economy that functions normally. 1:47:59 Sandra Oudkirk: But we do believe that western involvement in the upstream oil sector, we will leave us positioned to, to have both the US private sector and the u s government assist with eventual economic recovery. And, and we are a counterweight to the Russian and the Chinese investment, which is otherwise very prevalent in that industry. 1:53:03 Greg Pence: Over 40 countries have now recognized Juan Guido as the interim president of Venezuela. 1:56:22 Steve Olive: What administrator Green and I were there in July. It was clear that there were saying, and we, and we saw it firsthand, that 90% of the Venezuelans that were coming into Colombia to get support, we're going back in to Venezuela. So they were just coming in to be able to get the vaccines or healthcare or food or, or generate some income to be able to go back into the country. And we expect that to continue until when we were allowed to bring in our humanitarian assistance into the country in a safe and efficient manner, in a manner that we can monitor where it goes, and that it makes sure that it gets to the people who are in need of it most. 1:57:24 Rep. Adriano Espaillat: Well, Mr Abrams, uh, many of our allies have expressed concern of your appointment, uh, to deal with this problem. Some carob have characterized it as being perhaps like appointing Exxon to lead a discussion on the green new deal or maybe even appointing MBS to lead a discussion on fairness in journalism and accessibility to journalists. Uh, do you feel that your past actions in Iran contract permanently impair your ability to fairly and transparently a deal in the region? Since we all know the outcome of what happened then? Do you feel that that's a major problem, baggage that you bring to the table? I don't and I've now I've been doing this job for two whole weeks. Um, and I can tell you that, uh, members of Congress have raised it. No Latin American of any nationality with whom I have dealt has raised it. And we've had lots and lots of discussions about how we're going to promote democracy in Venezuela. Elliot Abrams: I guess I should say, since I've been attacked now three times in my own defense, if you look at the written record of eight years when we came in, there were military dictatorships,and when we left in country after country after country, there had been transitions that we support it Chili's a very good example. So I think it's actually a record of promoting democracy. I think a lot of Adriano Espaillat: Respectfully, I differ with you, I think is a fact of history. We should not dig our heads in the sand and make believe that this never happened because he did. And you were at the helm of that Elliot Abrams: I was at the helm of promoting democracy in Latin America. Adriano Espaillat: You may want to characterize it that way, but I don't, I think you were involved in the Iran-Contra deal, and I think that permanently damage you to be a fair and impartial arbitrar in a conflict is leading to, to, to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented levels in Venezuela. 2:18:26 Rep. Steve Chabot: Um, what's the state of press freedoms in Venezuela and how are we a countering the regime's propaganda and ensuring that Venezuelans are aware of the support that the u s uh, and the international community or providing? Elliot Abrams: Thank you, congressman for your question. We are providing support for independent media. Uh, we are now up to, with the approval of your current, the congressional notification notification that has now expired and we can now use our 2018 funding. We have approximately of spent about approximately $40 million or available for one of the areas is independent media. The groups that we are working with, Freedom House, uh, the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, Ndi and others are working to preserve an independent media within the country. 2:27:30 Rep. Tom Malinowski: Would you then agree as a general matter, and I know I'm sensitive to the fact that you're here representing the administration's Venezuela policies you can't necessarily speak for, for everything else, but as a general matter, would you agree that if we are going to be condemning a president who is trying to attain absolute power for life contrary to constitutions and the democratic process in Venezuela, that we should do so in other countries such as Egypt when that similar situations arise as a general matter? Sure. Elliot Abrams: I really should not respond, um, beyond the question of Ben as well. It's really not my remit at the department and not while I'm up here. Uh, you and I go back a ways and you know, that, uh, my view is generally that the United States should be supporting the expansion of democracy, um, all over the world. Video: Bolton promises to confront Latin America's 'Troika of Tyranny', The Washington Post, November 1, 2018. Video: Empire Files: Abby Martin Meets the Venezuelan Opposition, YouTube, July 30, 2017. Video: Empire Files: Abby Martin in Venezuela - Supermarkets to Black Markets, YouTube, July 11, 2017. Video: Pauly D & Vinny: The Ultimate Guidos' Official Throwback Clip, Jersey Shore, MTV (YouTube), June 1, 2017. State of the Union Address: George W. Bush - Uranium from Africa Statement, YouTube, January 28, 2003. Presidential Address: President Reagan's Address to the Nation on the Iran-Contra Controversy, YouTube, November 13, 1986. Sound Clips: President Ronald Reagan: In spite of the wildly speculative and false stories of our arms for hostages and alleged ransom payments, we did not, repeat, did not trade weapons or anything else for hostages... But why you might ask, is any relationship with Iran important to the United States? Iran encompasses some of the most critical geography in the world. It allows between the Soviet Union and access to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Geography explains why the Soviet Union has sent an army into Afghanistan to dominate that country, and if they could, Iran and Pakistan, Iran's geography gives it a critical position from which adversaries could interfere with oil flows from the Arab states that border the Persian Gulf, apart from geography, Iran's oil deposits are important to the long-term health of the world economy. Discussion: Elliott Abrams discusses Guatemala with Jim Lehrer, The MacNeil/Lehrer Report, YouTube, November 30, 1983. Sound Clip: 4:11 Jim Lehrer: On the killings, in 1981 as I'm sure you're aware of, the State Department said there was between 250 to 300 political killings a month in Guatemala. Can you give me any idea as to what that figure is now? Elliott Abrams: our latest figures are down to about 40 or 50 a month, which is a considerable reduction. We're not suggesting that situation of 40 or 50 a month is good, but it's a lot better and we think that kind of progress needs to be rewarded and encouraged. Jim Lehrer: And you think this sale will in fact encourage more, not less? I mean more progress, not less progress? Elliott Abrams: Yes, absolutely. Because... Jim Lehrer: Now why? Elliott Abrams: Because it shows the government that we mean it when we say that we are behind these kinds of moves and that if you make these kinds of moves were willing to support you. If we take the attitude that don't come to us until you're perfect, we're going to walk away from this problem until Guatemala has a perfect human rights record. Then we're going to be leaving in the lurch. People there who are trying to make progress and are succeeding. Jim Lehrer: Are you, do you firmly believe that the, that the key person who is trying to make progress is President Rios Montt? Elliott Abrams: Yes. Because the government, uh, policies really changed after he came in and, uh, March of last year. Uh, and he is, I think it's fair now to say practicing what he preaches. There has been a tremendous change, especially in the attitude of the government towards the Indian population, which used to be seen as an enemy and is now seen as a citizen population, as an ally in the struggle for a future of Guatemala. Additional Reading Article: The tragic life of the war criminal Elliott Abrams by Branko Marcetic, Jacobin Magazine, February 16, 2019. Article: What did Elliot Abrams have to do with the El Mozote massacre? by Raymond Bonner, The Atlantic, February 15, 2019. Article: How a bridge between Colombia and Venezuela became a part of a propaganda fight, CBC News, February 15, 2019. Article: The fight between Ilhan Omar and Elliott Abrams, Trump's Venezuela envoy, explained by Zack Beauchamp, Vox, February 15, 2019. Article: Media hype confronts reality on the Venezuela-Colombia border by Marco Terrugi, Workers World, February 15, 2019. Article: Rep. Ilhan Omar went after Elliot Abrams for lying to Congress. Then he did it again by Jon Schwarz, The Intercept, February 14, 2019. Article: El Salvador's backslide by Hilary Goodfriend, NACLA, February 14, 2019. Article: Hungry Venezuelans urge help but standoff looms over 'politicised' aid by Joe Parkin Daniels, The Guardian, February 13, 2019. Article: US-backed Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó recruits DC lobbyists as crisis deepens by Karl Evers-Hillstrom and Raymond Arke, OpenSecrets News, February 13, 2019. Article: Venezuela hopes to create non-dollar trading bloc by Nidhi Verma, Reuters, February 12, 2019. Article: Red Cross, UN slam 'politicised' USAID humanitarian assistance to Venezuela by Paul Dobson, Venezuela Analysis, February 11, 2019. Article: Western media fall in lockstep for cheap Trump/Rubio Venezuela aid pr stunt by Adam Johnson, Fair, February 9, 2019. Article: Air charter firm, client both deny role in alleged shipment of arms to Venezuela by Martin Vassolo, Tim Johnson, and David Ovalle, McClatchy DC, February 8, 2019. Article: Venezuela says plane from Miami delivered weapons for use by enemies of Maduro by Tim Johnson, McClatchy DC, February 7, 2019. Article: Venezuela says plane from Miami delivered weapons for use by enemies of Maduro by Tim Johnson, McClatchy DC, February 7, 2019. Report: Venezuela: Overview of U.S. sanctions, Congressional Research Service, February 1, 2019. Article: Washington follows Ukraine, Syria roadmap in push for Venezuela regime change by Whitney Webb, Mint Press News, January 26, 2019. Article: Battle for water rights heats up in El Salvador by Heather Gies, Truth Out, August 5, 2018. Transcript: Erain Rios Montt, former Guatemalan dictator, dies at 91, All Things Considered with host Mary Louise Kelly, NPR, April 3, 2018. Article: America's role in El Salvador's deterioration by Raymond Bonner, The Atlantic, January 20, 2018. Article: Negotiations between Venezuelan regime and opposition making "good progress," Chilean mediator says by Karina Martin, Panam Post, December 4, 2017. Article: Venezuela stops accepting dollars for oil payments following U.S. sanctions by Anatoly Kurmanaev, The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2017. Article: CIA chief hints agency is working to change Venezuelan government by Andrew Buncombe, Independent, July 25, 2017. Transcript: The view from Langley, The Aspen Institute, July 20, 2017. Article: The dirty hand of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Venezuela by Eva Golinger, April 25, 2014. Article: On democracy and orchestrated overthrows in Venezuela and Ukraine by Howard Friel, Common Dreams, March 17, 2014. Article: U.S. repeals propaganda ban, spreads government-made news to Americans by John Hudson, Foreign Policy, July 14, 2013. Article: Speaking of Abrams, what did he know about genocide in Guatemala? by Jim Lobe, Lob Log, May 10, 2013. Article: Former leader of Guatemala is guilty of genocide against Mayan group by Elisabeth Malkin, The New York Times, May 10, 2013. Article: The Maya genocide trial by Peter Canby, The New Yorker, May 3, 2013. Book Review: Big fruit by Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, The New York Times, March 2, 2008. Report: USA: Below the radar - Secret flights to torture and 'disappearance', Amnesty.org, April 5, 2006. Article: What I didn't find in Africa by Joseph C. Wilson IV, The New York Times, July 6, 2003. Report: From madness to hope: the 12-year war in El Salvador: Report of the Commission on the Truth for El Salvador, United States Insitute of Peace, January 26, 2001. Article: The politics of neoliberalism in postwar El Salvador by Chris van der Borgh, JSTOR, Spring 2000. Article: Dirty hands by Benjamin Schwarz, The Atlantic, December 1998. Article: 12 years of tortured truth on El Salvador by Guy Gugliotta and Douglas Farah, The Washington Post, March 21, 1993. Article: How U.S. actions helped hide Salvador human rights abuses by Clifford Krauss, The New York Times, March 21, 1993. Article: The pardons; Bush pardons 6 in Iran affair, aborting a Weinberger trial; Prosecutor assails 'cover-up' by David Johnston, The New York Times, December 25, 1992. Article: Democracy's lies by Eric Alterman, The New York Times, November 4, 1991. Article: Contra inquiry to focus on Abrams's silent role by David Johnson, The New York Times, October 9, 1991. Report: Aid compensates for economic losses but achieves little growth, U.S. General Accounting Office, February 1991. Article: Turnover in Nicaragua; Americans laud result but differ on moral by Elaine Sciolino, The New York Times, February 27, 1990. Article: Bush's trade; Behind the transformation of Central American policy by Robert Pear, The New York Times, April 16, 1989. Article: The Reagan White House; Tower report tarnishes the luster of Abrams, point man on contra aid by Richard J. Meislin, The New York Times, March 4, 1987. Article: The White House crisis; Memos raise questions on Reagan's knowledge of contra aid operations by Jeff Gerth, The New York Times, March 2, 1987. Article: The White House crisis; Guatemala aided contras, despite denials, panel says by Richard J. Meislin, The New York Times, February 28, 1987. Article: The White House crisis; The unfolding of a secret White House policy: A clearer picture emerges by Robert Pear, The New York Times, February 27, 1987. Article: The White House crisis: The tower report inquiry finds Reagan and chief advisers responsible for 'chaos' in Iran arms deals; Reagan also blamed by Steven. V. Roberts, The New York Times, February 27, 1987. Article: The White House crisis; The deception inquiry finds Reagan and chief advisors responsible for 'chaos' in Iran arms deals; White House cast wide net in seeking aid for contras; The missing notes by Fox Butterfield, The New York Times, February 27, 1987. Article: An innocent victim of the Iran scandal by Walter F. Mondale and Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., The New York Times, February 23, 1987. Article: Senators challenge officials on contras by David K. Shipler, The New York Times, February 6, 1987. Article: Adding pieces to the puzzle: A new chronology of the Iran-contra affair, The New York Times, February 1, 1987. Article: Senators charge a web of deceit in Iranian affair by David E. Rosenbaum, The New York Times, January 30, 1987. Article: C.I.A. said to guide contras' military despite ban on aid by James Lemoyne, The New York Times, January 11, 1987. Article: The White House crisis: Getting supplies to the contras; U.S. got reports on contra arms by Joel Brinkley, The New York Times, December 17, 1986. Article: The White House crisis: First hint of Hasenfus; Bush staff got calls about contra plane by Gerald M. Boyd, The New York Times, December 16, 1986. Article: The White House crisis: Contacts in Central America; U.S. oversaw supplies to rebels, officials say by James Lemoyne, The New York Times, December 8, 1986. Article: The White House crisis: Voices that contradict; How contras got arms: An account from a crew by James Lemoyne, The New York Times, December 4, 1986. Article: The White House crisis: The view from Teheran; 20 planeloads of U.S. arms reported flown to Iran, The New York Times, November 29, 1986. Article: The White House crisis: President will not be called; Iran money reported diverted in '85, The New York Times, November 28, 1986. Article: White House shake-up: A task is handed to State Dept.; Israel now says it sent arms at request of U.S., The New York Times, November 26, 1986. Article: Iran payment found diverted to contras; Reagan security adviser and aide are out by Bernard Weinraub, The New York Times, November 26, 1986. Article: White House shake-up: What the lawyers say; New doubt raised on responsibility by Stephen Engelberg, The New York Times, November 26, 1986. Article: C.I.A. begins training 70 Nicaraguan rebels, The New York Times, November 20, 1986. Article: President orders sales of weapons to Iran stopped by Bernard Weintraub, The New York Times, November 20, 1986. Article: At O.A.S., many reject the contras by Stephen Kinzer, The New York Times, November 15, 1986. Article: Contras plan assault by radio by Milt Freudenheim and James F. Clarity, The New York Times, November 9, 1986. Article: Congress plans to investigate covert policies by Stephen Engelberg, The New York Times, November 9, 1986. Article: Contras to start new radio station by Stephen Engelberg, The New York Times, November 5, 1986. Article: Contra aid: Who art the planners? by Leslie H. Gelb, The New York Times, October 23, 1986. Article: Let's get the facts on Nicaragua; Is the C.I.A. involved? by Patrick J. Leahy, The New York Times, October 23, 1986. Article: U.S. again denies a Nicaragua role by David K. Shipler, The New York Times, October 16, 1986. Article: White House official linked to arms deliveries to contras, The New York Times, October 15, 1986. Article: Close aide to Bush linked to figure helping contras by Philip Shenon, The New York Times, October 13, 1986. Article: U.S. says contras get more supplies by Stephen Engelberg, The New York Times, October 12, 1986. Article: U.S. prisoner in Nicaragua says C.I.A. ran contra supply flights by James Lemoyne, The New York Times, October 10, 1986. Article: A U.S. agency used plane lost in Nicaragua by Richard Halloran, The New York Times, October 10, 1986. Article: Reagan calls plane's crew a new Lincoln Brigade by Richard Halloran, The New York Times, October 9, 1986. Article: Don't sell democracy short by Morton Kondracke, The New York Times, September 22, 1986. Article: El Salvador rejects contra training, The New York Times, August 27, 1986. Article: U.S. vetoes rebuke on aid to contras by Elaine Sciolino, The New York Times, August 1, 1986. Article: C.I.A. is assigned role of running contra activities by Bernard Gwertzman, The New York Times, July 12, 1986. Article: Overseeing of C.I.A. by Congress has produced decade of support, The New York Times, July 7, 1986. Article: Excerpts from rulings by the world court, The New York Times, June 28, 1986. Article: World court supports Nicaragua after U.S. rejected judges' role by Paul Lewis, The New York Times, June 28, 1986. Article: House votes, 221-209, to aid rebel forces in Nicaragua; Major victory for Reagan by Linda Greenhouse, The New York Times, June 26, 1986. Article: Ex-officers accuse contra chiefs of siphoning off U.S. aid money by David K. Shipler, The New York Times, June 21, 1986. Article: Millions in contra aid misused, G.A.O. says, The New York Times, June 12, 1986. Article: Contras are said to receive new arms, The New York Times, April 24, 1986. Article: C.I.A. aid to rebels reported, The New York Times, April 14, 1986. Article: Inquiry reported into contra arms, The New York Times, April 11, 1986. Article: White House tells of Honduran plea by Gerald M. Boyd, The New York Times, March 27, 1986. Article: Nicaragua denies its troops invaded Honduras by Stephen Kinzer, The New York Times, March 26, 1986. Article: Lawmakers say new raid will help cause of contras by Steven V. Roberts, The New York Times, March 26, 1986. Article: C.I.A. is reported set to channel aid to contras by Richard Halloran, The New York Times, March 18, 1986. Article: U.S. said to weigh training contras by Richard Halloran, The New York Times, March 14, 1986. Article: Reagan says the choice is between backing him or communists by Gerald M. Boyd, The New York Times, March 7, 1986. Article: U.S. is said to aid contras via Salvador by James Lemoyne, The New York Times, February 13, 1986. Article: Latin ministers urge U.S. to halt aid to contras, The New York Times, February 11, 1986. Article: C.I.A. defends contras' behavior, The New York Times, February 3, 1986. Article: In the nation; The old scare tactic by Tom Wicker, The New York Times, January 6, 1986. Article: Reagan urges arms aid for Nicaragua rebels by Bernard Weinraub, The New York Times, December 15, 1985. Article: Major news in summary; U.S. says Cubans fight in Nicaragua, The New York Times, December 8, 1985. Article: Push the Russians, intellectuals say by Robert Pear, The New York Times, November 25, 1985. Article: Latin arms trade detailed in court by Richard Bernstein, The New York Times, September 17, 1985. Article: World court hearing Nicaragua's case against U.S. by Richard Bernstein, The New York Times, September 13, 1985. Article: Nicaragua's American lawyers prepare case by Shirley Christian, The New York Times, September 8, 1985. Article: U.S. aide's ties to contras challenged by Jonathan Fuerbringer, The New York Times, September 5, 1985. Article: Role in Nicaragua described by U.S. by Gerald M. Boyd, The New York Times, August 9, 1985. Article: Nicaragua rebels getting advice from White House on operations, The New York Times, August 8, 1985. Article: House-Senate conference approves restricted aid to rebels by Steven V. Roberts, The New York Times, July 26, 1985. Article: Rights group says U.S. distorts Nicaragua reports by Susan F. Rasky, The New York Times, July 16, 1985. Article: Major news in summary; House bows on Nicaragua, The New York Times, June 16, 1985. Article: A consensus on rebel aid by Steven V. Roberts, The New York Times, June 14, 1985. Article: Key congressman to praise embargo, The New York Times, May 2, 1985. Article: The message of sanctions by Bernard Gwertzman, The New York Times, May 2, 1985. Article: Rebuff for the President by Hedrick Smith, The New York Times, April 26, 1985. Article: Nicaragua rebels accused of abuses by Larry Rohter, The New York Times, March 7, 1985. Article: Brights report on Nicaragua cites recent rebel activities by Joel Brinkley, The New York Times, March 6, 1985. Article: Nicaragua rebels reported to have new flow of arms by Philip Taubman, The New York Times, January 13, 1985. Article: A threadbare C.I.A. defense William Casey's first public statement on C.I.A.'s manual for war against Nicaragua is as peculiar as the document it tries to justify, the New York Times, November 3, 1984. Article: Rebel asserts C.I.A. pledged help in war against Sandinistas by Joel Brinkley, The New York Times, November 1, 1984. Article: Honduras key to U.S. role in Central America by Gordon Mott, The New York Times Magazine, October 14, 1984. Article: Abroad at home; Free market terrorism by Anthony Lewis, The New York Times, September 13, 1984. Article: Help to Salvador cheers U.S. aides, The New York Times, August 13, 1984. Article: The world; Reagan's war over Nicaragua by Milt Freudenheim and Henry Giniger, The New York Times, July 22, 1984. Article: CIA funding reportedly aids Duarte campaign by Julia Preston, The Boston Globe, May 4, 1984. Article: U.S. actions and statements in the dispute over Nicaragua by William G. Blair, The New York Times, April 12, 1984. Article: House group joins in opposing mining Nicaraguan ports by Bernard Gwertzman, The New York Times, April 12, 1984. Article: U.S. lifts embargo on military sales to Guatemalans by Bernard Gwertzman, The New York Times, January 8, 1983. Archive: Red, pink, white villages Chimaltenango, GWU, November 10, 1982. Article: El Salvador's land program: Fervor on both sides by Raymond Bonner, The New York Times, March 5, 1982. Article: Massacre of hundreds reported in Salvador village by Raymond Bonner, The New York Times, January 27, 1982. Article: El Salvador -- one of Ronald Reagan's first foreign-policy challenges by James Nelson Goodsell, The Christian Science Monitor, December 1, 1980. Resources Book Description: Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner, Indie Bound Encyclopedia Britannica: Boland Amendment, US Legislation Freedom House: Board and Staff Freedom House: Our History International Republican Institute: Board of Directors National Democratic Institute: Board of Directors National Endowment for Democracy: Venezuela 2017 Report ProPublica Report: Audit for period ending September 2017, International Republican Institute ProPublica Report: Tax Filings and Audits by Year, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs Search: "In the Name of Democracy" carouthers Google Book search Community Suggestions See Community Suggestions HERE. Cover Art Design by Only Child Imaginations Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)

Strategic risk consultant and best-selling author F. William Engdahl discusses his latest book “Manifest Destiny” describing US-sponsored democratic regime change operations known as “color revolutions” which utilize civil society organizations such as USAID, Soros’ Open Society Foundations, and NGOs such as the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). He provides his analysis on whether or not […]

Strategic risk consultant and best-selling author F. William Engdahl discusses his latest book “Manifest Destiny” describing US-sponsored democratic regime change operations known as “color revolutions” which utilize civil society organizations such as USAID, Soros’ Open Society Foundations, and NGOs such as the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). He provides his analysis on whether or not […]

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has launched its latest publication titled Uncovering Corruption in Nigeria: A Manual for Investigative Journalists. The manual was presented by journalist and human rights activist Richard Akinnola at an interactive session for investigative journalists from across Nigeria which held at the CITIHEIGHT Hotel, Lagos. According to Akinnola, “The public has a right of access to information which is a public concern and of which the public ought to know. The newspapers, TV and radio stations are the agent, so to speak of the public to collect the information and to tell the public of it. In support of the right of access, they should not, in general, be compelled to disclose their source of information. Neither by means of discovery by trial nor by questions or cross-examination at the trial nor by subpoena.” The manual published with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) read in part: “Painstaking research and patience are the dual hallmarks of an investigative journalist. Fortunately, google is everybody’s friend. You need to check and double check whatever your sources are giving you. Anyone who walks to you to give you documents incriminating someone has a purpose or agenda, and it may not be altruistic. “Corruption is not just when someone in public office is engaged in financial malfeasance. It encompasses abuse of office and public morality.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mapradiong/message

This week on Sinica, Kaiser and Jeremy are joined by Nury Turkel, a prominent voice in the overseas Uyghur community and the chairman of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, now based in Washington, D.C. We discussed Nury’s own experiences as a Uyghur and an activist both in China and the United States; the increasingly vocal Uyghur diaspora around the world in the wake of widespread detentions in Xinjiang; the relative absence of state-level pushback outside of China; and the international organizations that advocate for Uyghur rights in China and the accompanying pushback from Beijing.   If you aren’t yet up to speed on the deteriorating state of affairs for Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region, take a look at SupChina’s explainer for a comprehensive overview of the reporting of information from October 2017 through August 2018. What to listen for this week on the Sinica Podcast: 13:13: Nury elaborates on the most significant inflection points in the relationship between Xinjiang and Beijing: “The ethnic tension, the political repression, has already been there. But it has gotten worse over time. Starting in the mid-’90s, 2001, 2009, 2016. And now what we’re seeing is probably the darkest period in Uyghur history.” 22:11: Discussion of the goals of international organizations involved in documenting and researching Xinjiang and the plight of the Uyghurs, the largest being the World Uyghur Congress based in Munich, the Uyghur American Association based in Washington, D.C., and the Uyghur Human Rights Project, which Nury co-founded in 2004. Kaiser, Jeremy, and Nury discuss the ties to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the sharp rebuke these ties draw from Beijing. 33:19: “It is mind-boggling that, to this day, since this current nightmare started about 18 months ago, no Muslim country, no Muslim leader, has criticized the Chinese government in the slightest,” Nury said in response to a question raised by Jeremy about the growing trend of Islamophobia in China. 40:15: Nury notes that there is reason for optimism, despite the dire circumstances Uyghur residents in Xinjiang now face. “I think the current political environment in China has given an opportunity for the Uyghurs’ voice to be heard.” He continues, “This is a critical movement in Uyghur history. This is a terrible [humanitarian] crisis as it has been portrayed by some U.S. lawmakers. But, at the same time, this issue has put the Uyghurs on an international map.” Recommendations: Jeremy: Maus (1 and 2), graphic novels by American cartoonist Art Spiegelman. Nury: The Uyghur Human Rights Project report The Mass Internment of Uyghurs. Also: The Sacred Routes of Uyghur History, by Rian Thum; The Uyghurs: Strangers in Their Own Land, by Gardner Bovingdon; and Eurasian Crossroads, by Jim Millward. Kaiser: Harry Belafonte’s 1959 live album, At Carnegie Hall.

Carl Gershman, President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), visited the Legatum Institute (LI) to discuss current democracy challenges with a group of invited attendees.