Forum @ NED

📖 NEW ESSAY SERIES 🦅 The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution marked a milestone in the history of democracy. Today, the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition are embedded in the international human rights system, enshrined within the constitutions of other nations, and defended by citizens worldwide who are standing up to tyranny. This month, in honor of #America250 and this week's @NEDemocracy's Democracy Awards, the Forum will begin publishing a series of thought-provoking essays on how civic actors in authoritarian settings strive every day for these fundamental freedoms. As authoritarian powers double down on restricting their citizens’ rights to speak, worship, gather, and hold their leaders accountable, rights-respecting democracies have crucial roles to play in supporting frontline civil society and protecting the future of freedom. Written by a group of leading researchers and practitioners, this five-part series dives into what the five freedoms outlined in the First Amendment mean for people around the world today—and the challenges they face on the frontlines of repression. Stay tuned for each of these essays as they are released in September!

As the third Russia-Africa summit concludes, we're reminded of the impacts on Moscow's recent influence on the continent. @CooleyOnEurasia examines the proliferation of anti-democratic narratives and support for authoritarian leaders in his #TestingtheLimits essay. Read here ➡️ ned.org/testing-the-limits-c…

🏛️ As the third Russia-Africa summit kicks off, we're reminded how past agreements have allowed Russian security forces like Wagner Group to protect corrupt officials and profit off illegal mining. Read more from @MaileyJR, @andrea_ngombet, and @melissaaten on how Moscow's actions have helped entrench corruption on the African continent. ⬇️ ned.org/kleptocratic-coopera…

This International Religious Freedom Day, we remember the #FundamentalFreedom to practice whichever religion (or lack thereof) one chooses. @KnoxThames outlines how religious freedom is faring across the world, and how worshipers in places like 🇨🇳 and 🇳🇮 are working to safely practice their faith in the face of repression. ned.org/the-fundamental-free…

What does freedom of petition mean in the digital age? In the third essay of our new series on the #FundamentalFreedoms Today, Shanthi Kalathil examines the evolution of this often overlooked right from the U.S. founding to today's era of AI and digital public infrastructure. Civic innovators in Ukraine, Taiwan, and beyond are carrying forward the spirit of freedom of petition—and rejecting an authoritarian bargain that denies citizens their voice. ned.org/the-fundamental-free…

Earlier this month, the Forum's Beth Kerley sat down with @ekagigauri_ and @maradiaga at @SpeechFuture's Global Free Speech Summit. The trio discussed the rise of "Foreign Agent" laws being used by authoritarian regimes to stifle free expression and dissenting voices. ⬇️ youtu.be/uoHVauCt7C4?si=mzcJ…

In the latest #DemocracyHorizons, Vukasin Petrovic analyzes how civil society and independent media across the world can adapt to shrinking civic space. Read here ➡️ lnkd.in/eRhirQQE

🌅 #ThoughtsontheHorizon A compelling perspective from @maradiaga on using emerging tech as a tool for freedom. We stand at the forefront of this challenge at NED- we've brought together civil society and developers to expand educational access for Afghan women and girls, help activists preserve evidence of harassment, and more. ➡️ bit.ly/4jlrpMi

Technologies designed to observe citizens need to come with safeguards that protect privacy and prevent abuse, explains @BertiePetridis. 🎬 Andrej discusses PRC surveillance cameras in 🇷🇸, spyware threats, and more: thinkdemocracy.substack.com/…

💡In the latest #DemocracyHorizons, @BertiePetridis of @ShareConference describes how PRC-manufactured biometric surveillance cameras appeared in Belgrade and explains why privacy is something citizens from all walks of life deserve. Full piece here➡️ thinkdemocracy.substack.com/…

In his latest essay for the Forum, @JMchangama highlights how free speech intertwines with other fundamental freedoms to hold those in power accountable. Explore "The Fundamental Freedoms Today: Views from the Frontlines of Repression," our latest essay series commemorating #America250 and examining the freedoms vital to democratic life around the world. 🔗 Read the first two essays in the series: ned.org/the-fundamental-free…

As Russia continues to repress civil society and independent media in exile, it is more important than ever to sustain funding and protection for those working to keep the people's voices heard. @CooleyonEurasia examines how the Kremlin is expanding its reach beyond its borders, as well as the growing pressure it places on independent media and journalism in exile. Read more in our latest report, Testing the Limits: ned.org/testing-the-limits-c…

Today we celebrate a very special #ConstitutionDay during #America250. While the US Constitution is not quite as old as the nation itself, the principles of liberty, justice, and individual rights it sets out have been looked to as a beacon not just by Americans, but by those looking to realize the promise of freedom across the world. The Forum’s newest essay series examines the global relevance of the fundamental freedoms outlined and promised by the Constitution’s First Amendment, and how those rights are faring in some of the most challenging international settings. Read the first two essays by @KnoxThames and @JMchangama – more to come this fall: ned.org/the-fundamental-free…