National Endowment for Democracy: Sign of a hegemon's fear

Editor's note: Anthony Moretti, a special commentator for CGTN, is an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University in the US. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of either CGTN or Robert Morris University.

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) based in Washington, DC, touts on its website that it is "a private, non-profit foundation dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world." Sounds nice, but with the release of its annual report, critical questions should be asked about NED and what it is seeking to do.

Some of these questions need to focus on NED's distorted discussion of China. It seems there is nothing nice the organization can say about China. Readers of the annual report are told, and just within the first few pages, that China is one of several "repressive regimes, fearful of their own people." It is also listed among the countries where "transnational repression" regularly occurs. Finally, China is accused of endorsing "the weaponization of supply chains."  

The point is obvious: The report is little more than a screed, employing carefully curated examples to debase a country for no other reason than it has refused to align with the often dubious policies advanced by the current US administration. The US consistently reiterates that China cannot be America's friend, and this report is yet another way of doing that. To borrow a cliche, there is nothing new under the sun, meaning there is nothing in the roughly 180 pages to challenge locked-in perceptions of a "bad" China (and multiple other nations).

However, rich research is not necessary when the goal is to produce a document that is full of bias, shows no intent to act in the public interest, and serves only the presumed needs of one country.  

NED refuses to acknowledge that China, just like any other nation, may pursue whatever development path is deemed appropriate for it and its people. Moreover, while laundry listing the supposed sins of the Chinese nation, NED never admits that the human rights records of Western democracies also deserve to be put under the microscope. And of course, there is no chance that NED would ever admit that the US is also a place that must be scrutinized.  

Let's not ignore that NED supported projects around the world totaling more than $270 million. In the financial year 2024, organizations on the Asian continent received the most money with more than $53 million collectively, or roughly 20%, in order to support the "growth and strengthening of democratic institutions." No other part of the world was more "generously" supported.  

But that tells only half the story: In 2024, efforts directed specifically toward China reached about $10 million. In 2025 that crossed $13 million. 

As the prestige and hegemonic capabilities of the US continue to erode, a consistent effort must be undertaken to deflect attention. The US empire is crumbling, and the often radical decisions made by the president of the United States is hastening that decline. Looking for introspection and self-reflection from the Washington political elite? Such attitudes are considered weak; instead, engaging in war is a demonstration of strength and laying down economic tariffs is equated to restoring national greatness. And, yes, walking away from longstanding international partnerships will prevent the country from "being ripped off."

And exactly how well are those ideas working? The US may be stuck in a quagmire if the war against Iran continues. The tariff policy, mocked around the world, has been found unconstitutional at home. And Washington is not at the table as critical decisions about the environment and global health, to name just two, are made.

How is America being made great again, exactly? 

What might the rest of 2026 look like for NED? The following words leave little doubt: China-related programs spanning the Chinese mainland, its Xizang Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Hong Kong, and "China's global influence" will remain NED's "single largest area of investment." In other words, the drumbeat of negativity about China leading to a one-sided, incomplete and entirely subjective view of the nation will continue. 

Yes, the hegemon is scared. 

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