Global Crackdown on USAID Raises Concerns Over Civil Society and Democracy

Authoritarian leaders in former Soviet bloc countries and beyond are using the USAID shutdown to justify targeting NGOs, media, and civil society groups.

• Elon Musk's decision to block USAID operations has emboldened authoritarian governments, particularly in the former Soviet bloc, to intensify crackdowns on NGOs and media funded by the agency.
• Leaders in countries like Georgia, Russia, and Hungary are leveraging the USAID shutdown to propose or enact laws restricting foreign funding for civil society and media organizations.
• Critics warn that USAID employees and grant recipients in high-risk regions face increased threats, including investigations, imprisonment, and potential harm.
• The Trump administration's rhetoric and Musk's public labeling of USAID as 'criminal' have amplified conspiracy theories and undermined the agency's mission to promote democracy and human rights.
• The shutdown jeopardizes critical humanitarian aid and health programs, with countries like Tajikistan seeking alternatives to continue combating diseases and supporting vulnerable populations.

3 Articles

The Guardian Boston Globe The Times