The Role of NGOs in US Public Diplomacy: Case study of the National Endowment for Democracy in Egypt and violation of the right to self-determination

Since its formation, National Endowment for Democracy2 has sought expansion of national interests of the United States across the world. NED claims promotion of democracy in foreign countries is its main objective through which it seeks political changes in line with universally recognized terms such as democracy, human rights, citizenship rights, etc. When it comes to the Muslim world, NED defines Islamic states as authoritarian regimes and looks to support reformers from within ruling parties and opposition. According to its latest Strategy Document, two policies top the agenda of NED in Muslim countries: development of liberal values and norms compared to Islamic values and norms which even include suggestion of new interpretations of Islamic laws; and seeking public support through targeting citizens’ daily lives. In this regard, among the key actors in NED’s strategies are NGOs supported by NED family across the Muslim world. This paper will review policies of NED family programs regarding citizens in target societies and will study different public diplomacy strategies of NED facing Islamic laws, values and traditions. This paper seeks to figure out what role NGOs play in NED strategy to influence people in Egypt by reviewing primary and secondary sources with a qualitative approach. Primary sources include NED Strategy Documents as well as publications and periodical newsletters and reports; and secondary sources include analysis of performance of NED grantees, reviews and studies over NED operations. Moreover, this study is after finding which areas of activity do NED and its family group seek through NGO activities in Egypt.