Foreign interference in U.S. elections has become a very real concern amid revelations of spy scandals and disinformation campaigns. In 2016, Russia attempted to influence the U.S. election. shocking; It's become almost routine now. Proposed federal regulations would tighten disclosure requirements for “foreign agents” operating in the U.S. They are required.
Congress first passed the Foreign Agents Registration Act. 1938 This summer, Biden's Justice Department will expose Nazi activity in the US New proposed rules announced To update enforcement of the law, including increased registration and reporting requirements for lawyers, lobbyists, nonprofits, multinational corporations and their executives who receive foreign funding and operate in the United States.
This month, the Justice Department Employees of Russia-controlled media outlet RT indicted He ran a $10 million disinformation network in the United States. Former Trump adviser Dimitri Simes also indicted He is accused of working for a Russian state television station, which is subject to sanctions, and of laundering and concealing money.
It's not just Russia. Iran hacked the Trump campaign Not only did they try to hack the Harris campaign; WhatsApp account China under Biden and Trump Spa Muffler The plan involves using social media accounts to manipulate political discourse in the United States.
The Justice Department's proposed rule changes would combat these attacks by increasing the number of organizations that are required to register as foreign agents and by imposing some administrative burdens on them.
If that doesn't seem enough, given the accelerating pace of foreign interference today, let me caution you: There is a growing pattern worldwide of “foreign agents” laws being used to stifle civil society, silence dissent, and jail dissidents. Beginning in Russia and spreading around the world, these laws are part of an authoritarian approach to dismantling democracies.
Vladimir Putin's 2012 “Foreign Agents” Law Passed Suppressing protests The bill, which opposes his return to power, targets foreign-funded, independent, non-governmental organizations that engage in “political activity,” requiring them to register as “foreign agents,” state so in all their publications, and submit to audits.
By 2017, the law was being applied to media organizations. Its net was then gradually widened, first to foreign-funded individuals or entities publishing “print, audio, audiovisual, or other reports or materials,” and then to Russian citizens who report or share information about crime, corruption, military, space, or security services, or their employees. As intended, this stifled dissent, closed civil society and press freedoms, and strengthened the authoritarian regime.
And it became an export item. 60 countries It has enacted a “foreign agents” law modeled on Russia's model. For example, this year the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party “Foreign Agent” Law Congress has required non-governmental organizations that receive foreign funding to register in a public database as “organizations serving foreign interests.” Tens of thousands of Georgians Protested They called it “Russian law” and perceived it as a move towards autocracy. Then Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said his Georgian Dream party was Plans to abolish the opposition party.
I live in Bulgaria, a NATO and European Union member state and US ally, which has similar “foreign agents” laws in place there. Just introduced It's the work of pro-Russian forces. It would require nearly anyone who receives at least about $600 from a “foreign source” to register as a “foreign agent,” a very broad definition that includes not only foreign governments but also corporations, foundations, nonprofits, civil society groups, international organizations, and even Aunt Ivanka, who emigrated a few years ago.
If you receive any financial support from abroad (grants, scholarships, workshop fees, etc.), you may be considered a “foreign agent” and be severely restricted – you may not teach, do community service, disseminate information, or create art.
This law will trap virtually everyone involved in international cooperation and exchange and threaten the existence of civil society organizations, including (not coincidentally) the American University in Bulgaria, where I serve as president.
The university is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Every year, it graduates a new generation of future leaders committed to democracy and ready to resist authoritarianism. It is an example of how international cooperation and exchange are the lifeblood of civil society in many countries. If blocked by burdensome “foreign agents” laws, cultural exchange and independent thought will wither and disappear.
The United States is right to be vigilant and proactive in fighting foreign election interference, but we must not forget that the United States is not the only target of authoritarian regimes.
Fortunately, American democracy is strong. Even as we face challenges, we encourage international dialogue and are able to hear other voices. We can keep our civil society strong, keep political debate open and free, and maintain international exchange.
Other countries are not so fortunate, and the United States needs to help them moderate authoritarian and xenophobic impulses and protect and nurture civil society as a vital resource for building and sustaining democracy.
Dr. Margie Ensign is President of the American University in Bulgaria and previously served as President of the American International University Africa, President of Dickinson College, and President of the American University of Nigeria.
