Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Washington, D.C., United States

A Washington, D.C.-based think tank focused on foreign policy and national security.

CCI Score

29.36

April 18

Latest Event

FDD Executive Criticizes Erdogan Over Authoritarian Tactics

Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's authoritarian actions and his support for extremist groups, warning that such measures harm both regional stability and democratic norms. His remarks were made public during heightened diplomatic tensions, and they underscore the Foundation's commitment to opposing authoritarianism.

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DISSENTER

Foundation for Defense of Democracies is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

MAR

31

2025

FDD Executive Criticizes Erdogan Over Authoritarian Tactics
80.00

Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's authoritarian actions and his support for extremist groups, warning that such measures harm both regional stability and democratic norms. His remarks were made public during heightened diplomatic tensions, and they underscore the Foundation's commitment to opposing authoritarianism.
MAR

18

2025

FDD Critiques Ceasefire Negotiations Amid Trump-Putin Talks
70.00

Bradley Bowman, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, questioned whether Putin would be ready to end the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that the Trump administration’s approach might inadvertently embolden authoritarian practices by offering concessions to Russia.
JAN

23

2025

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Political Contributions and Lobbying Activity
-19.54

An analysis of the Foundation’s OpenSecrets profile reveals modest campaign contributions alongside significant lobbying spending ($630,000 in 2024). This indicates a strategic use of financial influence to shape policy, raising concerns from an anti-fascist perspective about the concentration of power and potential impacts on democratic processes.
-20

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 18

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies engaged in lobbying efforts that totaled $630,000 in 2024. Although its stated mission is to defend democracy, from a left-leaning anti-fascist perspective, the use of significant lobbying funds to potentially sway political decisions represents a concerning concentration of influence which may indirectly support authoritarian policy outcomes. This financial activity is viewed critically when considering the broader implications of corporate influence on democracy.

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Profile: Summary
DEC

31

2020

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Lobbying Profile
-13.01

OpenSecrets data reveals that the Foundation for Defense of Democracies spent $70,000 on lobbying in 2020. This expenditure reflects an effort to influence political processes, raising concerns from an anti-fascist perspective regarding the use of financial influence to steer policy outcomes.
-20

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 18

The lobbying expenditure of $70,000 by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies indicates an active role in political funding. From a left-leaning, anti-fascist perspective, reliance on such financial influence can undermine transparent and participatory democratic processes by potentially shaping policy in favor of narrow interests rather than broad public welfare.

Foundation for Defense of Democracies Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets