Authoritarianism Goes Global (II): Civil Society Under Assault

In Ethiopia, civil society organizations are prohibited from receiving more than 10% of their funding from international sources if they seek to promote democracy, conflict resolution, disability rights, or other advocacy objectives. In Russia, internationally funded human rights groups are required to register as “foreign agents.” In Egypt, scores of civil society representatives have received prison sentences for receiving international funding without the permission of the government. Earlier this year, countries as diverse as Angola, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, and India introduced or enacted measures restricting international funding.

Around the world, countries are erecting barriers to the ability of civil society organizations to receive international funding. This article presents the macro-political context underlying these restrictions. It then categorizes constraints, summarizes governmental justifications, and analyzes restrictions under international law.