Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Foundation for Defense of Democracies is a non-partisan, non-profit think tank based in Washington, D.C., founded in 2001 by Clifford May and a group of policy analysts, including Jack Kemp, Jeane Kirkpatrick, and Donald Rumsfeld. The organization's primary focus is on national security and foreign policy, with an emphasis on counterterrorism and democracy promotion. The foundation has been involved in various initiatives, including the Iran Democracy Project and the Center for Economic Sanctions Reform and Analysis, and has worked with United States Congress members, such as Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, to shape U.S. foreign policy. The organization has also collaborated with other think tanks, including the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation, to promote democratic values and human rights.

● History

The foundation was established in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, with the goal of promoting democracy and stability in the Middle East and beyond. The organization's early work focused on counterterrorism and homeland security, with a particular emphasis on Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah. The foundation has also been involved in various policy debates, including the Iraq War and the Arab Spring, and has worked with policymakers, such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama, to shape U.S. foreign policy. The organization has also collaborated with other non-governmental organizations, including the National Endowment for Democracy and the International Republican Institute, to promote democratic governance and human rights in countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya. The foundation has also worked with experts, including Fouad Ajami and Bernard Lewis, to analyze regional trends and global developments.

● Mission and Activities

The foundation's mission is to promote democratic values and national security through research, analysis, and advocacy. The organization's activities include policy research, conferences, and briefings for policymakers and journalists. The foundation has also established various programs and initiatives, including the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security and the Long War Journal, to focus on specific national security issues, such as cybersecurity and counterinsurgency. The organization has worked with experts, including Michael Chertoff and Richard Clarke, to analyze security threats and develop policy recommendations. The foundation has also collaborated with other organizations, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Brookings Institution, to promote international cooperation and global governance.

● Research and Publications

The foundation publishes various reports, articles, and briefs on national security and foreign policy issues, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and democracy promotion. The organization's research is conducted by a team of experts, including Orde Kittrie and Jonathan Schanzer, who have written extensively on Middle East issues and counterterrorism. The foundation has also published books and monographs on topics such as Iran's nuclear program and the Muslim Brotherhood. The organization's publications are widely cited in academic and policy circles, and have been referenced by policymakers, including John Kerry and Chuck Hagel. The foundation has also collaborated with other research institutions, including the RAND Corporation and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, to analyze global trends and regional developments.

● Criticisms and Controversies

The foundation has faced criticism from some groups and individuals, including Iranian American organizations and liberal think tanks, who have accused the organization of promoting war and regime change in countries such as Iran and Syria. The foundation has also been criticized for its funding sources, which include donations from conservative foundations and individuals, such as Sheldon Adelson and the Koch brothers. The organization has responded to these criticisms by emphasizing its non-partisan nature and its commitment to promoting democratic values and human rights. The foundation has also been involved in various public debates, including the debate over the Iran nuclear deal, and has worked with experts, including Dennis Ross and Martin Indyk, to analyze regional implications and global consequences.

● Notable People

The foundation has been led by various experts and policymakers, including Clifford May and Mark Dubowitz, who have played a significant role in shaping the organization's research and advocacy efforts. The organization's board of directors includes prominent figures, such as Newt Gingrich and Bill Kristol, who have been involved in various policy debates and public initiatives. The foundation has also worked with experts, including Robert Kagan and Frederick Kagan, to analyze national security issues and develop policy recommendations. The organization has also collaborated with other institutions, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, to promote international cooperation and global governance. The foundation has also been recognized for its work by awards and honors, including the National Defense University's Distinguished Service Award and the Woodrow Wilson Award for public service. Category:Think tanks based in the United States