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Andrew Friedman

@andrewbfriedman.bsky.social
602 followers 242 following 142 posts

director and senior fellow @csis.org, former usaid, lawyer, occasional prof: human rts & democracy, dogs, all views solely mine

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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
humanrights.csis.org @humanrights.csis.org · 23/09/2026
What do Darth Vader, Willy Wonka, and Flock cameras all have in common? You'll have to read @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social's latest director's note to find out. September Edition: bit.ly/4iLHaf5
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CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director's Note - September 2026
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 10/09/2026
"For better or worse, AI is a part of information dissemination in elections moving forward. This makes it all the more important that such information be focused & verifiable, & does not mislead or muddy the information environment," writes Andrew Friedman. More: bit.ly/4A5AGxE
csis.org
Will LLMs Help or Hinder the Democratic Process?
With growing reliance on LLMs for information gathering, it is critical to examine how this technology will impact elections and other exercises in political accountability.
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 03/09/2026
On The Opportunity Horizon, Enoh Ebong will sit down with policymakers, business leaders, and innovators shaping a reimagined development landscape across diverse disciplines and sectors with a focus on scalable solutions. Premiering September 15: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8hluUeSp2Q
youtube.com
How do we shape the future of global development? | Introducing The Opportunity Horizon Podcast
YouTube video by Center for Strategic & International Studies
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Molly Knight @mollyknight.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
We did it! people.com/nashville-ai...
people.com
Nashville Airport Will Be Renamed in Honor of Dolly Parton, Tennessee Governor Announces 3 Days After Her Death
Those “Travelin’ Thru” Nashville, Tenn.’s main airport may soon be touching down at a hub named after the country queen herself. On Friday, Aug. 28, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville Internati...
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humanrights.csis.org @humanrights.csis.org · 26/08/2026
In this month's director's note, @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social shares his thoughts on democracy's tendency toward self-correction and how, if an election is held under conditions that limit fundamental freedoms, democracy's ability to self-correct will be impeded. Read it here: bit.ly/3T0up5P
pardot.csis.org
CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director's Note - August 2026
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
"Dolly reminds us, if you want the rainbow, you’ve gotta put up with the rain. She reminds us to never make yourself smaller just so others feel more comfortable." This @missmargoprice.bsky.social post is the perfect #DollyParton tribute, give it a read. margoprice.substack.com/p/fly-on-dol...
margoprice.substack.com
Fly On Dolly Parton, Patron Saint of Appalachia
We Don’t Mourn Her Because We Knew Her, We Mourn Her Because She Helped Us Know Ourselves
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
Library of Congress @librarycongress.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The Library is devastated to learn of the passing of Dolly Parton, a music legend and titan of children's literacy. Her Imagination Library program has earned multiple Library Literacy Awards and, in 2018, she visited us to donate its 100 millionth book to our collection and host a story time. 🦋❤️
Dolly Parton reads to children in the Library’s Great Hall in 2018. Photo by Shawn Miller.
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 12/08/2026
“Sudan was estimated to produce 74.6 tons of gold in 2025, placing it in the top 20 producers worldwide & fifth overall on the continent. This makes revenue from gold a driver for all sides of the conflict,” write CSIS experts. What is the role of gold in Sudan's civil war?: bit.ly/4g0s2ra
csis.org
New Approaches to Address the Role of Gold in Sudan’s Civil War
Revenues from gold are a key driver of the conflict in Sudan. Recent EU sanctions are a start, but much more needs to be done to ensure the gold trade no longer finances bloodshed in the world’s most ...
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 09/08/2026
The billions of dollars Congress has allocated for foreign aid programs must be spent. One proposal from the Trump administration suggested funding research on crime against Afrikaners in South Africa.
propublica.org
What Is the Trump Administration Doing With Foreign Aid Money?
The billions of dollars Congress has allocated for foreign aid programs must be spent. One proposal from the Trump administration suggested funding research on crime against Afrikaners in South Africa...
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Film you've watched more than six times with a gif. Hard mode: no Star Trek, Star Wars, LOTR, Marvel, Disney, or Ghibli.
static.klipy.com
Getoffmyplane
ALT: Getoffmyplane
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
Rick Hasen @rickhasen.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Most ships sailing in Northern Atlantic ocean not hit by iceberg.
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Eric Umansky @ericumansky.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Let me answer this: STAY AWAY FROM MY PUPPY, NYT. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/02/w...
nytimes.com
Is It Bad to Sleep With My Pet?
It seems as if everyone has an opinion, so we put the question to the experts.
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 15/07/2026
How does FIFA approach human rights? FIFA’s human rights policy has substance on paper, but pressure from civil society, accountability mechanisms from FIFA, and consequences for countries that fall short are all needed for results. Read more from CSIS Human Rights experts: bit.ly/4wIIH9m
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Protecting Human Rights at the World Cup: Progress on Paper, Gaps on the Ground
As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, this article examines FIFA’s evolving commitments to human rights, its record at recent tournaments, and factors that will determine whether protections for wor...
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 15/07/2026
The State Department has just put out a tender, offering funding of up to $3 million to European organizations who want to fight against "Supra-national institutions" - presumably the EU - and governments who seek to regulate the internet and end Western Civilization. www.state.gov/drl-nofo-dev...
state.gov
DRL NOFO Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in Europe - United States Department of State
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)Developing Civilizational Bonds, Democratic Resilience, and Rule of Law in EuropeBureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor, Department of StateOpportunity number: ...
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CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department @geopolitics.csis.org · 13/07/2026
Join @csis.org experts @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @victordcha.bsky.social, and Enoh T. Ebong and host @willtodman.bsky.social on July 16 at 3pm EDT assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play. www.csis.org/index%2Ephp/...
csis.org
Was This World Cup More Political? | State of Play | CSIS Events
Please join CSIS experts to assess the geopolitical dimensions of this year's World Cup in a live episode of State of Play.
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Oliver Morton, Eater of Sun @eaterofsun.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Reminder: Capybara bluesky is the best bluesky
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Obsolete Dogma @obsoletedogma.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Reasons the Supreme Court should have upheld birthright citizenship: 1) The Constitution 2) Flo Balogun
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
This is so important. The ATS was an exciting avenue, but it's not the only one. Prof Hamilton running through some others and imploring for legal creativity for human rights and accountability is a must read.
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Administrative restrictions like licensing and permitting have always been a potent tool to restrict civil society. In my June director's note, I'm wondering how much worse that can get in such a loud media and news environment pardot.csis.org/webmail/9067...
pardot.csis.org
CSIS Human Rights Initiative Director's Note - June 2026
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Secretary of Defense Rock @sodrock.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 11/06/2026
As aid budgets shrink and the development landscape evolves, CSIS experts @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social and Hadeil Ali outline recommendations to rebalance power dynamics and build a more equitable development ecosystem. Read more: bit.ly/4uuqT0o
csis.org
Who Should Shape the Future of Development, and How?
As aid budgets shrink and the development landscape evolves, this commentary outlines key recommendations for civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector to rebalance power dynamics and build ...
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
Whitley Saumweber @wsaumweber.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Please join us @csis.org this morning for our annual Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum - we will touch on ocean governance, #IUUFishing, and human rights at sea with a great line up of speakers - cohosted by myself and @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social www.csis.org/events/ocean...
csis.org
Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum | CSIS Events
Join the CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project and Human Rights Initiative for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Join us!
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
Just Security @justsecurity.org · 05/06/2026
"The intense personalization of diplomacy and aid relations with countries in transition has long caught donor countries unaware when their partners prove fallible," write Andrew Friedman (@andrewbfriedman.bsky.social) and Tara L. Thwing. Lessons from #Zambia #RightsCon:
justsecurity.org
RightsCon Cancellation and International Democracy Promotion
The once-lauded Zambian president's nixing of a major digital rights conference shows the risks of lionizing leaders without a backup plan.
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Incredibly important piece on what it takes to make lasting, sustainable, democratic reforms and not further weaken the rule of law.
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Carl Quintanilla @carlquintanilla.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
“.. American officials did not learn of the outbreak until Thursday, nine days after the World Health Organization did, and almost a month after the first person died.” @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2026/05/20/h...
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Simon Abrams @simonsaybrams.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
The American Heart Association just posted this and tbh, I LOLed.
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 27/04/2026
The road back to democracy from authoritarianism is a difficult one, filled with fits and starts that thwart even the best attempts. Hungary holds some lessons for others trying to walk that path, write CSIS experts. www.csis.org/analysis/hungary-after…
csis.org
Hungary After Orbán: The Hard Road Back to Democracy
The road back to democracy from authoritarianism is a difficult one, filled with fits and starts that thwart even the best attempts; Hungary holds some lessons for others trying to walk that path back...
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 13/04/2026
Can the U.S. enable post-conflict stability in nations such as Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba? Experts from the CSIS Global Development Department offer analysis from initial planning to post-conflict recovery. Read: www.csis.org/analysis/can-united-st…
csis.org
Can the United States Enable Post-Conflict Stability?
When the United States takes military action, how can it help countries go from that military action to prosperity, democracy, and stability?
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Reposted by Andrew Friedman
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 02/04/2026
The war in Iran has left the country and its citizens in a state of limbo. What groups have been empowered and disempowered? We turned to @humanrights.csis.org expert @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social for answers.
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Someone needs to check on whoever runs the Yahoo Sports app.
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Ben Phillips @benphillips76.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
I don’t know who needs to hear Jesse Jackson leading the kids on Sesame Street in this beautiful call-and-response reminding them that every child is somebody, but here it is
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Local civil society orgs are the front line in not only combatting human rights violations, but exposing them for the world to see. I wrote about how that looks with surveillance and the #digitalsilkroad. www.csis.org/analysis/how...
csis.org
How Civil Society Exposes the Human Rights Risks of the Digital Silk Road
Emboldened authoritarian actors are no longer content to repress human rights in their own countries, but feel confident in their ability to share their tactics and technology across borders. Local ci...
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Great piece by @dwj88.bsky.social about the need for greater solidarity and cross learning between those working for stronger democracy and human rights in the U.S. and abroad. Siloes and egos help no one. democracywithoutexception.substack.com/p/us-activis...
democracywithoutexception.substack.com
US Activists Need More Friends Abroad
The Importance of International Exchange to Protecting Democracy
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Dr. Ian Garner @irgarner.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
More than 100,000 civilians have been killed in wars over the past 18 months. Brutal, genocidal war is returning to the world. Turns out the liberal world order wasn't so terrible.
theguardian.com
International law meant to limit effects of war at breaking point, study finds
Report covering 23 conflicts over last 18 months concludes more than 100,000 civilians have been killed as war crimes rage out of control
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Max Bergmann @maxbergmann.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Lots of this happening across the city.
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 15/01/2026
After deep setbacks to #HumanRights, #democracy and #governance in 2025, including in related funding, defending against challenges in 2026 and beyond will require creativity and broad coalition-building. From @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social and @kimbrodyhart.bsky.social:
justsecurity.org
Who Will Stand Up for Human Rights in 2026 – and How?
The deterioration in human rights in 2025 heightens the risks for defenders going forward, with fewer resources to combat the threats.
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Steve Vladeck @stevevladeck.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
…
media.tenor.com
a woman wearing glasses and a blue shirt is asking what a week huh ?
ALT: a woman wearing glasses and a blue shirt is asking what a week huh ?
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
It's not “about esoteric issues of international law...It is about real people, real stories and a real group of human beings – the Rohingya of Myanmar. They have been targeted for destruction." Great scene setter for today's Myanmar genocide arguments at the ICJ. theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
‘Big step forward’: Myanmar military faces Rohingya genocide case at UN court
Survivors of violence hope proceedings will bring justice a step closer and set a precedent for future genocide allegations
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
@netblocks.org is an invaluable resource for understanding moments of government repression through internet shutdowns or throttling.
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 21/12/2025
In a new report, @csishumanrights.bsky.social director Andrew Friedman explores potential means for utilizing America's procurement capacity and creating greater space for human rights protections within federal government procurement. Read the full report: www.csis.org/analysis/imp...
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
What Rose Mutiso does here is so important. Not only celebrate a major AI-for-Development success, but also discuss the particular, non-technological, traditional development, long-term, conditions that allow for its success. rosemutiso.substack.com/p/why-one-of...
rosemutiso.substack.com
Why one of the year’s biggest AI-for-development stories isn’t actually about AI
What India’s monsoon breakthrough reveals about how technology really works in development
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 10/12/2025
On the 75th International Human Rights Day, @csishumanrights.bsky.social experts @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social and Anne Frederick share the history of the day, why we observe it, and the state of human rights in the world today. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gweW... 
youtube.com
Human Rights in 2025: The 75th International Human Rights Day
On the 75th International Human Rights Day, Andrew Friedman and Anne Frederick share the history the day, why we observe it, and the state of human rights in...
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Great piece by @cfr.org's Michelle Gavin on Rwanda/DRC, the US, and the importance of following up on historic opportunities. "The United States’ hunger for a peace deal needs to evolve into hunger for actual peace." www.cfr.org/blog/ceremon...
cfr.org
Ceremonial Foreign Policy
In shallowly engaging with Kinshasa and Kigali, Washington does little to promote peace and risks insulating leaders from accountability.
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Bethany Brookshire @beebrookshire.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
You know we all marvel that like, dolphins can sleep with half their brain at a time, and wow that's so weird. But we rely fully on being STRAIGHT UP COMPLETELY UNCONSCIOUS FOR A THIRD OF OUR LIVES (if we are lucky enough to get that sleep). Defenseless! WHICH of us is the weirdo!?
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 13/11/2025
NEW: The CSIS Global Development Department examines the dramatic changes in priorities, policies, and organizational structures to the development landscape since the second Trump administration took office. 🧵Learn more: features.csis.org/new-developm...
features.csis.org
A New Landscape for Development
Cuts to foreign assistance have been among the most sweeping changes of the second Trump administration. In this report CSIS’ Global Development Department examines what these changes mean, what has b...
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
This is a really fascinating looks at what bitcoin can do to counter financial repression in service of human rights defenders and others fighting for a better world.
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CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies @csis.org · 08/10/2025
"The recent USAID closure and drawback of ODA have injected new urgency into a conversation around the inefficiencies of the previous model from both Western & Global South countries," @csishumanrights.bsky.social experts write. What's the future of U.S. foreign aid? www.csis.org/analysis/shi...
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Important piece going beyond the speeches on how the U.S. is pulling back its support for the U.N.
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Andrew Friedman @andrewbfriedman.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Best week of the year. I’m rolling with 602. He does a happy dance.
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