International Republican Institute
Founded in 1983, the International Republican Institute (IRI) is an ideologically conservative organisation, funded by the United States government, that conducts international political programs, sometimes called 'democratization programs'.
Initially known as the National Republican Institute for International Affairs, the IRI's stated mission is to "expand freedom throughout the world". Its activities include teaching and assisting with right-wing political party and candidate development in their values, "good governance" practices, civil society development, civic education, women’s and youth leadership development, electoral reform and election monitoring, and political expression in closed societies. It has been chaired by former presidential candidate John McCain since January 1993.
IRI was involved in Haiti prior to the 2004 Haitian coup d'état, in Honduras following the 2009 Coup d'état, attempting to normalize and legitimize it, organized conservative political parties in Poland, and has been involved in political activities in Egypt during the Arab Spring.
Read more about International Republican Institute: Background, Partner Organisations, IRI Personnel
Famous quotes containing the words republican and/or institute:
“If you believe that a nation is really better off which achieves for a comparative few, those who are capable of attaining it, high culture, ease, opportunity, and that these few from their enlightenment should give what they consider best to those less favored, then you naturally belong to the Republican Party. But if you believe that people must struggle slowly to the light for themselves, then it seems to me that you are a Democrat.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962)
“Whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new government, laying it’s foundation on such principles & organising it’s powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)