Transparency in the face of Scrutiny
Representing a foreign country or interest requires greater transparency than ever before. Recent revelations about well-placed lobbyists and influencers not abiding by the letter and spirit of the law have led to ever-higher levels of scrutiny.
Passed in 1938 to address Nazi propaganda agents, FARA or the Foreign Agents Registration Act requires that anyone representing the interests of powers outside the US in any effort to impact US policy or the US public must disclose both their relationship with the foreign entity and information about related activities and finances.
Successfully navigate the media minefield of FARA filings.
Foreign interests—however experienced in Washington—are not always familiar with the intricacies and increased attention on FARA filings and what it means to the strategic communications efforts. Experienced communications agencies will file and with it, online organizations will immediately report it, often critically. This narrative will then be covered by the more traditional media. The criticism involved is directly proportional to how unpopular or controversial the foreign interest is, no matter how righteous or important.
FARA-related communications work requires the political and communications skills to advance diplomatic and business interests. It also requires the experience to know what NGOs, regulators and the crowds are thinking. It’s how Washington works.
