Dr. Schleifer: Follow the Money Behind Radical Protest Movements in US and Europe

Who is financing the movements driving political unrest across Europe and the United States? Dr. Ron Schleifer says understanding the financial networks behind political activism is essential to understanding what is happening on Western streets. Schleifer pointed to several countries, wealthy networks and ideological organizations that he says have played roles in financing political, Islamist or influence activities. He specifically cited Iran and Qatar, while also alleging Chinese involvement in broader influence networks. Qatar, Schleifer notes, has invested heavily in lobbying and political influence in Washington. He argues that Qatar and other actors learned from successful Western lobbying organizations and…