Atlas Offspring Used U.S. Funds to Oppose Chávez

In 1984, the Atlas Economic Research Foundation helped set up a think tank in Venezuela called the Center for the Dissemination of Economic Information (or Centro de Divulgación del Conocimiento Económico, CEDICE). But contrary to Atlas' emphasis on independence, CEDICE has received U.S. funds to support the failed attempts to remove Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez from office. In its Summer 2004 Investor Report, Atlas writes, "Venezuela is not California, so no matter what happens with the recall referendum . . . the country will continue to face a daunting populist menace. All those involved with CEDICE . . . have been an invaluable and courageous voice for freedom, peace and prosperity."

CEDICE played a significant role in organizing and publicizing the positions of the opposition movement. CEDICE collaborated with the Center for International Private Enterprise - a Washington-based organization that administers money from the U.S.-funded National Endowment for Democracy, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to internationally promote "democratic market economies through local business associations, think tanks, and other private sector groups." Together, CIPE and CEDICE worked "to move the debate in Venezuela from populist rhetoric to concrete reforms that will encourage participatory democracy and a better business environment," according to CIPE's 2002 Annual Report.

Relying on official documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests concerning the U.S. support of the anti-Chávez movement, the Web site VenezuelaFOIA.info writes, "Both CEDICE and CIPE [were] engaging in business-oriented efforts in Venezuela, working directly with Fedecámaras, the anti-Chávez business association that co-led the April 2002 coup and the Winter 2003 lockout (Fedecámaras President Pedro Carmona took over the presidency during the April 2002 coup and proceeded to dissolve all of Venezuela's democratic institutions before being forced from his self-imposed government). . . . More than $80,000 was allocated to CEDICE-CIPE's combined efforts by the NED right before the 2002 coup."

CEDICE's post referendum work will focus on the topic of business ethics, "specifically in the way it generates competition, efficiency, and productivity in society." In July 2004, CEDICE announced the creation of the Center for the Ethics and Corporate Citizenship. According to Atlas' Web site, "The Center will seek to promote ethical values that encourage businesses to be socially responsible within the community and develop initiatives that will contribute to progress and a quality of life within the framework of a free and responsible society."