Pieter Friedrich
I’m a US-based independent journalist and author who documents religious nationalism, caste oppression, and transnational repression in South Asia and its diaspora. I specialize in tracking how India’s Hindu nationalist movement and allied networks influence American politics, persecute minorities, and suppress dissent across borders.
“Friedrich is the only independent investigative journalist in the US to doggedly track every American politician and political event with connections to the transnational networks of the militant Hindu outfit, the RSS.”
— Dr. Sruti Bala
“Friedrich’s work in cautioning the West against this [Hindu nationalist] threat is pioneering and remarkable.”
— Dr. John Dayal
“Friedrich is an outspoken and vilified campaigner against Hindutva.”
— Dr. Edward Anderson
About Pieter
My cover article in India’s Caravan magazine made me the first journalist to begin systematically exposing the global networks of India’s Hindu nationalist movement.
I’ve testified at dozens of municipal governments across 11 states, documenting influence operations and exposing coordination between elected officials and Hindu nationalist organizations.
My articles have appeared in AntiWar.com, Caravan, Middle East Eye, Mondoweiss, The Quint, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, The Wire, and elsewhere. I’ve authored four books (and several booklets), including Captivating the Simple-Hearted, which has been translated into Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and more.
I’ve been cited in Catholic News Agency, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Reader, Deutsche Welle, Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting, French Radio Internationale, Harper’s, The Hindu, The Hindustan Times, The Intercept, Jewish Currents, MSNBC, Newsweek, The New York Post, ThePrint, Religion News Service, San Jose Insider, Slate, United Methodist News, and elsewhere. I’ve also been featured in Christianity Today, The Washington Post, and an Arte documentary.
I’ve been banned from India, and the Indian government actively blocks my Twitter account within the country in response to my investigative reporting. In 2021, Delhi Police falsely accused me of fomenting protests in India. I subsequently met with the FBI to discuss my experiences as a victim of transnational repression.
I’ve spoken alongside and/or been cited by parliamentarians from Australia, Germany, and the UK. I’ve lectured at many universities, including Columbia University, Drew University, James Madison University, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UNC Charlotte, and more. I’m a regular speaker at briefings on US Capitol Hill and forums at the United Nations. As an advocate for religious liberty and interfaith cooperation, I’ve spoken at churches, gurdwaras, mosques, and viharas.
I am a recipient of the 2023 “Appreciation Award” from the National Association of Asian Indian Christians.
Born in California, I’ve lived at length in both Europe and Asia. I enjoy reading, hiking, international travel, museums, history, and deep friendships.
Contact me at pieterjfriedrich [at] gmail [dot] com.
