Pieter Friedrich

Last Updated: October 27, 2023

Pieter Friedrich is a seasoned freelance journalist who specializes in analyzing current and historical affairs in South Asia, with a particular focus on the complex issue of Hindu nationalism. His work delves into a wide array of topics, including human rights, supremacist political ideologies, ethnonationalism, politicization of religion, authoritarian government structures, state-sponsored atrocities, and the urgent need to foster unity around principles of liberty. He is driven by a deep commitment to replace divisive politics with a politics of reconciliation.

Published Works and Recognition

Friedrich’s insightful articles have found a platform in numerous reputable publications, including American Kahani, AntiWar.com, Caravan, India West, The Indian Panorama, The Quint, The Wire, and more. His writings have been featured in global media outlets like Deutsche Welle, Himal Southasian, The Hindu, The Hindustan Times, India Abroad, The Intercept, News18, NewsClick, ThePrint, Scroll, The Siasat Daily, The Telegraph, The Texas Observer, and others. His contributions have transcended language barriers, as his work has been translated into French, Hindi, Kannada, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, and various other languages.

International Engagement and Education

Pieter Friedrich’s insights have resonated internationally, and he has had the honor of speaking alongside and being cited by parliamentarians from countries such as Australia, Germany, and the UK. He has also shared his expertise through lectures at esteemed institutions like Carleton University, Columbia University, James Madison University, Stanford University, St. Stephens College, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC Los Angeles, and the University of Central Florida. His commitment to religious liberty and interfaith cooperation has led him to address audiences at places of worship including mosques, gurdwaras, churches, and viharas across North America.

Background and Interests

Born and raised in California, Pieter Friedrich has cultivated a global perspective through extensive travel and extended stays in Europe and Asia. Beyond his journalistic pursuits, he finds joy in reading, hiking, exploring museums, and cherishing moments spent with family.

Notable Mention in Greta Toolkit Case

Pieter Friedrich’s name recently emerged in the Greta Thunberg toolkit case. According to Delhi Police, he played a pivotal role in planning hashtags, determining which personalities to tag, and strategizing the dissemination of the toolkit’s contents. Friedrich’s association with Khalistani terrorist Bhajan Singh Bhinder, known to be connected to Pakistan’s spy agency ISI, has brought him under the scrutiny of Indian security agencies since 2006. Delhi Police noted that Friedrich is an “active proponent of Khalistan” and has been involved in an investigation related to information warfare against India. His inadvertent mention in the toolkit by Thunberg brought him to the forefront of this high-profile case.