A significant wave of activism unfolded across the United States on October 18, 2025, as citizens participated in the “No Kings” protest. This nationwide demonstration drew crowds in thousands of cities and towns, from Anchorage to Miami, uniting participants under the banner of pro-democracy advocacy. The movement aimed to showcase a collective commitment to democratic values, especially in light of increasing concerns regarding the erosion of democratic norms.
Political leaders, particularly from the Republican Party, condemned the demonstrations, labeling them as “hate America” rallies. Despite these criticisms, political science scholars and national security experts contend that the current administration’s actions are jeopardizing the integrity of the nation’s democratic framework. Research by the Swedish V-Dem Institute highlights that only 42% of democracies affected by autocratization since 1994 have successfully rebounded following a breakdown.
As societies experience what is often referred to as “democratic backsliding,” the implications can be severe. This phenomenon entails government-led changes that weaken individual freedoms and diminish the checks and balances essential for democracy. Various countries, including Hungary and Brazil, have faced such challenges, yet the United States’ unique constitutional framework and civil society provide a foundation that could resist similar trends.
To effectively counteract autocratic movements, a range of strategies has emerged from global practices. Nonviolent resistance, characterized by refusal to comply with autocratic measures, has proven more effective than violent opposition. Organizations dedicated to democracy promotion are increasingly training individuals to document governmental abuses through video and other means.
Strategies for Citizens to Engage in Democracy
For democracies to recover from periods of autocratic rule, broad, coordinated mobilization among the populace is essential. This requires overcoming the fear and powerlessness that autocrats often instill through intimidation tactics. Scholars have noted that autocrats depend on “pillars of support” — institutions that facilitate their control. However, each citizen has the potential to undermine this support through various actions. Here are ten effective strategies:
1. **Refuse Unlawful Demands**: When individuals in key positions, such as military and civil service, refuse to comply with autocratic orders, they can significantly impede authoritarian advances. An example occurred in South Korea during 2024, when key sectors resisted President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to impose martial law.
2. **Bolster the Rule of Law**: In cases where autocrats dismiss legal constraints, public education and legal challenges can signal widespread opposition. The “March of a Thousand Robes” in Poland in 2020 is a notable example of citizens rallying against governmental overreach.
3. **Unite in Opposition**: Political cooperation can create a stronger front against autocracy. The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela, exemplifies how diverse political factions can unite to challenge oppressive regimes, highlighting the potential for coalitions across the political spectrum in the U.S.
4. **Harness Economic Power**: Citizens can leverage their purchasing power to pressure corporations that support authoritarian regimes. The “Tesla Takedown,” which saw a significant drop in the company’s share value, illustrates how consumer action can influence corporate behavior.
5. **Preempt Electoral Manipulation**: Ensuring fair and free elections is critical to restoring democracy. The recent electoral reversal in Brazil serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic action ahead of election day.
6. **Organize Your Community**: Engaging in local initiatives can foster community solidarity. Conversations within trusted networks can lead to broader movements that defend democratic values, as seen in India and Chile in recent years.
7. **Shape the Narrative**: Controlling public discourse is vital. Creative resistance, such as protests led by Serbian students, has demonstrated the power of art and social media to challenge autocratic narratives and inspire collective action.
8. **Build Bridges Across Divides**: Involving diverse groups can mitigate political polarization. Initiatives that promote collaboration can deepen democratic practices, even in autocratic contexts, as seen in Turkey and Ukraine.
9. **Document Abuses**: Modern technology enables citizens to record and report instances of governmental repression. This documentation serves to preserve historical records and support independent media efforts.
10. **Mitigate Risk and Innovate**: As repression evolves, so must the tactics of democracy defenders. International solidarity, such as support for pro-democracy movements in Belarus and Georgia, can enhance local efforts.
While the decline of democracy in the United States is alarming, the outcome hinges on active citizen engagement. With only 12% of the global population residing in liberal democracies, the choices made by Americans today will have significant implications for the future of democratic governance worldwide. As Shelley Inglis, former Senior Policy Advisor at USAID, emphasizes, the continuation of American democracy rests on the actions of its citizens.
