On **October 18, 2025**, a significant wave of pro-democracy demonstrations took place across the United States, culminating in a large gathering for the “No Kings” protest in **Anchorage, Alaska**. Participants rallied and marched in various cities, aiming to affirm their commitment to democracy amidst growing concerns about the erosion of democratic values under the current administration. While some political leaders criticized the protests as “hate America” rallies, many scholars contend that the nation’s democratic foundations are indeed at risk.
According to research from the **V-Dem Institute**, only **42%** of democracies that have experienced autocratization since **1994** have managed to recover from democratic breakdowns. This phenomenon, often referred to as “democratic backsliding,” involves systematic efforts to weaken individual liberties and diminish institutional checks on power. The global landscape is dotted with examples of democratic deterioration, from countries like **Hungary** to **Brazil**, highlighting that even established democracies like the United States are not immune to such threats.
To counter these challenges, pro-democracy activists advocate for a variety of tactics beyond traditional protests. Nonviolent resistance, which focuses on noncooperation with autocratic actions, has proven to be more effective than violent uprisings. Activists are encouraged to harness different strategies to bolster democratic values.
Strategies for Effective Civic Engagement
1. **Refuse Unlawful Demands**: When individuals in key positions, such as military leaders and civil servants, decline to comply with autocratic orders, it can significantly hinder authoritarian movements. In **South Korea**, segments of the civil service and military resisted President **Yoon Suk Yeol**’s attempts to impose martial law in **2024**, effectively derailing his plans.
2. **Support the Rule of Law**: Visible challenges to legal overreach are crucial. In **Poland**, public protests, including the notable “March of a Thousand Robes” in **2020**, alongside judicial initiatives, showcased widespread opposition to government attacks on legal norms.
3. **Foster Unity in Opposition**: Collaboration among diverse political factions can create a formidable front against autocracy. **Maria Corina Machado**, the 2023 **Nobel Peace Prize** winner from **Venezuela**, exemplifies how leaders can unite under a shared vision to counteract authoritarian tactics.
4. **Leverage Economic Influence**: Consumers have the power to impact companies that support autocratic regimes through targeted boycotts. The “**Tesla Takedown**” campaign, which contributed to a decline in Tesla’s stock value, illustrates how economic pressure can influence corporate compliance with authoritarian governance.
5. **Combat Electoral Manipulation**: Ensuring free and fair elections is essential for restoring democracy. Recent electoral shifts in **Brazil** demonstrate that strategic pre-election actions can successfully oust autocrats.
6. **Engage in Community Organization**: Grassroots initiatives, such as local forums and nonpartisan groups, can facilitate discussions and collective actions, as evidenced by movements in **India** and **Chile**. These local efforts often provide the foundation for broader statewide or national campaigns.
7. **Shape Public Narrative**: Effective communication is vital. In **Serbia**, students employed creative resistance, using artistic expression and social media to challenge authoritarian narratives, thereby fostering resilience among the populace.
8. **Build Bridges Across Divides**: Initiatives that encourage dialogue across ideological lines can mitigate political polarization. In countries facing autocratic regimes, inclusive practices at local levels have fostered greater democratic engagement.
9. **Document Abuses and Protect Truth**: Citizens can utilize technology to record and archive evidence of governmental abuses. This documentation not only preserves history but also supports independent media efforts and truth-telling in repressive environments.
10. **Adapt and Innovate**: As repressive tactics evolve, democracy defenders must remain agile, learning new strategies and supporting one another. International solidarity, such as **European Union** support for activists in **Belarus**, can enhance these efforts.
The future of American democracy hangs in the balance, influenced by the actions of its citizens. Despite the alarming rise of autocratic governance globally, the sustained engagement of the American populace is crucial. With only **12%** of the global population currently living in a liberal democracy, the actions taken now could significantly shape the trajectory of democratic institutions both in the United States and worldwide.
Shelley Inglis, who previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the **United States Agency for International Development (USAID)**, emphasizes that the choices made by individuals today will determine the health of democracy in the years to come.
