Fighting an authoritarian regime is complex, potentially hazardous, and long-term work, but history has shown that no regime is invincible. Pushing back requires a multi-faceted approach of personal, collective, and political actions against charismatic leadership, populist appeals, nationalism, and authoritarian tactics. Successful resistance includes a combination of nonviolent activism, strategic political engagement, grassroots mobilization, and international solidarity. The goal should be not only to resist the immediate rise of fascism but also to build long-term structures that can safeguard democracy, human rights, and social justice.
Despite electoral losses, the majority of Americans hold democratic and progressive values. Honest, individual conversations can reveal shared values across political divides. Immigrants embody the American ideal by striving to make the country fulfill its promises. We must stay engaged and offer support to those affected by right-wing policies.
Suggestions:
Understand the Risks and Stay Safe
Avoid Isolation: During the rise of authoritarianism, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, isolating oneself or retreating into apathy can give the regime the upper hand. Solidarity with others in the community can be a source of strength and resilience.
Promote Solidarity and Community Resilience
Consider Security: Anti-authoritarian activism can be dangerous in certain contexts, especially as the authorities may use surveillance, intimidation, or violence against opposition. Use secure communication methods, protect personal privacy, and be aware of the risks associated with organizing in an authoritarian environment.
Create Safe Spaces: Building solidarity networks that protect vulnerable communities—ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+— people is important. Safe houses, mutual aid networks, and legal defense funds can make a significant difference.
Teach and Spread Awareness: Distributing information, holding public forums, and educating communities on the signs of authoritarianism, the importance of democracy, and historical lessons can build resilience.
Digital Resistance: It’s crucial to understand how to use social media for activism, fact-checking, and mobilization while countering authoritarian propaganda.
Engage in Nonviolent Resistance
Peaceful Protests: When done on a large scale, organizing and participating in mass protests can disrupt business as usual and signal widespread dissatisfaction.
Civil Disobedience: Nonviolent acts of defiance, such as sit-ins or boycotts, can create pressure while maintaining moral high ground. Such actions show the regime’s inability to control dissent.
Labor Strikes: Strikes by essential workers—such as transportation, education, or healthcare—can cause significant disruptions to daily life and the economy.
Vocabulary: Use strong words. Say “unpatriotic,” “stupid,” “corrupt,” “betrayal,” “disgraceful,” “will harm millions of Americans,”; “morally wrong” if you see it that way, “against my conscience” or similar phrases, and explain why.
Build and Strengthen Independent Institutions
Support independent media: Supporting local news, investigative journalism, or social media helps ensure a free flow of information.
Protect the Judiciary: Efforts to defend an impartial, independent judiciary can act as a counterbalance to the regime’s authority.
Support civil society organizations: NGOs and grassroots organizations that focus on human rights, democracy, and justice are crucial. These groups often provide critical services, offer alternative narratives, and organize resistance efforts.
Mobilize Political Resistance
Electoral Engagement: Running candidates for local and national office who can offer an alternative to authoritarian policies, even in the face of voter suppression or intimidation, can help slow down or roll back authoritarian actions. It’s important to engage voters in areas with a higher likelihood of success.
Coalition Building: Resist ideological silos. Building broad coalitions of liberals, progressives, centrists, and moderates can help create a united front, even if there are disagreements on specific policies.
Campaigning for Free and Fair Elections: Advocating for free and fair elections, voting rights protections, and fighting voter suppression is critical. This includes challenging gerrymandering, ensuring electoral integrity, and opposing any effort to restrict voting access.
Legal and Constitutional Challenges
Challenge Unconstitutional Actions: File lawsuits or challenge unjust laws in court. Public interest lawyers, activist legal groups, and even pro bono efforts and funding can play a vital role.
Resist the Rule of Law’s Breakdown: It is important to highlight and expose any illegal actions or abuses of power through legal avenues.
Engage in International Solidarity
Appeal to the International Community: Appealing to international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and human rights organizations can put diplomatic pressure on an authoritarian regime.
Leverage Sanctions and Boycotts: Economic pressure from foreign countries and multinational organizations, such as sanctions or trade restrictions, can be an effective tool for resistance.
Diaspora Networks: Diaspora communities can help coordinate resistance efforts from outside the country.
Prepare for Civil Conflict and Maintain Moral Integrity
Nonviolent Civil War: If resistance escalates and a regime becomes openly violent, nonviolent resistance remains more effective than armed conflict in many cases. Historical examples like Gandhi in India or King in the U.S. show the potential of moral power. However, nonviolent struggle often requires significant coordination, resilience, and community-building.
Maintaining Ethical Resistance: It’s important to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights even in the face of extreme violence or repression. Engaging in tactics that mirror the oppressive tactics of the regime—such as torture or terrorism—can morally delegitimize a resistance movement.
Cultivate Hope and Resilience
Narrative of Resistance: Resisting fascism requires not only strategy but also hope. Focusing on the possibility of a better, more just future is extremely crucial in maintaining morale and inspiring continued efforts.
Celebrate Small Wins: Even when facing a large and oppressive regime, celebrating small victories—whether it’s a local protest, a legal victory, or the success of an independent journalist—can serve as a reminder that resistance is effective and that change is possible.
Using the Mechanisms of Democracy While We Still Can
New House Rules for Trump Voters, From Your Local Bartender
