Resistance to Authoritarian Rule by Democratic Activists in the USA: Tactical Analysis & Suggestions for Action
In a groundbreaking 2022 study, "Pro-Democracy Organizing against Autocracy in the United States: A Strategic Assessment & Recommendations", authors Erica Chenoweth and Zoe Marks outline a comprehensive strategy for pro-democracy organizing in the event of an authoritarian transition in the United States. The strategy, focused on building a broad, resilient, and inclusive democratic front to counter autocratic threats, consists of four key pillars.
1. **Large-Scale, Multiracial, Cross-Class Coalition Building**
The first pillar emphasizes forming a "large-scale, multiracial, cross-class, pro-democracy front" that can bridge historic divides in U.S. society and politics. This strategy requires building alliances across diverse racial, economic, and social groups to create a unified democratic movement capable of counteracting autocratic forces.
2. **Centering Women’s Political Power and Feminist Leadership**
The second pillar argues that women’s political power is essential to a properly functioning multiracial democracy. Chenoweth and Marks identify feminist candidates and policies as fundamental to the health of democracy and a threat to autocracy. This involves investing in feminist political homes and ensuring women, particularly marginalized communities, have a voice and leadership roles in political organizing.
3. **Structural Reforms to Address Systemic Barriers**
The third pillar includes pushing for reforms addressing undemocratic elements of the U.S. political system, such as the malapportionment of the Senate and the electoral college, which limit representative democracy. Structural changes would also encompass legislation and policies that challenge patriarchal norms, reduce violence against women, and promote gender equity, as well as economic inclusion for women and marginalized groups.
4. **Coordinated, Cross-Sectoral Efforts and Movement Innovation**
The fourth pillar is inspired by principles of collective action and coordination seen in nature and international peacebuilding. Movements must learn to engage diverse communities, build unexpected alliances, and move beyond siloed work to big-tent formations that collectively resist autocracy and rebuild democratic circulation across fault lines of division.
Together, these four prongs represent a comprehensive approach that combines broad coalition-building, feminist empowerment, structural reform advocacy, and innovative organizing tactics to strengthen and defend democracy in the United States. The strategy also includes preventive measures, such as building resilience and momentum even as repression and coercion or violence escalate, and strategic planning to counter increased threats of state or paramilitary violence.
In summary, the four-pronged strategy recommended by Chenoweth and Marks includes: - Building a large-scale, diverse, multiracial, and cross-class pro-democracy coalition - Centering feminist leadership and women's political empowerment - Advocating structural and legislative reforms to correct systemic democratic deficits and gender inequities - Fostering innovative, coordinated, cross-sectoral movement organizing that bridges divides and builds collective power
This multi-dimensional approach is crafted to respond to the unique challenges of U.S. autocratic tendencies by emphasizing inclusivity, structural change, and effective collective action. Investing in the infrastructure to support an antiauthoritarian united front now will help the country and communities to weather the storm of darker days to come.
- The strategy to counter autocratic threats in the United States, as outlined in the 2022 study "Pro-Democracy Organizing against Autocracy," emphasizes the importance of resources dedicated to building a large-scale, diverse, multiracial, and cross-class pro-democracy coalition.
- In the pursuit of a robust multiracial democracy, the strategy prioritizes education and self-development, focusing on life-long learning and goal-setting, as key components for the empowerment of women and their political representation.
- To further strengthen democracy, the strategy advocates for productivity in career development, high-quality online education, and job-search resources, ensuring that everyone has access to the skills training needed for personal growth and successful job opportunities.
- The strategy also recommends liberal policies and legislation addressing war and conflicts, crime and justice, accidents such as car accidents and fires, and general news to provide the public with a well-informed and protected society.
- With digitalization shaping modern society, the strategy embraces innovative resources for learning and education, including online courses and job-search platforms, facilitating the growth of both individuals and the overall economy.
- To compete in the fast-paced modern world, the strategy further emphasizes the role of education and mindfulness in personal growth, encouraging individuals to develop skills like goal-setting and learning effectively.
- For marginalized communities, the strategy promotes access to education and job opportunities in fields such as sports, like American football (NFL and NCAAl), to foster individual and collective empowerment.
- As the importance of sports-betting emerges, the strategy calls for the implementation of responsible policies and legislation to protect the public from exploitation and ensure a fair and safe environment for all participants.
- To further promote equality and combat structural barriers, the strategy advocates for inclusion in sports, including the recruitment and development of female athletes across various sports, like football.
- With social issues like migration being a growing concern in the United States and globally, the strategy recommends policy and legislation addressing the needs and rights of migrants, ensuring a fair and just immigration system.
- As part of the effort to combat autocratic threats, the strategy emphasizes the importance of addressing issues of systemic inequality stemming from war and conflicts, helping affected communities heal and rebuild.
- By investing in pro-democracy resources and infrastructure, the strategy aims to foster a resilient democratic front that can withstand challenges and grow in the face of increasing political polarization and the uncertainties of the future.
- As the strategy focuses on building a broad, inclusive, and resilient democratic front, the authors encourage learning from international peacebuilding efforts and applying these principles to the unique challenges of U.S. autocratic tendencies.
- Ultimately, the strategy envisions a united front of diverse communities, working collaboratively, promoting thoughtful policy-making and activism, and harnessing the power of innovative organizing to safeguard democracy and the rights of all citizens.
