On Understanding Authoritarianism
Resources From Experts In The Democracy Reform Field
List of Resources on Authoritarianism
Anti-authoritarians need to get into field-building mode, investing in skills and resources necessary to create a strategically aligned and effective field of resistance to repression, violence, and the corruption of democratic institutions.
In this process, definitions matter. Shared concepts and definitions create a shared language, and a shared language is fundamental to building a strong field. Here’s a concise, accessible definition of authoritarianism to get us started.
For more ambitious readers, the following is a curated list of essential resources created by experts in the field.
Resources
Protect Democracy
The Authoritarian Playbook
Description: Identifies common tactics used by authoritarian leaders, such as undermining free elections, attacking independent institutions, and spreading disinformation. Outlines strategies for defending democracy and protecting institutions.
Key Takeaways: Provides a step-by-step guide to recognizing and countering authoritarian tactics, making it a vital resource for activists and policymakers alike.
Access: Read the full resource here.
Democracy and Disinformation
Description: Explores how disinformation is weaponized to weaken democratic institutions and polarize societies. Includes case studies and actionable steps for building resilience against information warfare.
Key Takeaways: Highlights the role of social media in amplifying authoritarian narratives and offers strategies to mitigate its impact.
The Horizons Project
Building Bridges to Counter Authoritarianism
Description: Discusses the importance of bridging divides across ideological, racial, and economic lines to create a unified front against authoritarianism.
Key Takeaways: Focuses on fostering dialogue and coalition-building to strengthen civic trust and democratic resilience.
Access: Access the report here.
Description: Analyzes the societal pillars (e.g., media, religion, civil society) that sustain authoritarian regimes and offers insights into shifting these pillars to support democratic principles.
Key Takeaways: Provides a framework for identifying leverage points within communities to weaken authoritarian control.
Access: Download it here.
Political Research Associates
Profiles on the Right: Authoritarian Movements in the U.S.
Description: Detailed profiles of far-right and authoritarian groups in the U.S., examining their ideologies, strategies, and funding networks.
Key Takeaways: Essential for understanding the specific threats posed by U.S.-based authoritarian movements and how to counter them.
Access: Explore the profiles here.
The Rise of Authoritarian Populism
Description: Explores the intersection of economic insecurity, racism, and nationalism in driving authoritarian populism globally, with a focus on parallels between the U.S. and Europe.
Key Takeaways: Analyzes how authoritarian populists use grievances to build support and strategies for democratic resilience.
Access: Read the full analysis here.
Freedom House
Freedom in the World Annual Report
Description: Offers a comprehensive global overview of the state of democracy and authoritarianism, ranking countries based on political rights and civil liberties.
Key Takeaways: Tracks trends in autocratization and highlights regions at greatest risk.
On the Freedom House website.
V-Dem Institute
Description: A data-driven analysis of global democratic trends, focusing on autocratization and the erosion of civil liberties.
Key Takeaways: Provides empirical evidence and key insights into the mechanisms of authoritarian consolidation.
Gene Sharp’s “From Dictatorship to Democracy”
From Dictatorship to Democracy
Description: A classic manual for nonviolent resistance against authoritarianism, used by movements worldwide.
Key Takeaways: Outlines 198 methods of nonviolent action and strategic guidance for resisting repressive regimes.
Access: Read or download the manual here.