Defending Democracy: Countering the Rise of Authoritarianism in the West
As authoritarianism and right-wing conservatism gain momentum across the U.S. and Western democracies, civil society, activists, and policymakers must urgently develop a transformative agenda that resists democratic backsliding and presents a compelling alternative to the authoritarian playbook. But how can we effectively counter rising authoritarianism while strengthening democratic institutions, human rights, and social justice movements?
This session will explore practical strategies for standing strong in the face of political regression, including narrative framing, coalition-building, legal resistance, and grassroots mobilization. We will discuss the lessons learned from past struggles against authoritarianism, examine how to mitigate the impact of right-wing government actions, and identify proactive steps for preserving and revitalizing liberal democracy in the U.S. and beyond.
Key Questions:
How can movements, organizations, and funders effectively counter authoritarianism and democratic backsliding in the U.S. and Western democracies?
What narratives and strategies can help mobilize broad-based support for democratic values in an era of rising populism?
How can civil society build stronger coalitions across sectors and ideologies to resist authoritarian power grabs?
What legal, policy, and grassroots tools are most effective in mitigating the impact of right-wing government actions?
How can we develop a long-term transformative vision for democracy that is resilient, inclusive, and resistant to authoritarian influence?
This session will provide a strategic and action-oriented space for those committed to defending democracy, countering authoritarianism, and building a compelling future for liberal democratic governance.
Session Co-Leaders:
Chloé Lewis - Deputy Director of Research, Evaluation, and Learning at Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice
Jessica Kantor – Journalist and communications strategist, crafting compelling narratives to drive social justice impact.
Sandra Rizkallah – Co-Founder & Executive Director of Peace Tracks / Plugged In Band Program, dedicated to using music as a tool for peacebuilding and social change.