Defending Democracy: Strategies to Counter Authoritarianism
Event Description
As authoritarianism rises and civic space continues to shrink, many activists, funders, and movement leaders are asking a shared question: what actually works to defend and rebuild democracy in real time?
This session focuses on practical, coordinated strategies to resist democratic backsliding and strengthen civic resilience. Moving beyond theory, participants will engage with approaches like the Build, Win, Sustain framework, exploring how movements can build capacity, achieve meaningful reforms, and protect those gains over time.
Grounded in global perspectives, particularly from the Global South, the discussion will highlight how citizen power, youth leadership, and narrative change are shaping responses to intersecting crises, from authoritarianism to climate injustice. Through interactive exchange and rapid idea sharing, participants will surface concrete tactics for mobilization, collaboration, and long-term systems change.
This is a space to learn from each other, test ideas, and strengthen the networks and strategies needed to stand up to authoritarianism and defend democratic futures.
Speakers
Aaron Leonard leads Partnerships, Governance, and Social Technology at Root Change, co-designing AI tools to strengthen community voice and democratic systems.
B. Kainoa Azama is Associate Director at the Olohana Foundation, working at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge and climate resilience.
Gabriela Bucher is CEO of the Fund for Global Human Rights, supporting movements advancing justice, dignity, and fundamental freedoms.
Umra Omar is Founder at Safari Doctors, expanding access to healthcare for remote communities while advancing leadership and governance in Kenya.
Discussion Questions
What practical strategies are proving effective in resisting authoritarianism and protecting civic space today?
How can movements build, win, and sustain democratic gains in the face of ongoing political and social pressure?
What role do citizen power, youth leadership, and narrative change play in strengthening democratic resilience?
How can funders and movement ecosystems collaborate more effectively to support long-term democratic change?
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.