How to Organise Under Authoritarian Creep in a Closing Civil Society

A practical set of advice from a seasoned organiser: “History offers lessons from those who’ve faced – and defeated – authoritarian regimes. Their victories remind us that change is possible, even in the most oppressive circumstances.” They cite precedents from Serbia, Chile, Denmark, Philippines, Kenya, and US civil rights, drawing seven lessons for people coming together to resist. Crucial is the advice to “make space and time to assess the shifting terrain, avoid digging into our positions or getting distracted by the torrent of everyday assaults that we miss strategic adjustments that are needed,” and to “adopt a big bold positive vision of the future… that improves life for all of us.” As they see it, the core challenge “is to increase our people power – politically, culturally and in every way.” They reflect that “perhaps this time we are not just ‘the resistance,’ but rather the collaborators, the builders, the family and friends, the community of the future we want to see.”