The Anti-Authoritarian Podcast Series

Elected Authoritarians don’t seize power with tanks—they quietly capture courts, parliaments, parties, and electoral boards. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how democracy defenders can resist from inside the system when civic space is under attack. From judges and civil servants to election officials and whistleblowers, we uncover the tactics, alliances, and m...

Authoritarians learn from each other—so must we. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how democracy defenders can mobilize global solidarity, engage international allies, and turn local struggles into powerful cross-border movements. From diaspora activism and diplomatic advocacy to media and human rights networks, we unpack what works—and what doesn’t—when connect...

Authoritarians learn from each other—so must we. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how democracy defenders can mobilize global solidarity, engage international allies, and turn local struggles into powerful cross-border movements. From diaspora activism and diplomatic advocacy to media and human rights networks, we unpack what works—and what doesn’t—when connect...

When democracy is threatened, it’s not politicians who save it—it’s people. This episode dives into how civic movements rise to defend freedom, rebuild trust, and drive democratic change from the ground up. Through lessons from organizers around the world, the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast unpacks how to turn shared purpose into collective power, sustain commitment, and keep the spark of demo...

Elected authoritarians thrive on the image of the decisive, solitary leader—the one who claims to know best. But real strength in leadership looks very different. This episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast explores models of inclusive, collaborative, and compassionate leadership that deliver results and rebuild trust. Featuring stories of leaders who lead with empathy and courage, we u...

Polarization poisons democracy. It turns citizens against each other, weakens institutions, and gives elected authoritarians the opening they need to erode freedom from within. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how to break the cycle—sharing strategies from around the world to bridge divides, rebuild trust, and strengthen democratic resilience. From narrative ch...

Stories shape how people see the world—and elected authoritarians know it. They use powerful narratives to frame themselves as saviors, simplify complex realities, and rally people around fear or pride. But stories can also strengthen democracy. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how democracy defenders can reclaim the narrative and tell stories that inspire acti...

Authoritarians have mastered the digital battlefield—using money, reach, and compelling narratives to dominate timelines and shape public opinion. But the fight for democracy is also happening online, and it’s time we caught up. In this episode, we dive into how democracy defenders can reclaim the digital space with smart, creative, and relentless strategies. From building influencer networks and...

Elected authoritarians win when people stay home. This episode explores powerful Get-Out-The-Vote strategies to boost turnout, inspire hope, and build a shared sense of purpose—turning every vote into a stand for democracy. From vote tripling to decentralized organizing, discover how to mobilize communities, bring people to the polls, and defeat authoritarian candidates. Sarah Durieux is a French...

Around the world, elected strongmen are using a modern set of tactics to erode democracy from within. In this episode, we unpack the strategies of leaders like Trump, Modi, Bukele, Erdoğan, and Orbán. From their disruptive style and dominance of digital media to their use of compelling storytelling and diversion tactics, we explore how their playbook is being replicated across the globe. Salil She...

Authoritarianism is evolving — and so must we. In the 21st century, elected strongmen are using new tactics to erode democracy from within. They don’t arrive with tanks, but with hashtags, storytelling, and populist charisma. Across continents, they’re following the same playbook — and democracy defenders are fighting back. This podcast series cracks open the Authoritarian Playbook and introduces...