Authoritarianism

Flooding the Zone

• Issue: Steve Bannon famously shared his messaging strategy when Trump was first in the white house was to "flood the zone" with so many messages the public wouldn't be able to distinguish important updates from trivial sensationalism. Trump continues to use this strategy and in turn makes his dangerous policies and "scandals" have less impact. The 24-hour outrage news cycle has also aided in making American's numb to government corruption. And the vicious cycle continues as politicians learn they can get through most scandals if they utilize party loyalty and deny long enough.
• Response: The nihilism of the masses is slowly crumbling - but it will take strategic and creative thinking to overcome. Media, politicians, and others who work with the public should understand people's frustration but somber acceptance of corruption and position themselves as against it. This is best done with non-partisan issues like banning ocngressional stock trading ot refusing donations from billionaire donors.

Moving so fast the courts can’t keep up

• Issue: The legal system is not intended to be a fast moving machine, and the Trump administration is trying to take advantage of it. They act before seeking permission in hopes that no one will stop them.
• Response: No anticipatory obedience. The turtle ends up winning the race even when the rabbit sprints ahead. Do not believe in the myth that his actions are irreversible. Courts should be willing to block, punish or undo unconstitutional actions. Keep responses to the events simple and focused on legality.

Violence and Intimidation

• Issue: Fear is the domination emotion of all authoritarian regimes and it is what drives people to comply in advance. If one group or person is targeted - others will fall in line to avoid their fate. Threats of deportation (especially after supreme court rulings that people can be sent to places other than their country of origin) or financial subjugation can also be form of violence. This is not always as overt as physically attacking someone. In addition to Trump's above-the-surface-actions, he has allegiance with several right wing extremists groups who have already carried out violence in line with his agenda from SWAT raid calls, doxxing, harassment and even physical violence.
• Response: Do not give into fear - that is the goal result of this tactic. Encourage those in power who can make a difference to fight for its people including law enformcement, representatives, attourneys and other leadership. Press these groups or individuals to publicly stand against actions to give hope and avoid compliance.

Targeting Access to Council

• Issue: Those who have been kidnapped by ICE are already demonstrating the lack of regard for due process (the principle that you are innocent UNTIL the state can prove that you are guilty). The administration has been warping the definition to imply that due process is a privilege only for Americans - rather than a global princple that upholds our country's original idealism of logic and order. They do this by targeting law firms, intimidating lawyers and physically barring access to clients.
• Response: Those in the legal profession must hold each other accountable to "hang together" lest they "hang separately" as the adage goes. The public should continue to educate themselves and others on their legal rights.

Slowing Down Authoritariansm

In an authoritarian regime one of the best weapons is slowing down the momentum they have. The more time people have to stop and think, the less likely their power goes unchecked. Here is how we as a population can slow the roll.

Do not accept anything as inevitable: Hopelessness is the greatest fuel authoritarianism has going for it. The more hope people have the harder it is for the opposition to keep moving forward.

Challenge Every Action: Keep pressure on all law makers, media outlets, and anyone with influence. The opposition expects you to quiet down and get over it eventually.

Embrace Escalation, Don't Fear It: What does a cornered bully always do? He lashes out. As the public increasingly disapproves of the administration, Trump's despiration will encourage him to resort to extreme measures to consolidate power and control. When this happens, and it will happen, you must be ready to stay strong and united against the attempts to intimidate.

Prioritize safety: Make it clear that autocrats represent a culture of death and violence. While demanding radical changes, pro-democracy actors must condemn political violence even when it benefits them. This includes repsecting court orders, calling out corruption even on our own side, and evaluating the security of communities and individuals. Proactively work towards increasing safety and protecting from those who would do harm.

Protect targets and the vulnerable: Trump has already shown how he is going after vulnerable communities, by doing this he convinces other communities to get in line to avoid a similar fate. When communities come together to protect those more vulnerable, it protects the collective and strengthens resolve. Think of the NATO article V quote "an attack against one … is an attack against all".

Focus on Elections: While there will certainly be attempts to rig the upcoming elections to maintain power, as long as the people keep their eyes open democracy will not be taken from us. In anticipation, keep an eye on legal and administrative infrastructure risks to having fair elections.

Read the Indivisible guidebook on how everyday Americans can fight for democracy together.

Sources

• How Trump is trying to break the legal system — and how to respond
• Authoritarianism, explained
• A Guide for the Perplexed: Democrats in Distress
• How to brace for Friday Night Massacres
• The Most Important Sentence Donald Trump Has Ever Said: The Three Phases of Constitutional Crisis, and How to Prepare for Them
• Twenty Lessons, read by John Lithgow
• MSNBC's Trumpland with Alex Wagner
• Why is American Democracy in such Peril?