Examples of how to fight tyranny, part 2

This is another installment in a series on democratic resistance, inspired by Timothy Snyder’s sobering and essential Twenty Lessons on Fighting Tyranny from the Twentieth Century. The second lesson in how to fight tyranny is “ defend institutions. “

This is the part where a lot of people may tune out-”institutions” sounds abstract. But functional institutions are fundamental for democracy, and they don’t protect themselves.

Maybe you’re unsure when-or if-it’s appropriate to do something. But remember: the best-case scenario is that we speak up, defend what matters, and nothing catastrophic happens. Some may say afterward that there was nothing to worry about in the first place because they don’t understand counterfactuals. Think of this like boarding up your windows before a hurricane warning-it’s better to do too much than too little.

Here are some examples of institutions and what you can do to protect them. The list is long, but you shouldn’t feel like you have to do all of this: just pick one institution and stand up for it.

1. Independent Courts: Watch for efforts to undermine judicial legitimacy or politicize appointments. Observe court hearings, vote in judicial elections, and demand transparency. Investigate claims that someone who is part of the judicial system is doing something for “political” reasons. If you’re a lawyer, file some amicus briefs.

2. Election Systems: Voter suppression, intimidation, and conspiracy theories erode trust in the foundation of democracy. To protect our election systems, you can sign up to be a poll worker, donate to voter protection organizations, and call out lies about election “fraud.” And, of course, vote.

3. Legislatures: When lawmakers try to subvert the democratic process or consolidate power, raise your voice. Contact your representatives, write letters to the editor, write op-eds, attend down halls, or even run for local office. Attend school board or city council meetings. Demand that the rule of law be followed.

4. Public Schools, Universities, Libraries: These are where people learn to think freely-making them prime targets for authoritarians. If you’re a professor, push back on ideological curriculum or other changes and defend academic freedom. You can also fight book bans, fund public libraries, and support students and others speaking out.

5. Bar Associations, Medical & Scientific Organizations: These are where truth meets action. When they’re co-opted or intimidated, we’re in trouble. Get involved in an organization in your field, if you’re not already. Resist politicization of standards. Defend expertise and objectivity.

7. Civic Nonprofits: Groups like the League of Women Voters, ACLU, and Common Cause often do the thankless work of protecting democratic norms. To help them, we can donate, volunteer, and attend their events.

8. Independent Journalism: Defend journalists under attack and push back against attempts to discredit factual reporting. Support them by subscribing, reading, and sharing their stories.

9. Museums, Theaters, and Memorials: These institutions preserve cultural memory — and authoritarians always try to rewrite it. If you are involved in one, curate with courage. The rest of us can show up and support truth in history.

10. Data and Privacy Advocates: From internet archives to cybersecurity organizations, these groups help safeguard truth and protect dissent. We can support digital rights and fight surveillance creep.

Defending institutions doesn’t mean putting them on a pedestal or pretending they’re perfect. It means refusing to let them be dismantled by those who would rather see them replaced by unchecked power. Pick one. Start somewhere. Institutions don’t protect themselves-we have to do that part.

Originally published at https://mytwocentsandcounting.substack.com.