Authoritarianism 101: How It Happens—And How We Fight Back Summer Session

An 8-week deep dive (on Google Meet) into the playbook of authoritarian regimes—what to watch, how it spreads, and the resistance tools we need to defend democracy.

Over the next 8 weeks,

Zev Shalev

and I will be hosting an exclusive seminar series for our paid subscribers: Authoritarianism 101.

Each session will break down two core tactics used by authoritarian regimes—past and present—alongside real-world examples from the U.S., Russia, Hungary, and beyond. We’ll show how these strategies erode democratic institutions, normalize state violence, and silence dissent. But most importantly, we’ll talk about how to resist.

We’ll meet live on Google Meet every Tuesday at 8 PM ET, and every session will include:

• A focused breakdown of each tactic

• Global and U.S. examples and real-time developments

• Resistance tools, resources, and discussion

Next session will be on June 10 @8:00 PM EST, and Paid subscribers to either Zev's or my newsletter are invited.

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ize2tO9wo7BCGqa0AGeK82sK_6DFVny5TRM4SQiRAD8/edit

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Here’s what we’ll cover:

Week 1: Controlling the Narrative & Creating Enemies (June 10)

• Tactic 1: Propaganda, Disinformation & Rewriting History

• Tactic 2: Scapegoating Minorities, Journalists, and Immigrants

Week 2: Dismantling Accountability

• Tactic 3: Undermining the Judiciary

• Tactic 4: Politicizing Law Enforcement

Week 3: Silencing Dissent

• Tactic 5: Expanding Mass Surveillance

• Tactic 6: Legal Harassment & Intimidation

Week 4: Consolidating Power

• Tactic 7: Purging Independent Institutions

• Tactic 8: Executive Overreach & Emergency Powers

Week 5: Undermining Democracy

• Tactic 9: Election Manipulation & Voter Suppression

• Tactic 10: Delegitimizing Opponents

Week 6: Oligarchy & Corruption

• Tactic 11: Oligarchic Capture of Power

• Tactic 12: Political Use of Public Funds

Week 7: Weaponizing Religion & Culture

• Tactic 13: Co-opting Religious Institutions

• Tactic 14: Controlling Education, Art & Cultural Expression

Week 8: Normalization & Globalization of Authoritarianism

• Tactic 15: Normalization Through Chaos & Fatigue

• Tactic 16: Exporting Authoritarian Tactics Across Borders

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This is about understanding the authoritarian playbook so we can better defend democracy—at home and abroad. You won’t want to miss it.

Look forward to seeing you there!

—Olga & Zev