Resisting Dictatorship: Ways to Fight Back
Your Guide to Resistance: Fighting Authoritarianism in the United States
I hate that I had to write this for the United States, but here we are. As the threat of authoritarianism is rising globally—and now within our borders—we are facing threats to democracy that once seemed unimaginable. From voter suppression to disinformation, from undermining the press to stoking division, the challenges can feel overwhelming. But resistance is not just possible—it is powerful! And it has worked time and again throughout history.
When I think about resistance, I think about Ukraine. As Ukrainians are facing Russia’s genocidal war, regular people are standing their ground, risking everything to defend sovereignty, freedom, and their future.
Non-violent resistance has been at the heart of countless movements around the world—including the U.S.
This guide is a roadmap to resisting authoritarianism and practical steps drawn from global tactics that have proven successful. Whether you’re an activist, a concerned citizen, or someone simply looking to understand how to fight back, these steps can help us all stay strong and united in the face of a dictator.
So let’s get started…
1. Trust Your Instincts: Combat Gaslighting
Authoritarian regimes thrive on gaslighting to make us question our sanity and feel as though our concerns are exaggerated or unjustified. People like Trump are experts at reframing their actions as harmless, justifiable, or even needed. This tactic undermines public trust, blurs the line between truth and lies, and leaves people uncertain about what is real. By manipulating narratives, they create confusion and erode confidence in institutions and democratic norms.
But trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it likely is. Don’t dismiss your fears as hyperbole. Whether it’s voter suppression, political persecution, or corrupt deals, document what you see and verify with facts.
Legacy media will adapt to this new political reality, normalizing or whitewashing dangerous actions for the sake of access, ratings, or false equivalence. This can make us feel isolated or even insane, as what we see diverges from what the media is telling us.
Remember: The goal of gaslighting is to make you question reality. Trust your eyes, gut, instincts—and the overwhelming actions of what is happening around you.
2. Divide and Conquer: The Dictator’s Playbook
One of the oldest strategies of authoritarian leaders is to sow division within their ranks, opposition parties, and among the population. By pitting allies against one another, they can consolidate control and ensure no one faction is strong enough to challenge them. This is what happens in Russia.
Authoritarians thrive on chaos—the more people fight among themselves, the less they resist the dictator.
What to do:
Avoid Infighting: Don’t get distracted by petty divisions. Focus your energy on the bigger picture—protecting democracy, human rights, and freedom.
Build Coalitions: Whether you lean left, right, or center, authoritarianism affects us all.
Refocus on the Core Issues: Recognize distractions (shiny objects) for what they are and focus your efforts on systemic erosions.
3. Document Everything: Truth as Resistance
Authoritarians manipulate facts, rewrite history, rewrite reality, and deny their actions. Documenting the truth is one of the most effective ways to resist.
How to Document:
Personal Records: Take photos, videos, and notes of events you witness and store them securely.
Track Changes: Keep a record of laws, policies, and public statements.
Election Oversight: If you see voter suppression or any unfair practices, report them to watchdog organizations and local authorities.
Documentation isn’t just for now—it’s for the future. Records of authoritarian actions serve as evidence, help counter disinformation, and hold those in power accountable.
4. The Importance of Independent Media
Independent journalism is a cornerstone of democracy and a powerful check on authoritarianism. However, it is often one of the first targets of repressive regimes, who seek to control narratives by silencing dissenting voices, intimidating reporters, and flooding the information space with propaganda.
Support Independent Media:
Subscribe and Amplify: Support independent media and journalists by subscribing or donating. With limited resources, they play a crucial role in uncovering truths that larger, mainstream media may overlook or fail to report. Amplify their work by sharing it on social media to help expand their reach and support their vital reporting.
Share and Debunk: Circulate fact-based articles to counter disinformation and educate others. Share with family, friends, and coworkers to debunk propaganda, disinformation, and rumors. Emphasize the importance of verifying and fact-checking.
Document and Expose Censorship: Keep a record of any attempts to silence independent media, whether through legal action, hacking, or intimidation. Use your voice to call attention to these efforts and expose attacks on press freedom.
5. Don’t Let Authoritarians Silence You
Authoritarians thrive on fear, chaos, and apathy. By flooding the zone with disinformation, propaganda, and scandals, they aim to make the public feel powerless, confused and disengaged. The more people tune out, the easier it becomes for them to consolidate power.
But don’t let them succeed. Fear and apathy are their weapons.
What to do:
Find Your Cause: Identify what you care most about—whether it’s protecting voting rights, combating disinformation, or supporting press freedom. You will, at times, feel scared or confused, but instead of letting those emotions overwhelm you, channel your energy into a cause that matters to you and commit to it. Stay focused and persistent—your dedication will make a difference.
Stay Focused: Refuse to be distracted by the endless stream of crises. Commit to your cause and take consistent, meaningful action.
Build Community: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and goals. You’ll feel safer being part of a network, as collective action is harder to suppress or intimidate.
Authoritarians want you to believe your efforts don’t matter. Prove them wrong! Stay informed, engaged, and focused. No action is too small—each act makes a difference.
6. Use Civil Disobedience Strategically
Non-violent resistance is a potent tool for challenging authoritarian agendas. Civil disobedience, boycotts, and protests shine a spotlight on injustice and disrupt the status quo, forcing society to confront uncomfortable truths. Historically, they have worked very well in the United States. These actions challenge oppressive regimes by demonstrating collective defiance, drawing attention to critical issues, and encouraging others to join in the fight for democracy, human rights, and justice.
Examples of Civil Resistance:
Boycotts: One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is withdrawing support from businesses or institutions that align with authoritarian policies or practices. Whether it’s companies that fund repressive regimes, media outlets that promote disinformation, or corporations benefiting from human rights abuses, boycotts hit the regime where it hurts—its economic base. By making informed choices about where we spend our money, we can disrupt the financial systems that sustain oppressive powers.
Peaceful Protests: Protests are a public display of collective dissatisfaction and resistance. They serve as a clear message to the authorities that their actions will not go unchecked. Joining or organizing rallies is an effective way to draw attention to critical issues. When people take to the streets, it strengthens solidarity, raises awareness, and puts pressure on those in power to address the demands of the public.
Non-Compliance: Refusing to follow unjust laws, orders, or regulations is a powerful form of resistance. By engaging in acts of civil disobedience—such as refusing to pay unjust fines, defying oppressive laws, or participating in sit-ins—resisters show that they will not comply with authoritarian demands.
National Strikes: If Trump crosses all lines by fully undermining democratic structures, a national strike could become a necessary response. A coordinated, widespread work stoppage—across all industries and sectors—can cripple the economy, disrupt the daily functioning of society, and send a resounding message that we will not tolerate the erosion of democracy.
By strategically using civil disobedience in all its forms, we expose the vulnerabilities of an authoritarian regime, slow down its operations, and challenge its ability to control the population. The more resistance is organized and coordinated, the harder it becomes for the regime to suppress it, ultimately giving people the power to reclaim their democracy.
7. Use Networks for Resistance
Authoritarianism thrives on isolation, seeking to divide and weaken opposition. By using strong, interconnected networks, we ensure that no one stands alone. Unity is key—when individuals come together with a shared purpose, they become a formidable force that can resist authoritarian overreach and amplify their collective power. Strength in numbers!
Resistance Networks:
Join Grassroots Movements: Grassroots organizations are critical to resistance, amplifying individual voices and uniting people around common goals. Whether through organizing, advocacy, or activism, these movements play a crucial role in resisting authoritarianism. By joining, you contribute to a larger cause and gain a supportive community that shares your values.
Engage Politically: Political engagement is key to protecting democracy. Vote, support democratic candidates, and ensure election integrity. But it doesn’t end there—get involved in local campaigns, hold officials accountable, and defend democratic institutions.
Create Safe Spaces: Resistance requires safe spaces where people can connect, share ideas, and plan without fear. These spaces, whether physical or virtual, foster dialogue, support, and collective action, helping to build trust and keep the movement organized and focused.
8. Resist Through Political Cartoons, Art, and Comedy
Dictators fear ridicule because it undermines their authority. Humor, art, and satire are powerful tools for challenging authoritarianism, as they expose its absurdity in ways that resonate emotionally. These forms of resistance can challenge the regime's legitimacy and inspire hope and unity.
Tactics:
Political Cartoons: Political cartoons use humor and sharp critique to break down complex issues into striking visuals, exposing corruption and lies. Create and share on social media and public spaces.
Satire: Humor exposes hypocrisy and corruption, often more effectively than direct confrontation. Satirical content, such as memes, skits, and comedy, mocks authoritarian leaders and creates space for laughter in the face of fear.
Art: Art visually critiques oppressive policies and inspires action. It symbolizes hope and resilience, challenging government abuses while uniting people.
Humor, art, and satire offer powerful ways to resist authoritarianism. These forms of expression unite people, transcend divides, and demonstrate that creative resistance can be a lasting force in the fight for democracy.
9. Fight Small Authoritarian Moves
Every small step toward authoritarianism matters. Minor abuses of power, when left unchecked, set dangerous precedents that can lead to more significant violations of democratic norms and freedoms. Addressing these small infringements is essential to prevent a gradual shift toward more widespread authoritarian rule.
Why Fight the Small Moves:
Prevent Normalization: Small erosions of democracy, such as restrictions on speech, attacks on the media, or undermining judicial independence, can quickly snowball into larger, more damaging actions. Left unchecked, these violations will become normalized, making it harder to reverse their effects. Fighting them early on prevents the acceptance of authoritarian practices as the "new normal."
Build Momentum: Standing up to even the smallest injustices sends a powerful message that no violation is acceptable. Resisting small abuses of power reinforces commitment to democratic values, creates momentum, and encourages others to act, building a collective force to challenge further authoritarian encroachments.
By addressing small moves early, we protect the foundation of democracy and create a culture where power is held accountable, making it harder for larger violations to take root.
10. Prioritize Self-Care and Longevity
Authoritarian regimes seek to wear us down, hoping activists will burn out. It’s vital to maintain resilience and stamina for the long haul. Taking care of yourself and those around you is key to sustaining your efforts.
Strategies for Resilience:
Take Breaks: Disconnect regularly from activism and the news to recharge. This will help keep you focused on the bigger picture.
Focus on the Long-Term: Resistance is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on long-term goals and incremental victories to preserve your energy and determination.
Small Actions Matter: Every action counts, even the smallest. Signing petitions, spreading awareness, or supporting local movements all help build momentum and inspire others.
Prioritizing self-care and longevity is extremely important in resisting authoritarian forces.
11. Digital Safety Under Authoritarian Regimes
Authoritarian regimes often exploit digital spaces to monitor, intimidate, and silence dissent. Protecting your online presence is critical for your safety and the success of resistance efforts.
Key Tips for Digital Safety:
Secure Communication: Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal. Enable two-factor authentication for all accounts.
Protect Your Devices: Regularly update software, use strong passwords, and install anti-virus programs.
Browse Anonymously: Use a VPN to protect your browsing activity.
Limit Exposure: Avoid oversharing personal information and stay alert for phishing attempts.
Backup Data: Regularly back up important files in secure locations.
Conclusion: Small Actions Add Up
Resisting authoritarianism doesn’t require grand steps—it’s the steady, consistent actions that create lasting change. Whether it’s documenting the truth, supporting independent media, standing up through civil disobedience, or fighting disinformation, each step matters. Remember that you’re not alone. I am here, along with many others, every step of the way!
If sustained protests become necessary, I’ll write a post on tactics that worked in Ukraine.
Hope this guide helps—and please share and amplify it! Thank you ❤️
Your guide is excellect, but I'd add one thing to the role of art, comedy, and satire...the related and all-encompassing phenomenon of our time—the Superstar. Not only musicians but athletes and actors inhabit that powerful, new realm. While one may lament the phenomenon, their participation is critical, and many are already sympathetic. The problem of large egos and cautious/financially-oriented advisors can be overcome.
Thank you Olga. It is a great tool. 🙏