Around the world, people have formed successful broad-front movements to push back against authoritarianism, defend democratic freedoms, and build new systems to protect those democratic gains.
We have seen this all over the world, in Poland, South Africa, Brazil, Serbia, South Korea — and throughout the history of the United States. These movements offer essential lessons for those working to strengthen democracy today.
- How do we build and sustain broad, durable coalitions across lines of difference?
- What motivates people to shift their loyalties away from authoritarian systems and toward democratic values?
- How can different pillars of society — faith leaders, veterans, artists, and business owners, among others — become a coordinated force for change?
- Which forms of nonviolent action and noncooperation are most effective at weakening authoritarian power?
- And what does it take for democracy movements to gain enough momentum to prevail in a way that repairs society for long term pluralism and shared prosperity?
At Horizons, we study these questions and turn findings into practical guidance to help pro-democracy movements become more resilient, more connected, reparative over the long term, and more effective.
Evidence shows that waging nonviolent action — when rooted in strong relationships and broad coalitions — is one of the most powerful tools communities have to protect and expand democratic freedoms. Research also highlights the pivotal role that key societal pillars play in either sustaining or dismantling authoritarian systems. And it underscores something fundamental: movements succeed when they invest in the human side of change — trust, belonging, and shared purpose.
When people and organizations across sectors, regions, generations, and ideologies align around these evidence-based strategies, they unlock new possibilities for reparative resistance, collective action and shift the balance toward just and inclusive democracy.
Related Initiatives
Nonviolent Action
Pillar Shifts
Related Resources
