The imperative of action by Barry Rosenbaum

At the Ash Center of the Harvard Kennedy School, a webinar was held earlier this month entitled Backsliding and Resistance in the United States.  Professors Stephen Levitsky, whose research focuses on political parties, authoritarianism and democratization, and Erica Chenoweth, an expert on civil resistance, led this webinar. The professors discussed how the U.S. is drifting toward “competitive authoritarianism” — a system where elections still occur, but dissent carries increasing risks. They emphasized that while formal democracy has not collapsed, civil society is already facing intimidation, signaling serious democratic erosion.

Reviewing lessons from Trump’s first term, Levitsky and Chenoweth argued that the resistance then was actually successful — protests, lawsuits, and civic engagement led to blocked policies and electoral wins. Yet today, despite having more warning, much of civil society seems quieter and more fearful, while Trump has gained even more control with a clear authoritarian agenda.

We must act now to save our democracy. As the professors outlined, this requires a broad, active coalition—even among ideological opposites—to resist threats, defend institutions, and eventually build a stronger, more inclusive democratic project.  This broad-based coalition needs to focus on “grassroots action” — not just online engagement — join protests, volunteer, donate, and organize.  The movement also needs to encourage “public voices in civil society” — CEOs, academics, and religious leaders — to speak out, as Harvard did on Monday and as some major law firms did last week.  Protecting democracy is a long-term, collective effort, and every action matters, whether large or small. 

Things have only gotten worse since the broadcast of this webinar, with the slide into authoritarianism becoming daily more pronounced. We can still regain control over this country.  But we cannot kid ourselves, the stakes are extraordinarily high, and risks seem to be mounting.  Trump is already talking about building additional prisons in El Salvador, for “homegrowns.” By homegrowns, he means American citizens.  You and me. 

This is a man intent on ruling exclusively and using the power of the state to inflict retribution on anyone he considers his enemy — which encompasses anyone opposing his rule. As Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny, stated in his May 15^th Substack post, the Trump administration is now engaged in “state terror in outline.”  It is only in outline because Trump and his gang are testing how Americans will react.  Will the populace simply acquiescence? 

Well, this Saturday, April 19^th, is the time to show the administration how Americans will react — that millions of us will again take to the streets to voice our collective objection to the lawlessness of the Trump administration. It is being called a National Day of Action. We must put aside our understandable fears and join together to demand a government that respects the Constitution and the founding principles of this country. While all is not yet lost, it could well soon be if we don’t stand up and work together to defeat the Trump coup.