The article discusses four strategies for peacefully resisting fascism and Donald Trump’s authoritarianism, suggesting that alignments with the Democratic Party are currently not the most effective approach. The strategies include:
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Grassroots Mobilization: Drawing on the “Erica Chenoweth rule,” which posits that if 3.5% of a population takes to the streets, it can lead to regime change. The recent No Kings rallies, with around 6.5 million attendees, highlighted this potential but fell short of the necessary threshold.
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Peeling Off Defectors: Democrats, under Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have successfully garnered support from some moderate Republicans on issues like extending Obamacare subsidies, showcasing a strategy that can undermine GOP unity and make them accountable for their policies.
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Anticipating Predictable Catastrophes: The Democrats are working to position themselves for potential crises triggered by Trump, like healthcare collapses, to gain political capital. However, they need to prepare for other crises to effectively capitalize on them.
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Looking Toward 2026: Although the political landscape is more challenging due to gerrymandering and fewer Republican-held seats, Democrats appear to be strategically aligning for the 2026 elections, aiming to gain a majority.
Overall, the article observes that while there is momentum against fascism, much work remains to effectively counteract authoritarianism and promote accountability in the future.
