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Maria J. Stephan

@mariajstephan.bsky.social
2.6K followers 133 following 26 posts

Civil resistance, nonviolent action, social movements, democracy, authoritarianism, political violence, peacebuilding.

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Reposted by Maria J. Stephan
Just Security @justsecurity.org · 02/07/2026
The Trump administration's threats to #FirstAmendment rights have inspired an emerging broad front defending free expression, reaching across partisan and sectoral lines, write Adam Fefer and @mariajstephan.bsky.social (Maria J. Stephan).
justsecurity.org
How Defending Free Speech Can Unite Unlikely Allies
The Trump administration's threats to First Amendment rights have inspired a broad front defending free expression.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Yep. Preparing the public for this likelihood (focusing on our agency), pre-bunking claims he'll use to declare a national emergency, winning the election by a big margin, nonpartisan verification, and preparing the public to enforce the results through courts + nonviolent mass action will be key.
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Bruce Springsteen @brucespringsteen.net · 28/01/2026
I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free
youtu.be
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
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Micah @rincewind.run · 24/01/2026
I attempted to go to an ICE patrol training here in LA this morning and they had to turn most of us away because of capacity issues and even as I was leaving I saw a ton more folks showing up so that’s how well their attempts to scare everyone away are going, even in the face of murder
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Interfaith Alliance @interfaithalliance.org · 15/01/2026
Let me be clear from my faith and the core of my being: ICE’s ruthless and unhinged campaign is an affront to the divine commandments to love our neighbor and to welcome the stranger.” -Reverend @raushenbush.bsky.social #BeGood
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
DC friends: Stop by the Kennedy Center today to show your support for a fun, safe, and ICE-free World Cup. Kick a soccer ball and have some cocoa! :)
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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 04/12/2025
A growing swath of Americans are showing signs of discontent and refusing to cooperate with what they see as their rights, liberties, and economic interests being compromised under the Trump administration, write civic movement experts Adam Fefer and @mariajstephan.bsky.social:
justsecurity.org
When Loyalties Shift: Americans’ Growing Noncooperation with Federal Abuses of Power
Americans' refusals to accept apparent abuses of power by the federal government indicate that the political winds may be starting to shift.
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Luca Migo @victinibcn.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
In Monrovia, California, protesters are purchasing 17¢ ICE scrapers from Home Depot and immediately returning them to create long lines and slow down the entire store. Their aim is to disrupt sales and convey a message opposing ICE raids occurring in their neighborhood.
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Paula Poundstone @paulapoundstone.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Do revolutions work without getting all shooty? Or even slappy? Do they work better? Author Maria Stephan has done ALL the research. And our favorite sailor comes ashore to host our favorite game - it’s “Land Ho! with Toni Anita Hull.” @mariajstephan.bsky.social
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
On how brave teachers & educators around the world, from Norway (under Nazi occupation), Chile, Hungary, Venezuela, Russia, Turkey - and the US - have defended the right to learn and resisted authoritarianism in its various forms. @shankerinst.bsky.social www.shankerinstitute.org/blog/when-ed...
shankerinstitute.org
When Educators Confront Authoritarianism
Educators are critical to the maintenance of democratic institutions, norms, and freedoms.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
On how Catholic leaders and communities around the world have confronted autocratic regimes and defended democratic freedoms, with lessons for faithful action in the US today. @horizonsprjt.bsky.social bit.ly/4hSOqDk
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U.S. Catholics are facing an authoritarian threat. The church has been here before.
The Catholic Church in the United States today is facing a crucial test. Will Catholic leadership accommodate and adapt itself to authoritarian power? Or will it offer leadership to give hope, oppose authoritarian abuses and defend human freedom?
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Exciting campaign that is already working, with Disney's stock plummeting. Let's keep up the momentum!
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Waging Nonviolence @wagingnonviolence.org · 11/09/2025
While religion has far too often been a tool of authoritarianism, faith institutions and communities have also been the life force of so many freedom movements, writes @mariajstephan.bsky.social.
wagingnonviolence.org
The 6 superpowers that faith communities bring to nonviolent struggle
While religion has too often been a tool of authoritarianism, faith communities have also been the life force of so many freedom movements.
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Jeff Sharlet @jeffsharlet.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
If I have any credibility with you from 20 years of reporting on rightwing & fascist movements, please listen when I beg you not to celebrate Charlie Kirk getting shot. Leave aside morality: this isn’t a match in dry grass, it’s a torch. We do not want what this could ignite & we would not win.
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LorennaCleary.bsky.social @lorennacleary.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Okay now this is impressive! Sound on!
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The Horizons Project @horizonsprjt.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
🕊️ What does nonviolence look like in the face of authoritarianism? At the @paxchristiusa.bsky.social Annual Conference, The Horizons Project's Co-Lead Maria J. Stephan delivered a powerful keynote on reclaiming the strategic and moral power of nonviolence in this moment.
paxchristiusa.org
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Tonight! Join the One Million Rising training series, where we'll discuss strategies and tactics of strategic noncooperation - critical to defending our freedoms and our communities during this time. www.mobilize.us/nokings/even...
mobilize.us
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism · No Kings
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and f...
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Join us this Wednesday for a discussion about how legal practitioners from around the world have upheld the rule of law in the context of rising authoritarianism and democratic backsliding. @horizonsprjt.bsky.social @protectdemocracy.org @americanbar.org
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paulpro @mariopro.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
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jamelle @jamellebouie.net · 15/06/2025
the story today is of a profoundly low energy military parade being met with millions of americans in nationwide protests denouncing the dictatorial pretensions of the president
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Alex Padilla @alex-padilla4ca.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
I encourage everyone to consider attending one of the many demonstrations planned for tomorrow across the country. Show up. Demand accountability. Peacefully protest. Find the rally closest to you: NoKings.org
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SEIU_ORG @seiu.org · 10/06/2025
“We are relieved that David is free and reunited with his family and we are deeply grateful to the hundreds of elected officials, civil rights leaders, labor partners and allies from across the nation who stood in solidarity...” @seiupres.bsky.social, April Verrett's full statement: seiu.co/3ZYw24f
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SEIU_ORG @seiu.org · 08/06/2025
An Attack on One Is an Attack on All. Stand Up. Speak Out. Defend Workers. Protect Immigrants. Fight for Our Freedoms. 📍 Find an action near you and show up to demand:
 ✊The release of David Huerta
 🛑 An immediate end to ICE raids
 📣 The right to protest without fear 🔗 bit.ly/FreeDavidEndRaids
seiu.co
#FreeDavidEndRaids
On Friday afternoon, military-gear-clad ICE agents launched aggressive raids throughout Los Angeles. At one location, SEIU-USWW President David Huerta was assaulted, injured and detained while advocat...
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Viola Gienger @violagienger.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Great show! And more from one of your guests, the ever-insightful @mariajstephan.bsky.social, here at @justsecurity.org: www.justsecurity.org/113995/colle...
justsecurity.org
Big Tents and Collective Action Can Defeat Authoritarianism
The journey from individual angst to collective action takes time, vision, and commitment. It is also the pathway to victory.
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Chris Hayes @chrislhayes.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
I'm just glad one of these men has the nuclear codes and the other has all our personal data.
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Ian Bassin @ianbassin.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Exactly right: Big tents and collective action are the way to defeat authoritarianism, by @mariajstephan.bsky.social‬ www.justsecurity.org/113995/colle...
justsecurity.org
Big Tents and Collective Action Can Defeat Authoritarianism
The journey from individual angst to collective action takes time, vision, and commitment. It is also the pathway to victory.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Yup. Great example of a successful targeted noncooperation campaign. We're gonna need more of that. Amazon next?
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Thursday, May 1st will be a powerful day of action: #MayDayStrong led by unions & civic groups; and the #LawDayofAction led by lawyers & judges. Collective action by unions & professional associations is really key. Join an event near you!
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
"The price for those who stand directly in the way of Trump’s plans may indeed grow steeper in the coming months and years. But these early acts, as much as they are oppositional, also point to a coherent vision of a just and compassionate society." www.newyorker.com/news/the-wee...
newyorker.com
So You Want to Be a Dissident?
A practical guide to courage in Trump’s age of fear.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
"I’m really not a movement guy. I don’t naturally march in demonstrations or attend rallies that I’m not covering as a journalist. But this is what America needs right now." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | What’s Happening Is Not Normal. America Needs an Uprising That Is Not Normal. (Gift Article)
It will take a concerted effort by every sector of our society to respond to Trumpism’s threat.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
Excellent article, with a compelling blend of scholarly and activist perspectives. I'm so glad @keyachatterjee.bsky.social brought the joy! :)
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L.A. Kauffman @lakauffman.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
What's most significant about today's day of action is the sheer number of locations where protests took place -- more than 1000 towns and cities, all over the country. That's only happened one or two times before *in all of American history.*
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Max Berger @maxberger.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Protests aren’t the only tool in the anti-authoritarian toolkit, but they’re incredibly important. Protests help us see each other; they make it feel safer to refuse to obey the dictator, and make it more possible for us to organize mass non-cooperation. It’s an essential step in the process.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Love it! #HandsOff
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News Eye @newseye.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Wow. The #HandsOff protest in Boston is HUGE already! People refusing to lie down as Trump & Musk violate the Constitution. 👏👏 #Resist (🎥 Arthur Mansavage)
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Let's GOOOO NYC! Time for #HandsOff rally today (Sat) 1pm at Bryant Park. Bring friends, signs, and see you there! mobilize.us/s/LtS1F2
mobilize.us
Hands Off! New York City Fights Back · Hands Off
**Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them.** New York City is fighting back! They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our servi...
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Excellent.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Exactly.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Hmm, redline anyone?
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
On strategies, tactics, and the many acts of life-affirming defiance and non-compliance happening across the country to challenge federal government bullying and despotism and to show care for our communities. share.transistor.fm/s/30e21bf3 @horizonsprjt.bsky.social @choosedemocracy.bsky.social
share.transistor.fm
Civil Resistance Strategies and Tactics to Resist the Trump-Musk Coup | WPKN: Politics, Policy, and Planet Podcast | Episode 115
Interview with Maria J. Stephan, author of the award-winning book, "Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict," conducted by Scott Harris.Maria Stephan talks about her rec...
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Erica Chenoweth @chenoweth.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
Must-read by @mariajstephan.bsky.social: wagingnonviolence.org/2025/02/we-a...
wagingnonviolence.org
We are stronger than we think
Federal workers, faith leaders, unions and ordinary Americans are showing the power of collective defiance and how to make cruelty backfire.
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Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Today from Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny: snyder.substack.com/p/the-logic-...
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Leah Greenberg ❌👑 @leahgreenberg.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
There are currently FORTY THOUSAND PEOPLE signed up for tonight's call. We choose to fight. Join us at 8 PM EST to talk about how: www.mobilize.us/indivisible/...
mobilize.us
We Choose To Fight: Action Call · Indivisible
This Sunday night, February 2 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, you’re invited to join Indivisible, MoveOn, Working Families Party, and a coalition of other organizations for an action call. During the call, you will...
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Leah Stokes @leahstokes.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Cannot stop thinking about how Octavia Butler wrote a book in 1993 about climate change. It opens with deadly fires in LA in 2025. In the story, a fascist President has just won office with the campaign slogan "Make America Great Again." She was a modern day Nostradamus. If only we'd listened.
The cover of the book Parable of the Sower.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Amen. Hoping the great Syrian people finally have a chance at freedom, justice, and peace.
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Maria J. Stephan @mariajstephan.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
First Bluesky post: sharing insights about a multifaceted, inside-outside strategy for confronting authoritarianism and taking care of each other (solidarity in action) based on lessons from the US and globally. wagingnonviolence.org/2024/11/how-...
wagingnonviolence.org
How we can meet the challenges of authoritarianism
This is not our first rodeo with authoritarianism. Americans have collectively risen to seemingly impossible challenges in the past, and we can again.
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