iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Amanda Carpenter @amandacarpenter.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

What if I told you reformers in Hungary are beating back MAGA-style authoritarian corruption with a "get the money back" playbook? Would that be something we ought to try here? (YES!) More details from me in this vid here.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Axios @axios.com · 02/07/2026

19 former military and defense officials today praised Democratic governors who declined to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., for this weekend's America 250 celebration.

axios.com

Retired military leaders back 18 governors who refused to send National Guard to D.C.

The group is applauding Democrat-led states for refusing to send National Guard troops to D.C. for America 250.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 08/06/2026

As National Guard troops mark a year on American streets, we've released “The Dangers of Military Intervention in Civilian Law Enforcement” to highlight the risks to civil society and the military itself when it's ordered to police local communities. 🔗 protectdemocracy.org/work/dangers...

Read our report: The Dangers of Military Intervention in Civilian Law Enforcement

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Just Security @justsecurity.org · 08/06/2026

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to LA. "Escalation, disillusionment in the ranks, and politicization are virtually inevitable when this line in the civil-military boundary is blurred," write @michaelangeloni.bsky.social & Beau Tremitiere:

justsecurity.org

A Year Later: Ordering Military Personnel to Police American Streets

One year since Trump sent the National Guard to LA, a new report warns military deployments produce escalation and disillusionment.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Ben Raderstorf @raders.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Authoritarianism is brittle. Autocrats want you to believe they are all-powerful and unstoppable, but it‘s just a confidence game. A self-perpetuating bluff. Today the Hungarians showed just how weak and empty Orbánism always was. Trumpism is next.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 12/04/2026

NEW: @michaelangeloni.bsky.social writes why we should all be watching the results of Hungary's elections tomorrow and the two possible outcomes to watch for: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/is-budapes…

"This Sunday’s election is a bellwether for the United States. In the best case scenario, it may show how the voters can dislodge even entrenched authoritarian leaders. More ominously, though, it may instead preview what efforts to deny election results and cling to power could look like here."

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Ben Raderstorf @raders.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

IS BUDAPEST THE BELLWETHER? The 2nd most important election for democracy this year (after US midterms) is happening Sunday. Orbán wrote the authoritarian playbook — if he's ousted, as polls suggest, it's a breaking point. But if he digs in? Buckle up. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/is-budapes...

ifyoucankeepit.org

Is Budapest the bellwether?

Two Hungary scenarios with major implications for the United States

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 10/04/2026

Trump’s favorite autocrat, Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, is facing a formidable election challenge this Sunday. @michaelangeloni.bsky.social covers the implications of Hungary’s election for the global fight against authoritarianism. Read his briefing here: protdem.org/4ck3Vlm

Is Budapest the bellwether?
Two Hungary scenarios with major implications for the United States
Pictured: U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, wave to the audience during a “Day of Friendship” event in Budapest, Hungary. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool Photo via AP)

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 26/03/2026

All eyes are on the midterms as Trump uses the gov's full force to supercharge election lies in case he doesn't like the results. NEW: We just published a roadmap for journalists, advocates, and voters outlining what we can do about it. Join us, start here: 🔗 protdem.org/executive-override

read the report
Executive  Override
How the Trump administration is using federal power to deceive Americans, disrupt our elections, and deny fair results — and what we can do to stop it

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 09/02/2026

You can, in fact, represent America without endorsing the current administration, and likewise you can cheer American athletes without endorsing the current administration.

lnk.thebulwark.com

Let’s Not Sportswash Trump’s Authoritarianism

The Olympics, the World Cup, and cheering for our nation’s athletes but not the current administration.

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Michael Angeloni @michaelangeloni.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Not even 48 hrs into the games & the president is already going after Team USA. As @jonsteinman.bsky.social & I write for @thebulwark.com, we need to uplift our athletes who speak out against the administration’s lawlessness on the world stage: www.thebulwark.com/p/lets-not-s...

thebulwark.com

Let’s Not Sportswash Trump’s Authoritarianism

The Olympics, the World Cup, and cheering for our nation’s athletes but not the current administration.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Peter Lucier @peterlucier.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

A really decent think thru of the tensions of being a sports fan and wanting to buy into the Olympic spirit and what that can look like in the age of Trump, with some solid practical tips and some cool sports history. From @jonsteinman.bsky.social and @michaelangeloni.bsky.social

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Jon Steinman @jonsteinman.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Authoritarians have long used international sports to promote their own supposed “strength.” Ours may even try to claim gold medals for himself. But history shows we can boo him while still cheering on our athletes. My latest with @michaelangeloni.bsky.com www.thebulwark.com/p/lets-not-s...

thebulwark.com

Let’s Not Sportswash Trump’s Authoritarianism

The Olympics, the World Cup, and cheering for our nation’s athletes but not the current administration.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 27/11/2025

Crime is real, and it affects Americans from all walks of life. It’s also an autocrat’s favorite pretext for consolidating power. NEW from @michaelangeloni.bsky.social on how genuine concerns about crime are exploited and how to flip the script on this autocratic tactic.

ifyoucankeepit.org

How authoritarians use crime as a pretext

The ultimate cover-story in Hungary, Mexico, El Salvador, Russia, and beyond

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 25/11/2025

Invoking crime is a tried-and-true vehicle for authoritarians to consolidate and hold onto power. @michaelangeloni.bsky.social pulls lessons from abroad on how autocratic leaders exploit genuine concerns about crime to advance their own agendas. protdem.org/4ipCNEq

How authoritarians use crime as a pretext
The ultimate cover-story in Hungary, Mexico, El Salvador, Russia, and beyond

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Kim Lane Scheppele @kimlanelaw.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

The Guardian gets it. The real importance of Orban's visit to see Trump was getting financial backing for Orban's tough upcoming election campaign. And all indications are he got it. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

The Guardian view on special Trump treatment for Hungary: roll on the next election | Editorial

Editorial: As polls suggest that Viktor Orbán’s authoritarian rule is under threat, Brussels can only wait and hope

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 07/11/2025

Between 2015 and 2023, support for restoring Poland’s democracy grew even as the autocratic government tightened its grip. How did their pro-democracy forces endure amid darkness? Here’s what we can learn from Poland’s democratic comeback. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/keep-going

ifyoucankeepit.org

Keep going

A story of resilience from Poland

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 26/10/2025

For Serbia’s autocratic leader, President Vučić, delegitimizing any and all sources of opposition has become a top priority. Here’s how pro-democracy forces have fought to pierce his veil of legitimacy: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/leave-the-…

ifyoucankeepit.org

Leave the door open for defectors

Serbia shows how backlash to corruption can swell pro-democracy movements

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Michael Angeloni @michaelangeloni.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

This time last year, I was in Belgrade just before Serbia’s ongoing pro-democracy demonstrations erupted — rattling the country’s strongman. Read more about how they’ve exposed the regime’s corruption & energized the public in this wk’s Democracy Atlas from @protectdemocracy.org below:

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 23/10/2025

NEW: Over the past year, Serbia’s renewed pro-democracy mobilization has rattled the ruling party and revealed President Vučić’s vulnerabilities. Here’s how the country’s pro-democracy forces have regained traction: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/leave-the-…

Rule 7: Leave the door open for defectors
How Serbia’s pro-democracy forces harnessed backlash →

Leverage public outrage and demands for accountability.
Give defectors a place to land. Do not play the blame game or say “I told you so.” Harness their disillusionment to grow the movement.
Create space for disclosure. Give those who benefit from the regime space to defect or discreetly share their experiences.
Channel the outrage of defectors. Welcome others – including voters who put the autocrat in office – and help them find a role to play.

Lesson Learned:
Serbia’s pro-democracy forces were able to regain traction when they opened the door to bringing newcomers into the fold. By identifying a mutual rallying cry against the government’s endemic corruption, those looking to restore democracy have harnessed a renewed movement toward greater government accountability — challenging the entrenched rule of President Aleksandar Vučić.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 10/10/2025

NEW lesson from abroad: How Zimbabwe’s democratic forces continue to take a stand — even as they face a daunting environment for dissent. Dig into this latest edition of Democracy Atlas: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/remember-a…

Rule 6: Remember — autocrats are not invincible. But be careful.
How Zimbabwe’s pro-democracy forces expose autocratic weaknesses →

Public backlash diminishes the autocrat, but proceed carefully.
Call out their cruelty and hypocrisy. The suffering they cause and their failure to deliver on promises provide an opening for pro-democracy voices to shift public opinion.
Stay activated. Autocrats want to shut out any opposing voices. Don’t fall into their trap of disillusionment — even entrenched rulers are vulnerable to public backlash.
Guard against division. Autocrats commonly infiltrate opposition groups to sow discord and dismantle them from within. Beware of efforts to split or shut down the opposition party or civil society.
Protect sensitive information. Use caution with sensitive information to help keep the pro-democracy movement secure and intact.

Lesson Learned:
Zimbabwe is a reminder that even the most entrenched authoritarians are susceptible to backlash when they don’t adequately respond to the needs of the people. When pro-democracy forces seize on windows of opportunity to shift public opinion, all while remaining exceedingly careful in their approach, they can weaken the autocrat’s grip on power.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 25/09/2025

Pro-democracy civil society organizations have helped Nigeria write an impressive story of sustained civilian rule amid setbacks and decades of military dictatorship. Here’s what we can learn from their journey about holding the government accountable:

ifyoucankeepit.org

Show — don’t tell — how things work and what is trustworthy

Nigeria’s civil society groups leverage transparency to build public trust

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 07/09/2025

Cerin Lindgrensavage makes apportionments — the Trump admin’s budget maneuvers — easy to understand in this conversation with Chris Geidner. She explains the White House's attempts to hide what they’re doing with our tax dollars and what we can do about it. Watch the discussion here:

lawdork.com

Impoundment, the power of the purse, and the Trump admin — with Protect Democracy’s Cerin Lindgrensavage

"They've said that they can unilaterally cancel funds, and I certainly think that that's unconstitutional, to say the least."

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 03/09/2025

BREAKING: A federal appeals court just denied the Trump administration’s emergency motion to block Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter’s reinstatement to the FTC. This is a win for accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, but the fight isn’t over. Follow the case: protdem.org/4mKJ9zy

Appeals Court Reinstates FTC Commissioner
Ruling blocks Trump’s illegal removal, reinforcing guardrails on executive power

Amid the efforts by the Trump administration to illegally abolish independent agencies, including the Federal Reserve, I’m heartened the court has recognized that he is not above the law.
rebecca kelly slaughter
federal trade commissioner

I’m very eager to get back first thing tomorrow to the work I was entrusted to do on behalf of the American people.
rebecca kelly slaughter
federal trade commissioner

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 30/08/2025

Cambodia's pro-democracy movement teaches us a powerful lesson of how it’s often ordinary citizens who become unexpected leaders, with every act of resistance helping in the fight to restore democracy. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/rule-4-lea…

ifyoucankeepit.org

Democracy Atlas rule 4: Leadership lives in everyone

Cambodia demonstrates the value of leaders from all backgrounds

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 28/08/2025

Democracy Atlas Rule 4 - Cambodia’s civic leaders embody the virtues of active and engaged citizens by harnessing leadership from all backgrounds to continue driving change, even in the face of continued repression. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/rule-4-lea…

Rule 4: Leadership lives in everyone
Learning from Cambodia’s unexpected pro-democracy leaders →

Courageous leaders from all backgrounds can drive change

1 - Support leaders from all backgrounds. Lean into the diversity of leadership in the U.S. by creating space for civic groups and community voices to organize.

2 - Build relationships with local leaders. Help governors, mayors, and state legislators work alongside local community leaders as bulwarks against authoritarianism and protect them from retaliatory action at the national level.

3 - Boost endurance through action. Authoritarians thrive when citizens remain passive, so every pro-democracy action — no matter the size or scope — weakens the autocrat.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Ian Bassin @ianbassin.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

This is a dark moment for our democracy, but it is far from the first. I've been reflecting on how we need not only strategies for this moment, but mindsets. I offer four ideas for those here, and hopefully some inspiration from those who came before. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/the-hard-w...

ifyoucankeepit.org

The hard-won hope of the long defeat

A mindset for a dark time

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 21/08/2025

New in The Democracy Atlas, @michaelangeloni.bsky.social shares a lesson from Mexico: Legal tactics alone are not enough to stop a would-be autocrat. Pro-democracy forces must also respond with a political movement that can win. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/rule-3-win...

Rule 3: Win Lawsuits and Hearts and Minds
Learning from Mexico’s pro-democracy shortcomings →

Winning lawsuits is key but public is indispensable.
1. Offer a positive alternative vision: Don't just oppose the autocratic leader. Retake the public narrative and present a better vision for the future beyond the status quo.
2. Focus on people, not just processes: Clearly explain how a renewed democratic government will address the real-world needs of the people.
3. Inspire action against autocratic harms: Motivate voter participation while also highlighting the concrete harms from autocratic rule.
4. Prioritize people over party: After a setback, remain resilient and refocused on what is best for the people and their future, not just your party.

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Michael Angeloni @michaelangeloni.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

From this wk’s Democracy Atlas: “Supporters of democracy must offer a compelling vision to compete with the lure of autocratic populism. Because democracy cannot be defended — or restored — if only the autocrat captures the hearts and minds of the people.” Check out below! ⬇️

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 20/08/2025

NEW Democracy Atlas from Mexico. Rule 3: Winning lawsuits can help slow the authoritarian slide, but it takes winning hearts and minds to stop it. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/rule-3-win…

ifyoucankeepit.org

Democracy Atlas rule 3: Win lawsuits and hearts and minds

Mexico’s experience shows the importance of balancing law and politics

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Michael Angeloni @michaelangeloni.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

📍Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻 As the WH rolls out the red carpet (literally!) for Putin, I’ve been thinking about a trip I made to Riga back in 2022. Latvians with memories of authoritarian rule are clear-eyed about the threat posed by Russian revanchism. As should all advocates of global democracy today.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 14/08/2025

Help us spread the word! Share these pro-democracy strategies and challenges with your networks using this link: share.protectdemocracy.org/toolkit/afbc...

share.protectdemocracy.org

Rule 2: Be unified. Be visible.

Turkey’s experience shows the importance of a single, united voice

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Michael Angeloni @michaelangeloni.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

An autocrat obsessed with artificially low interest rates (& undermining economic data), attacking rivals, and consolidating power — sounds familar! Check out this wk’s Democracy Atlas to learn more about Erdoğan’s autocratic rule & how Turkey’s pro-democracy forces have united in their response ⬇️

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Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 14/08/2025

NEW Democracy Atlas - Rule two: Be unified. Be visible. Turkey’s pro-democracy opposition demonstrates the value of uniting around common ground for greater impact. The story of how unlikely alliances have put a dent in Erdoğan’s image of invincibility. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/democracy-...

Democracy Atlas Eight rules of antiauthoritarianism
Rule two: Be unified. Be visible.
How Turkey’s coordinated, diverse alliances challenge the autocrat →

Unite around common ground for greater impact.

1. Demonstrate unity. Form a broad coalition that includes anyone who opposes the autocrat, even former opponents. Find common ground around which to unite and organize.
2. Speak with a consistent message. Be visible and vocal, ensuring your message is unified and consistent in the face of a seemingly omnipresent autocrat.
3. Don’t split your power: Stay unified, especially when it comes time for elections. Commit to minimizing vote-splitting in order to maximize pro-democracy power.
4. Support independent media outlets. Counter the government's efforts to co-opt the media by supporting independent outlets, alternative media sources, and influencers.
5. Present a clear alternative. Demonstrate what a viable alternative to the autocrat looks like.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

David A. Weinberg @davidaweinberg.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Lessons from Hungary: "Under an authoritarian government... the onslaught of changes to the electoral system — and society as a whole — may come quickly and be extreme. Do not waste time developing a perfect strategy." By @michaelangeloni.bsky.social: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/rule-1-res...

ifyoucankeepit.org

Rule 1: Resist. Then adapt

Hungary teaches us how to change tactics to get ahead of shifting attacks

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 10/08/2025

We pulled together 8 invaluable lessons from democracy defenders worldwide who have grappled with authoritarian threats in our new series, "Democracy Atlas." Subscribe for lessons learned and join us in drawing strength and inspiration from these stories. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/eight-rule...

ifyoucankeepit.org

Eight rules of antiauthoritarianism

Introducing the Democracy Atlas

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Ruth Ben-Ghiat @ruthbenghiat.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Another shakedown, the more you cave to the autocrat the more empowered he feels.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 08/08/2025

Our country’s forever redistricting wars are heating up again. But there’s a way out of this doom loop — proportional representation — and it’s not as complicated or hard to achieve as one might think. Join us in spreading the word: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/how-to-end...

How to end the forever redistricting wars
Gerrymandering is made possible by this one choice

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Michael Angeloni @michaelangeloni.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Over the past 15 yrs, pro-democracy Hungarians have adapted to Orbán’s autocratic funhouse — where up is down, down is up, and the ruling party *somehow* always comes out on top. Check out the first issue of @protectdemocracy.org’s Democracy Atlas below for more ⬇️

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 07/08/2025

Hungary’s democratic story is still unfolding. Here’s what we can learn from pro-democracy efforts to push back against Viktor Orbán’s autocratic impulses. New from our series “The Democracy Atlas” about others who have navigated authoritarian threats. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/rule-1-res...

Democracy Atlas Eight rules of antiauthoritarianism
Rule one: Resist. Then adapt.
What we can learn from Hungary’s pro-democracy coalition. →

Don’t wait to take action and stay agile.
Resist new election changes in the first 6-12 months, as they are likely designed to cement the ruling party's power.
Expose the risks of any proposed election changes and build public opposition.
Adapt if new rules are implemented by working within the new system.
Defend the new rules from further corruption and create a backup plan in case you can't constrain changes.
Keep resources flowing to the pro-democracy coalition, focus on small victories, and continue to register voters.

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Reposted by Michael Angeloni

Ben Raderstorf @raders.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

A would-be autocrat attempting to shore up power by steamrolling changes to election rules in advance of legislative elections. Where have we heard that before? www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/rule-1-res...

ifyoucankeepit.org

Rule 1: Resist. Then adapt

Hungary teaches us how to change tactics to get ahead of shifting attacks

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Michael Angeloni @michaelangeloni.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

First go at it here! For those looking for stories of democratic resilience, @protectdemocracy.org will be publishing a new series with stories of democracy from abroad — the Democracy Atlas — starting this week with Hungary. Check it out below !!

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Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 06/08/2025

Our "Democracy Atlas" series offers 8 lessons from democracy defenders across the world who have navigated authoritarian threats. Learn how they have protected their democratic freedoms, avoid mistakes, & discover the role you can play in shaping U.S. history. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/eight-rule...

How Democracy Wins
Eight rules of antiauthoritarianism
Introducing the Democracy Atlas

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