Authoritarians have mastered the digital battlefield—using money, reach, and compelling narratives to dominate timelines and shape public opinion. But the fight for democracy is also happening online, and it’s time we caught up. In this episode, we dive into how democracy defenders can reclaim the digital space with smart, creative, and relentless strategies. From building influencer networks and leveraging platforms like WhatsApp to crafting content that resonates personally and emotionally, we explore how to create adaptable digital ecosystems that connect allies, amplify truth, and turn online spaces into engines of democratic power.

Razi Thalib is a digital strategist and tech entrepreneur at the forefront of leveraging technology for social impact. He was the lead digital strategist in Indonesia's 2024 Anies Baswedan presidential campaign.

Pedro Telles, Program Director of Democracy Hub.

Mentioned and recommended in the episode:

• “Growth Hacker Marketing”, by Ryan Holiday

• “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon

• “Hooked”, by Nir Eyal

• Learn about the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit and over 50 plays for defeating authoritarians.

• Join the Community of Democracy Defenders at dhub.org

The Anti-Authoritarian Podcast Series is produced by Democracy Hub.

Executive production: Agustina Manuele

Production: Denise Menache

Audio recording and processing: Manuel Clemente, Chuco Sounds

Editing: Andy Cukier