Elected Authoritarians don’t seize power with tanks—they quietly capture courts, parliaments, parties, and electoral boards. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how democracy defenders can resist from inside the system when civic space is under attack. From judges and civil servants to election officials and whistleblowers, we uncover the tactics, alliances, and moral courage it takes to hold the line, protect institutions, and turn them into sites of democratic pushback—keeping hope alive even in captured states.

Mussa Assad has been the Controller and Auditor General of the Republic of Tanzania and is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Accounting at the University of Dar Es Salaam.

Deus Valentine is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at the Centre for Strategic Litigation

Mentioned and recommended in the episode:

• My Voice My Choice

• 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

Authoritarians learn from each other—so must we. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how democracy defenders can mobilize global solidarity, engage international allies, and turn local struggles into powerful cross-border movements. From diaspora activism and diplomatic advocacy to media and human rights networks, we unpack what works—and what doesn’t—when connecting local fights for freedom to the global movement for democracy.

Aakar Patel is a leading voice in human rights and democracy advocacy. Aakar is the Chair of Amnesty International India and a seasoned journalist, writer, and activist.

Lana Čop is a Slovenian activist and campaigner. She is the Head of Operations of Democracy Hub.

Mentioned and recommended in the episode:

• My Voice My Choice

• 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

Authoritarians learn from each other—so must we. In this episode of the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit Podcast, we explore how democracy defenders can mobilize global solidarity, engage international allies, and turn local struggles into powerful cross-border movements. From diaspora activism and diplomatic advocacy to media and human rights networks, we unpack what works—and what doesn’t—when connecting local fights for freedom to the global movement for democracy.

Aakar Patel is a leading voice in human rights and democracy advocacy. Aakar is the Chair of Amnesty International India and a seasoned journalist, writer, and activist.

Lana Čop is a Slovenian activist and campaigner. She is the Head of Operations of Democracy Hub.

Mentioned and recommended in the episode:

• My Voice My Choice

• 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