The world is facing an era of powerful crises, which can lead to either democratic decay or fundamental renovation. Whether democracy survives this blizzard depends on the ability of citizens, civil society groups, political leaders (including at the local level), lawmakers, courts, media, the private sector, and others to respond to challenges without fear or intimidation.
The Trump administration endangers American democracy like no previous administration in our history. At the same time, dictators are rewriting global democratic norms, and autocracies are consolidating their grip on power around the world. Amid this unfolding crisis, the need for a renewed commitment to democracy has never been greater.
Activists must embrace an innovative vision for democracy, one that recognizes that today’s problems are symptomatic of the deep flaws in our current system. This means addressing root causes, not scapegoating specific people or institutions. It also requires rethinking how we use our tools for change.
To succeed, we need new kinds of leadership—leaders who understand the intersections between technology and politics, and who can navigate the complexities of AI, cybersecurity, global power shifts, and digital rights. We need leaders who can write smart policy, challenge bad actors, and build systems that are both resilient and future-ready. That’s why the Laureate Fund is supporting an innovative new generation of activists and scholars who will help us navigate this perilous time. They will create tools for civic action, bolstering the capacity of citizens to defend their democratic rights.