Rachel Kleinfeld
@rachelkleinfeld.bsky.social
Democracy & political violence expert, work globally and U.S., lover of street food, fiddle music, unforgiving landscapes, and my kiddos. All views my own.
People like me, who have spent a lifetime building credibility, face a real problem when most Americans no longer trust institutions. We need to face the new terms of trust for our expertise to matter. Renée DiResta@noUpside & I wrote this to explain why & how: carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
For Expertise to Matter, Nonpartisan Institutions Need New Communications Strategies
To avoid irrelevance when they are needed most, experts and nonpartisan analysts must rethink not just their channels of communication but also their theory of influence.
carnegieendowment.org
September 24, 2025 at 4:48 PM
People like me, who have spent a lifetime building credibility, face a real problem when most Americans no longer trust institutions. We need to face the new terms of trust for our expertise to matter. Renée DiResta@noUpside & I wrote this to explain why & how: carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
Given strategies that are not working like they used to and a slashed budget, how does international democracy support need to change? What Future for International Democracy Support? - TWP Community of Practice Webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8-O...
What Future for International Democracy Support? - TWP Community of Practice Webinar
YouTube video by TWP Community of Practice
www.youtube.com
September 4, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Given strategies that are not working like they used to and a slashed budget, how does international democracy support need to change? What Future for International Democracy Support? - TWP Community of Practice Webinar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8-O...
I warned that Trump would create build a new spoils system: (www.persuasion.community/p/theres-no-...): 1 fire civil service; 2 Make clear you keep your job only via loyalty; 3) move jobs to districts where their votes could make a difference. It is starting: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
There's No Substitute For Public Opinion
What democracy defenders can learn from the presidency of Andrew Jackson.
www.persuasion.community
July 24, 2025 at 6:55 PM
I warned that Trump would create build a new spoils system: (www.persuasion.community/p/theres-no-...): 1 fire civil service; 2 Make clear you keep your job only via loyalty; 3) move jobs to districts where their votes could make a difference. It is starting: www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
This is the blueprint- we know what to do. Can our country do it? amandaripley.substack.com/p/how-to-pre...
How to Prevent Political Violence
“At some point, you got to look in the mirror, when you look at what’s going on here — every single elected official does.” ~ Sen. Amy Klobuchar
amandaripley.substack.com
June 26, 2025 at 6:54 PM
This is the blueprint- we know what to do. Can our country do it? amandaripley.substack.com/p/how-to-pre...
This. Is. So. Important. nonprofitquarterly.org/unite-in-adv...
Unite in Advance: Philanthropy Coalition Launches Solidarity Campaign - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly
We’re announcing a public sign-on statement to support philanthropy’s freedom to give. We are united to protect our freedom to express ourselves, to give, and to invest in our communities. Join us by ...
nonprofitquarterly.org
April 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
This. Is. So. Important. nonprofitquarterly.org/unite-in-adv...
Hm - wish someone would have told us that stock markets plummet and have a lot more volatility in the second term of a politician like Trump. Oh, wait, I wrote that last summer w/Roberto Foa in the Harvard Biz Review: hbr.org/2024/10/when...
When Populists Rise, Economies Usually Fall
Business leaders are quick to abhor left-wing populism, with its government giveaways to supporters, spending on boondoggle projects, and disregard for financial discipline and investor confidence. Th...
hbr.org
April 7, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Hm - wish someone would have told us that stock markets plummet and have a lot more volatility in the second term of a politician like Trump. Oh, wait, I wrote that last summer w/Roberto Foa in the Harvard Biz Review: hbr.org/2024/10/when...
Why are we unilaterally disarming from fighting Russia, China, and other authoritarians? Because that is what Trump wants: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
The Situation: Unilateral Disarmament in the Information Wars
It’s easy to understand why Trump is destroying Voice of America.
www.lawfaremedia.org
March 18, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Why are we unilaterally disarming from fighting Russia, China, and other authoritarians? Because that is what Trump wants: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-...
The people I grew up with and the world I grew up in - Alaskans take every bit of power and agency they had and use it - along with our Senator Murkowski, bless her: www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
In Nome, Alaska, a cadre of tinkerers and partisans keeps aiding Ukraine
These volunteers won’t let go of the cause as Russia’s war on Ukraine enters a fourth year. They’ve sent ambulances, generators and more to the front line.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 25, 2025 at 4:05 AM
The people I grew up with and the world I grew up in - Alaskans take every bit of power and agency they had and use it - along with our Senator Murkowski, bless her: www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...
It's always worth paying attention to Theda Skocpol: newrepublic.com/article/1905...
How to Take Heart From What Really Worked in the First Resistance
Marches and lawsuits are fine, but the real wins over MAGA last time were powered by grassroots activists pushing from thousands of districts across the country.
newrepublic.com
February 18, 2025 at 8:40 PM
It's always worth paying attention to Theda Skocpol: newrepublic.com/article/1905...
It's been a dark time in America - but there are things regular people can do, right now. Stop doomscrolling. Join or create local, in-person groups across partisan lines if possible to build community and connection. Support local news. More here: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/how-you-ca...
How *you* can protect democracy
29 concrete actions you can take right now to protect our system of government
www.ifyoucankeepit.org
February 14, 2025 at 7:51 PM
It's been a dark time in America - but there are things regular people can do, right now. Stop doomscrolling. Join or create local, in-person groups across partisan lines if possible to build community and connection. Support local news. More here: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/how-you-ca...
x.com
x.com
February 12, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Reposted by Rachel Kleinfeld
WSJ, last 48 hours:
February 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM
WSJ, last 48 hours:
Fighting Trump's destruction successfully requires getting the American people on our side. There is NO SUBSTITUTE in the courts or anywhere else for public opinion: www.persuasion.community/p/theres-no-...
There's No Substitute For Public Opinion
What democracy defenders can learn from the presidency of Andrew Jackson.
www.persuasion.community
February 6, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Fighting Trump's destruction successfully requires getting the American people on our side. There is NO SUBSTITUTE in the courts or anywhere else for public opinion: www.persuasion.community/p/theres-no-...
I love @LetGrowOrg and this is a particularly great post: letgrow.org/parents-peac...
Is Peace of Mind for Parents Even Possible?
Parents are told that by tracking their kids, they can feel peace of mind. But in truth, only letting go builds a parents’ confidence.
letgrow.org
January 30, 2025 at 7:30 PM
I love @LetGrowOrg and this is a particularly great post: letgrow.org/parents-peac...
People keep asking me about the effects of the Jan 6 pardons on future political violence. Here's a quick take: www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2...
How will militias, extremists respond to Jan. 6 pardons?
President Trump told Fox News that it would have been too “cumbersome” to review each case individually.
www.wbur.org
January 23, 2025 at 11:19 PM
People keep asking me about the effects of the Jan 6 pardons on future political violence. Here's a quick take: www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2...
What do funders need to do to support democracy? Prudential risk mitigation, and then real moral courage , recognize that the best defense is a good offense! www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/mitigat...
Mitigate Risk, Stand Strong: Defending Civil Society in 2025
With civic organizations and funders facing imminent threats from the incoming administration, guest author Rachel Kleinfeld argues philanthropy should avoid appeasement.
www.insidephilanthropy.com
January 14, 2025 at 7:56 PM
What do funders need to do to support democracy? Prudential risk mitigation, and then real moral courage , recognize that the best defense is a good offense! www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/mitigat...
The anniversary of Jan 6 is as good a time as any for U.S. business to understand that their glee may be misplaced: @robertofoa and I on "What a Trump Presidency Means for U.S. Business" www.nytimes.com/2024/12/29/o...
Opinion | What a Trump Presidency Means for U.S. Business
Populists may promise low taxes and deregulation, but they also undermine the institutions that help an economy run smoothly.
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2025 at 8:28 PM
The anniversary of Jan 6 is as good a time as any for U.S. business to understand that their glee may be misplaced: @robertofoa and I on "What a Trump Presidency Means for U.S. Business" www.nytimes.com/2024/12/29/o...
Such a good podcast conversation with Nic Cheeseman on how to bring down the threats and violence against candidates we are seeing in the US, France, and Germany newbooksnetwork.com/how-to-tackl...
How to Tackle Political Violence - New Books Network
newbooksnetwork.com
December 13, 2024 at 4:29 PM
Such a good podcast conversation with Nic Cheeseman on how to bring down the threats and violence against candidates we are seeing in the US, France, and Germany newbooksnetwork.com/how-to-tackl...
I would be surprised if militias don't end up playing a role - probably highly localized, working with local sheriffs or local units of CBP rather than something national. Governments use militias to maintain deniability abut their actions.
. @heidibeirich.bsky.social: “The dangers are considerable and could include militias engaging in violence against immigrants. Besides, these groups exist outside the legal rules that federal agents would have to follow. So under what authority would they even be taking part in this?”
Far-Right Militias Seek Role in Trump Deportation Plan
The incoming administration said it would not rely on outside groups to carry out its plan to deport millions of immigrants, but militias have a long record of inserting themselves into patrolling the...
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2024 at 5:23 PM
I would be surprised if militias don't end up playing a role - probably highly localized, working with local sheriffs or local units of CBP rather than something national. Governments use militias to maintain deniability abut their actions.
Miriam-Webster's just picked their Word of the Year. It's "Polarization". What to do about it? My thoughts at Obama's Democracy Summit last week: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVao...
Why Pluralism Matters: Rachel Kleinfeld at the 2024 Obama Foundation Democracy Forum
YouTube video by Carnegie Endowment
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2024 at 3:31 PM
Miriam-Webster's just picked their Word of the Year. It's "Polarization". What to do about it? My thoughts at Obama's Democracy Summit last week: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVao...
Anyone who wants to unseat a dictatorship - or preserve a democracy - needs to deeply understand the armed forces of a country. This piece by @SayighYezid is key to understanding what just occurred in Syria: carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/...
Anatomy of a Military Fall
Why did Bashar al-Assad’s armed forces fail to act, unlike those in Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Sudan?
carnegieendowment.org
December 10, 2024 at 3:27 PM
Anyone who wants to unseat a dictatorship - or preserve a democracy - needs to deeply understand the armed forces of a country. This piece by @SayighYezid is key to understanding what just occurred in Syria: carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/...
So I did this cool thing with the Obama Foundation last week: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVao...
Why Pluralism Matters: Rachel Kleinfeld at the 2024 Obama Foundation Democracy Forum
YouTube video by Carnegie Endowment
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2024 at 8:36 PM
So I did this cool thing with the Obama Foundation last week: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVao...
Reposted by Rachel Kleinfeld
History shows 2 common responses to diversity: the creation of hierarchy & repression.
@rachelkleinfeld.bsky.social highlights pluralism as a third path—one that embraces equality & cooperation to strengthen society.
Watch her talk at the Obama Foundation #DemocracyForum ➡️ youtu.be/aVao3K8yFDs
@rachelkleinfeld.bsky.social highlights pluralism as a third path—one that embraces equality & cooperation to strengthen society.
Watch her talk at the Obama Foundation #DemocracyForum ➡️ youtu.be/aVao3K8yFDs
Why Pluralism Matters: Rachel Kleinfeld at the 2024 Obama Foundation Democracy Forum
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
buff.ly
December 6, 2024 at 9:12 PM
History shows 2 common responses to diversity: the creation of hierarchy & repression.
@rachelkleinfeld.bsky.social highlights pluralism as a third path—one that embraces equality & cooperation to strengthen society.
Watch her talk at the Obama Foundation #DemocracyForum ➡️ youtu.be/aVao3K8yFDs
@rachelkleinfeld.bsky.social highlights pluralism as a third path—one that embraces equality & cooperation to strengthen society.
Watch her talk at the Obama Foundation #DemocracyForum ➡️ youtu.be/aVao3K8yFDs
Reposted by Rachel Kleinfeld
The North Carolina General Assembly’s GOP supermajority just approved a hugely corrupt power grab, seizing authority from the governor and the courts to prevent any meaningful check on legislative abuses. Authoritarian stuff. A very dark day for democracy in NC. amp.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
December 2, 2024 at 10:41 PM
The North Carolina General Assembly’s GOP supermajority just approved a hugely corrupt power grab, seizing authority from the governor and the courts to prevent any meaningful check on legislative abuses. Authoritarian stuff. A very dark day for democracy in NC. amp.newsobserver.com/news/politic...