Authoritarians exploit frustration with stagnant institutions, while disinformation fuels cynicism and disengagement. A stronger democracy isn’t just about defending it—it’s about making it work. That means tackling corruption, increasing transparency, and ensuring public input leads to real change.

Standing up to the authoritarian wave requires more than cheerleading for democracy; it demands making democratic societies more participatory, responsive, and adaptable at all levels, from local to national, in response to the societal shifts driven by the Internet over the past 15 years.