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Organizing in Increasingly Repressive Environments: Pushing Against Criminalization

Introduction

The following content was generated at and inspired by “Organizing in Increasingly Repressive Environments: Pushing Against Criminalization,” a webinar held on June 20, 2024. It offers valuable insights into spotting dangers, sustaining momentum, and building resilience in the face of adversity.

With the global rise of authoritarianism, civil society is experiencing an unprecedented crack down around the world. Drawing from the experiences of organizations in Florida, Brazil, and Nicaragua, this conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of organizing in contexts where freedom of expression and assembly are severely restricted. 

Key questions addressed include:

  • What tactics have proven effective in mobilizing communities under repressive regimes?
  • How can organizers and civil society leaders navigate surveillance and crackdowns while still building momentum for change?
  • How can civil society organizations monitor and be prepared for increasingly repressive attacks? 

This event and content are co-hosted by The Horizons Project, 22nd Century Initiative, Community Justice Project and Fair and Just Prosecution. This is part of the Intermestic Learning Exchange Series hosted on the Democracy Resource Hub. (About Us)

Webinar speakers included: 

Moderators: 

Webinar Recording

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Forms of Repression Faced by Movements

Are you trying to organize in an increasingly repressive environment?

You’re not alone. Many movements around the world are facing similar contexts. The good news is that there are strategies and resources available to help you navigate different repressive tactics and strategies in the midst of authoritarian rising. Here are some of the most common forms of repression faced by movements.

Legal and Administrative Harassment

Repressive regimes often use legal and administrative measures to burden and control civil society organizations. These can include ambiguous laws, selective enforcement, and onerous regulations.

One of the ways that we see the attacks transpiring in Florida is, of course, changes to regulatory rules, the ability for organizations like ours to engage in direct democracy, explicitly around registering voters. As simple as that sounds, Florida’s created a very treacherous environment as it relates to organizations simply registering voters with exorbitant fines. – Dwight Bullard (1:09:14)

Surveillance and Intimidation

Both online and offline surveillance, as well as physical intimidation, are common tactics used to create a climate of fear among activists. For example, activists in Brazil have faced increased surveillance and harassment by state intelligence and security forces under the Bolsonaro administration.

[In Brazil] the government actively sought to adopt measures to restrict access to information and ways of participation and social control of public policies. There was an increase in surveillance software. There was an increased public spending on these softwares and other kinds of control of public securities and state intelligence. – Julia Mello Neiva (38:08)

Propaganda and Disinformation

Disinformation campaigns are used to undermine the credibility of civil society organizations, portraying them as unpatriotic or corrupt. For example, in many repressive environments, regimes use state-sponsored propaganda to discredit and vilify activists.

They try to control narratives by using stigmatizing language often depicting activists as extremist, radical, and out of touch. – Saskia Brechenmacher (15:55)

Violence and Arbitrary Detention

Physical violence, torture, and unjust imprisonment are extreme measures used to silence dissent. For example, in Nicaragua, the government has resorted to extrajudicial executions and arbitrary deprivation of nationality to suppress opposition.

We focus in this particular phase mostly on protecting individuals… Many organizations had even the bus driver that drove volunteers… sentenced to eight years in prison, the photographer that worked for an NGO to document work also in prison.Felix Maradiaga (54:55)

Repression in the United States

U.S. organizations may resist the idea that their situation is comparable to the safety challenges facing human rights defenders in Egypt, El Salvador, or other countries marked by severe state repression. Yet U.S. activists and civil society organizations do confront a diverse set of threats, ranging from online and offline abuse, doxxing, and intimidation by extremist actors to state surveillance, politically motivated subpoenas and investigations, vilification by public officials, and arrests in the case of journalists and protesters. – Quote from “Defending Civic Space in the United States: Lessons Learned Around the World” by Saskia Brechenmacher (Carnegie Endowment For International Peace, May 9, 2024)

Strategies & Resources for Organizing Under Repression

This resource list is designed to share practical insights and actionable steps to address common forms of repression faced by movements. It is by no means exhaustive. If you have other resources you’d like to share, please contact [email protected]

Proactive Security Measures

Taking proactive steps to enhance security can help protect organizations and their members. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, enhancing cybersecurity, and prioritizing physical and mental health.

  • Risk Assessments: Regularly identify potential threats and vulnerabilities using resources like the Front Line Defenders’ Workbook on Security and Security in a Box.
    • “We mapped our vulnerabilities, physical and online safety, health, institutional risks of being closed, of arrest, and we designed strategic plans and scenarios.” – Julia Mello Neiva (41:45)
  • Cybersecurity: Safeguard online communications through digital security training and tools provided by Totem’s Digital Security Training and the NGO Information Sharing and Analysis Center (NGO-ISAC).
  • Physical and Mental Health: Prioritize mental health and collective protection strategies to support activists’ well-being. Utilize the Holistic Security Manual (Tactical Tech).
    • “Thinking about what it means to not only protect people physically but also protect them psychologically in some ways, like offering spaces for well-being and safety and kind of community so that activism can be sustained in the long run as it becomes more difficult.” – Saskia Brechenmacher (10:45)

Understand & Monitor Legal Challenges

Stay informed about relevant laws and navigate ambiguities with legal advice. Perform regular legal compliance audits and be prepared for potential legal and administrative harassment.

Building Solidarity and Alliances

Encourage unity across civil society sectors and build alliances with a broad range of stakeholders, including nontraditional allies, to create a stronger, united front.

  • Sectoral Solidarity: Promote unity across various civil society sectors and share develop strong coalitions across sectors. Resources can be found here: Coalition Building Guide and How to Build Networked Coalitions
    • “We thought it was important to have a broad alliance of both national and international partners, and we did that across the country and across issues, working with labor groups, environmental groups, grassroots groups, legal groups, all kinds of groups.” – Julia Mello Neiva (40:00)
    • “[In Florida] you’re starting to see a younger demographic. You’re starting to see a rapid browning…. So that does create a greater need for organizing. And what we’ve tried to do with Florida Rising is create that bridge between historically marginalized communities. – Dwight Bullard (30:38)
  • Nontraditional Allies: Forge alliances with diverse stakeholders such as oversight institutions, legislators, artists, media, and public figures. Here are some guides on “Art and Campaigning” and Strategic Media Engagement
    • “Non-traditional allies can come from other parts of society, sometimes it’s the media. In Nigeria, for example… the media played a really important role in informing the public about the content of those laws and hosting public debates about them. Having relationships to creative sectors, the arts, artists, and other people who have a public platform who are able to speak out on your behalf, who have an audience that you might not necessarily have as a human rights organization, for example.” Saskia Brechenmacher (14:45)

Effective Communication and Counter-Narratives

Communicate effectively about the work and impact of civil society organizations, and develop strategies to counteract disinformation and maintain public trust.

Case Study Information

More information about the situations described in the discussion

Nicaragua

Felix Maradiaga detailed the three phases of repression in Nicaragua under President Daniel Ortega, describing a move towards totalitarianism that has severely impacted civil society. 

  • Phase 1: Initial Consolidation of Power (2007-2013):
    • Ortega began dismantling democratic institutions and co-opting state apparatuses, including judicial manipulation and media control.
  • Phase 2: Intensified Repression (2014-2018):
    • The regime violently suppressed protests, closed thousands of NGOs, and engaged in arbitrary detentions and torture.
  • Phase 3: Totalitarian Clampdown (2019-Present):
    • The government eliminated nearly all dissent, using laws like the 2020 “foreign agents” law to criminalize opposition and expand state control.

Learn more:

Florida

In Florida right-wing elements have consolidated power, leading to significant challenges for civil society. He discussed the impact of this power consolidation, including the privatization of public services and attacks on public education. Learn more about the political environment in Florida and how activists are responding:

  • Consolidation of Power: Long-standing control by right-wing elements has led to a shrinking of government functions and structural safeguards.
  • Privatization: Aggressive privatization efforts have reduced public accountability.
  • Attacks on Public Education: Legislative measures have targeted public education systems, undermining their effectiveness and inclusivity.

Learn more:

Brazil

Julia Mello Neiva highlighted the significant challenges faced by civil society under the Bolsonaro administration. She discussed how the government has systematically attacked democratic institutions, used state intelligence to intimidate activists, and employed abusive laws to restrict access to information and participation. Learn more about the repression in Brazil and the strategies used to counter it:

  • Attacks on Democratic Institutions: Bolsonaro’s government undermined the rule of law and weakened key democratic institutions.
  • Intimidation by State Intelligence: Activists faced harassment and surveillance from state security forces.
  • Abusive Laws: The administration used vague and broad laws to curtail civil liberties and silence dissent.

Learn more:

Webinar Speaker Sections

Each of the panelists answered this question:
“How is authoritarianism manifesting in your country or region, and what strategies are civil society organizations employing to resist repression and maintain their work in these increasingly challenging environments?”

Saskia Brechenmacher

Discusses the global rise of authoritarianism and “smarter repression tactics” used against civil society. She outlines four main strategies: counterframing/propaganda, divide and rule tactics, legal tools for restriction, and intimidation. As solutions, she emphasizes proactive security measures, monitoring legislative debates, building broad coalitions, and developing effective counter-narratives.

Watch the video here.

Dwight Bullard

Focuses on the situation in Florida, describing how right-wing elements have consolidated power over time, dismantling democratic institutions and safeguards. As a response, he highlights the importance of organizing, particularly among younger and more diverse demographics, and the use of ballot initiatives to achieve progressive wins despite the challenging political environment.

Watch the video here.

Julia Mello Neiva

Describes the attacks on democratic institutions and civil society in Brazil under Bolsonaro’s government. She outlines strategies including social power mapping, building international alliances, litigation to defend institutions, and focusing on key issues like protecting the Amazon and the electoral system to counter authoritarianism.

Watch the video here.

Felix Maradiaga

Outlines the extreme closure of civic space in Nicaragua, detailing three phases of increasing repression. He explains their responses, including meticulous compliance with laws in early stages, cultivating international solidarity, and ultimately moving to a “clandestine strategy” of protecting individuals and re-establishing NGOs in exile when domestic work became impossible.

Watch the video here. 

Questions & Answers

In this section the speakers answered questions from the webinar audience that were specific to their work: 

Question 1: What type of activism still takes place in Nicaragua? How are the mechanisms in Venezuela and Cuba being used to reproduce in Nicaragua to close civil society spaces?

Felix Maradiaga explained that the situation in Nicaragua is becoming more like Cuba’s, with almost all independent civil society shut down. He highlighted the importance of international networks and working from abroad when domestic activism becomes impossible.

As you are not allowed to work anymore with freedom inside your borders, your international work becomes more important, and your international networks become more important. – Felix Maradiaga

Watch the video here (4 min) 

Question 2: Given the situation in the U.S., what is the role of the international community and international entities? How would you assess the role of international activism solidarity? What does that mean in the U.S. context?

Responses from: Dwight Bullard, Julia Mello Neiva

Bullard emphasized the growing significance of international pressure in a globalized world, citing examples of how international issues impact Florida. Neiva expressed willingness to share experiences and learn from U.S. activists.

I definitely think now more than ever, you’re seeing the growth of influence of the international community more so on these domestic conversations. – Dwight Bullard

Watch the video here (4 min) 

Question 3: From a strategic planning perspective, what approach did you find most useful? What elements of strategic planning surfaced?

Responses from: Felix Maradiaga, Julia Mello Neiva, Dwight Bullard, Saskia Brechenmacher

Answers:

  • Maradiaga: Emphasized the importance of effective communication strategies.
  • Neiva: Highlighted the value of scenario planning, actor mapping, and training.
  • Bullard: Pointed out the role of multinational corporations in the rise of authoritarianism.
  • Brechenmacher: Stressed the importance of organizations focusing on their comparative strengths.

By far the strategy that must work for us is the communications part because, you know, when you are harassed, persecuted, international actors do not really have that much time to understand the complexity. – Felix Maradiaga

Watch the video here (6 min) 

Additional Resources

These resources were compiled by co-host Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP)

General: 

Statements:

Op-eds:

About Us

Logos for the Horizons Project, Fair & Just Prosecution, Community Justice Project, and 22nd Century Initiative.

This event and resource page is a collaboration between The Horizons Project, 22nd Century Initiative, Community Justice Project and Fair and Just Prosecution, and the Democracy Resource Hub.

Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) brings together elected local prosecutors as part of a network of leaders committed to promoting a justice system grounded in fairness, equity, compassion, and fiscal responsibility. These elected leaders – and the vision they share for safer and healthier communities – are supported by FJP’s network through ongoing information sharing, research and resource materials, opportunities for on-the-ground learning, in-person convenings, technical assistance, and access to national experts.

22nd Century Initiative works toward a people-powered multi-racial democracy in this century and the next by advancing strategic alignment that brings together frontline organizations, national pro-democracy groups, training resources, think tanks, and advocacy organizations.

Community Justice Project engages in class action litigation, administrative law, legislative advocacy, and other forms of impact litigation to help create positive change for low-income residents across Pennsylvania. Their areas of experience include civil rights cases in housing, public benefits, employment, and immigration. ​

The Horizons Project recognizes the urgency for diverse movements to come together in the United States to protect democracy, stand for nonviolence, and demand peace. Our vision, mission, and values represent our deep commitment to systems-level organizing with the existing ecosystem of social change.

The Intermestic Learning Series aims to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge, strategies, experiences, and insights among organizers and movement builders from the United States and around the globe on defending and promoting democracy in their respective contexts.
Previous event in this series: Mediation for Movements: Managing Intra-Movement Conflict

The Democracy Resource Hub (democracyresourcehub.org) is a collaborative effort supported by the 22nd Century Initiative, United Vision Idaho, the SHIFT Action Lab, and the Horizons Project. It is hosted by the Commons Social Change Library. For more information and to access a wealth of learning resources to complement these webinars, visit the Democracy Resource Hub Collection.

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