What can we learn from other countries that have successfully deposed autocrats using mass protests? The Guardian (U.K., free) suggests we look at the Czech Republic’s (CR) success. “The CR – once part of what was cold war-era Czechoslovakia and, coincidentally, birthplace of Trump’s first wife, Ivana – is a possible blueprint for how street protest can bloom into a unified electoral strategy that eventually unseats a billionaire leader…”
Are mass protests really that effective? Yes, says Erica Chenoweth, a Harvard political science professor. Their research shows that sustained mass mobilization involving 3.5% of the population has historically been highly effective at deposing autocrats. Nationwide, that’s 12 million people. In Seattle, that’s about 25,000 people – 16,000 fewer than the number of people at the Mariners home opener in 2025!
Here's a BBC interview with Chenoweth that expands on their theory on autocratic regime change and the number of people you need to participate. The '3.5% Rule': How a small minority can change the world
Read Fighting Back: A Citizen’s Guide to Resistance (The New Republic) Main points:
1. Sue the bastard. For private citizens, that means financial support of groups that are bringing successful lawsuits (see the story for a list of those groups).
2. March and/or protest. “The purpose, a Democratic strategist explained to me, is to bring like-minded people together into resistance networks; to attract publicity that will draw new people into the movement; and, through that same publicity, to alert other politicians that failing to oppose Trump will cost them support.”
3. Pester your elected officials.
4. Keep up with the news. “The most important thing is to follow the mainstream press. It’s long been a badge of honor on the right not to subscribe to The New York Times or The Washington Post. Liberals have lately followed suit. That’s just foolish. These national newspapers, along with The Wall Street Journal, are imperfect but indispensable sources of reliable information. So is your local newspaper, if you’re still lucky enough to have one.”