Framing Democracy in a Time of Authoritarianism
Practical, research-backed framing guidance for countering authoritarianism and building public support for strengthening our democracy.
Americans across the political spectrum are deeply dissatisfied with the political system. That frustration can be channeled to build support for authoritarian solutions—or, with the right framing, toward transformative democratic reform.
The tools below draw on four years of in-depth public mindsets research conducted by the FrameWorks Institute’s Culture Change Project. Together, the resources lay out practical framing guidance and tactics for countering authoritarianism and building support for a more democratic system.
REPORT
From Protecting the Status Quo to a Vision for Change: Framing Democracy in a Time of Authoritarianism
Drawing on four years of rigorous research, this report outlines the cultural logic Americans use when thinking about democracy and authoritarianism. It also lays out a research-backed framing strategy—complete with eight concrete recommendations—to help you build resistance to authoritarianism while generating public demand for structural democratic reforms.
TOOLKIT
Reviving Our Democracy: A Narrative for the New Political System We Need
This toolkit, produced by the Democracy Revival Center, the FrameWorks Institute, and the Bloc, offers a new narrative about our political system—one that meets Americans where they are and takes their frustration seriously as a legitimate demand for change. The toolkit includes a core narrative framework, issue-specific messaging guidance, research-grounded talking points, and application guidance across media, coalition, and public engagement contexts.