Dear MoveOn member,
In a sobering yet hopeful new report, three prominent scholars of democracy and dictatorship conclude that the United States has "ceased to be a full democracy" this year and descended into "competitive authoritarianism."1
But, the scholars argue, the outcome of our country's struggle between democracy and authoritarianism "will turn less on the strength of the authoritarian government than on whether enough citizens act as though their efforts still matter—because, for now, they still do."2
For now, our efforts still matter, John. Yes, they do.
That's why, even as many get ready for the holidays, MoveOn is laser focused on both (1) continuing to grow the pro-democracy movement and actively planning the next No Kings mobilization for early 2026 with allies, while also (2) preparing to launch a 2026 elections plan to transform the Democratic Party into one that confronts authoritarianism and prioritizes working people over billionaires and corporate interests.
But MoveOn is powered by grassroots donations—people chipping in whatever they can—and with prices up, donations to MoveOn are down, just as we are poised to enter a pivotal year that either solidifies authoritarianism and corruption or wins back power for working people and ushers in a new progressive era.
If you can afford it, will you donate $5 a month to MoveOn now to help fuel our pro-democracy organizing nationwide, while it still matters?
Yes, I'll chip in $5 a month. (If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately.)
No, I'm sorry, I can't make a monthly donation.
The three scholars—Steven Levitsky, Lucan A. Way, and Daniel Ziblatt—are professors at Harvard and the University of Toronto.
They explain that "competitive authoritarianism" is a "system in which parties compete in elections but incumbents routinely abuse their power to punish critics and tilt the playing field against their opposition."3
They argue that the "gravest danger" we face isn't repression but the "complacency trap" and "demobilization," and that the opposition can still "seriously contest power at the ballot box, in the courts, and on the street."4 Here's how they describe the challenge before us:
"No single arena will suffice. Pro-democratic forces cannot afford to wait for the 2026 and 2028 elections; they cannot simply rely on the courts to defend democracy; and by themselves, No Kings rallies will not restore democracy. Citizens must therefore work through all three channels. Although it is impossible to know how, when, or even if these strategies will succeed, the United States’ prospects for returning to democratic rule remain good."5
Yes, our prospects "remain good"—if we work through all three channels. John, MoveOn can reach, train, organize, and support people across the country at a scale unparalleled in the progressive movement—which we need now more than ever.
Will you start a monthly $5 donation today to power our urgent and critical organizing so that we can continue to build the pro-democracy movement and win the 2026 elections to put an end to Trump’s authoritarianism?
Yes, I'll chip in $5 a month. (If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately.)
No, I'm sorry, I can't make a monthly donation.
The future is in our hands. Let's seize it.
Thanks for all you do.
–Liz, Kenia, Amy, Alex, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "The Price of American Authoritarianism," Foreign Affairs, December 11, 2025
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/american-authoritarianism-levitsky-way-ziblatt
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
Want to support MoveOn's work? The Democratic Party needs big change. That’s why MoveOn is partnering with Run For Something to recruit, train, and support young, progressive, diverse candidates—including MoveOn members—to run for local and state office all across the country. From town council to mayor's offices to state legislatures and more, our partnership will support candidates who are fighting for a living wage, combatting climate change, investing in affordable housing, and so much more. Will you make a monthly donation to elect young, progressive, and diverse candidates across the country?
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