Her 10 Steps Campaign lists the 10 Steps to Autocracy & Authoritarianism. It’s terrifying that the Orange One is so very close to completing all 10 steps in the US, but we in the UK shouldn’t be complacent in the face of Reform and/or Restore. However, Abrams has a plan to combat these steps. Her10 Steps to Freedom & Power show us what we can do even if the autocrats, the authoritarians and the racists seem to hold or are trying to hold power. Abrams is American, so her references (and spellings) are too. And even though most of her 10 Steps to Autocracy & Authoritarianism have yet to happen here in the UK, her 10 Steps to Freedom & Power are tangible steps we can all take and make so that autocracy and authoritarianism have an exceedingly difficult time of it.
These steps don’t happen in order — they occur simultaneously to overwhelm and confuse opposition.
1 Win the Last Fair Election Autocrats often come to power through democratic means—then ensure it’s the last truly free election.
2 Expand Executive Power Push constitutional boundaries, declare manufactured emergencies, and test what the system will tolerate.
3 Capture the Other Branches Co-opt Congress (parliament) and neutralize the judiciary, eliminating checks and balances.
4 Break Government
Gut agencies, fire civil servants, and replace expertise with chaos and incompetence so the people lose trust.
5 Install Loyalists
Replace qualified officials with loyalists to weaponize government agencies and execute illegal orders.
6
Attack the Truth and Free Expression
Discredit journalism, attack the arts, intimidate public voices, and replace the news with state propaganda by consolidating or manufacturing media outlets.
7
Scapegoat Vulnerable Communities Blame minorities, immigrants, and marginalized groups for national problems and demonize DEI to distract attention.
8 Destroy Support Systems
Harass and undermine organizations that educate our people, mobilize civic participation or protect our rights like legal aid, universities, advocacy groups.
9 Normalize State Violence
Harass and undermine organizations that educate our people, mobilize civic participation or protect our rights like legal aid, universities, advocacy groups.
10
End Democracy Itself Disrupt election systems, redraw the lines, undermine voting systems and restrict who can vote so no meaningful opposition ever wins again.
Each of these 10 steps is a way to fight back. And Stacey’s made a quiz here and an action plan we can take and make for ourselves.
1 Commit
Understand what’s happening – not simply the headlines but the effects of policies on you and your community. Our strength lies in our numbers – join in.
2 Share
Stay informed and share the facts on social media, in group chats, and in your circles – not just why you care but how you’re taking action. Remember, others feel this way too.
3
Organize
Create a group of friends, family and allies who want to work towards a common goal. Pick your issue. That’s it. That’s organizing.
4 Mobilize
Once you’ve organized, do something. Share banned books. Help immigrants. Support your local library. Join a tenants union. Host public events and regular conversations. It’s not about size but movement.
5 Litigate
You don’t have to be an attorney to be part of litigation. If you or someone you know has been harmed, be a plaintiff or a witness. If you are in the legal field, volunteer to help vulnerable populations.
6
Disrupt
Don’t be part of their system of disinformation and compliance. Protest. Then do more. Like film violations of civil rights or hand out ‘Know Your Rights’ cards in occupied cities. Block propaganda and call it out.
7 Deny
Refuse to be complicit in how authoritarians strip us of our language, engagement and connections. Create community, practice non-violent civil disobedience, and boycott groups that are hurting us.
8 Engage
Work with your elected officials to introduce policies and proactive legislation, especially at the state & local levels. Do it yourself if the rules allow it – start ballot initiatives, public petitions, and more.
9 Elect
Federal elections are crucial, but we cannot forget that harm can come at every level of government. So can change – we must give people something to believe in again. Participate in your local elections for city council, county commission, state legislature, judicial — every single one.
10 Demand It’s not enough to just reclaim what we had. We must demand more and build a better government. Be clear about what we deserve – from our allies and from those who would destroy democracy. Don’t meekly ask for what we think we can get. Declare what kind of country we intend to build. Then get to work.And never forget what the Dalai Lama said: If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
