Dangerous cracks in US democracy pillars
www.brookings.edu
The pillars of U.S. democracy—free elections, the rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts—face threats under the new Trump administration.
  • Three of the seven pillars of democracy laid out in the Democracy Playbook 2025—protect elections, defend rule of law, and fight corruption—have been put under acute stress by the actions of the new Trump administration.
  • While there have been resistance efforts from across sectors, such as civil society organizations, media, and state officials, there is a need and opportunity for more efforts to preserve and strengthen the cracking pillars of democracy.
  • xyzzy@lemm.ee
    3·
    5 days ago

    Too small (domestically).

    The biggest Iraq War protest in the US (global protests don’t matter for US policy) saw around 2% of the population turn out. If you were around at the time, you’ll recall the war was relatively popular in the US at first, although the protests did help influence public sentiment.

    The 2017 women’s march had even less participation, around 1-1.5%.

    You need around 3.5-5% to get real results.

    I’m under no illusion the protests on Monday will make a difference in the short term. If they get large enough, they can begin to influence public sentiment. But if there’s a major shock to the public psyche (something big enough to jar the people who don’t follow the news awake), it means organizers at all levels will be prepared and ready to go.