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Are These Global Strategies the Key to Protecting U.S. Civic Space?

Civic space in the U.S. is shrinking—but global movements offer a roadmap for resistance. From Uganda to Nigeria, activists have pushed back against threats to protests, nonprofits, and free speech. What can U.S. civil society learn from their success?

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By Saskia Brechenmacher
Published on July 17, 2025

Civic space in the U.S. is shrinking—but global movements offer a roadmap for resistance. From Uganda to Nigeria, activists have pushed back against threats to protests, nonprofits, and free speech. What can U.S. civil society learn from their success?

Watch to learn about three global strategies to defend democracy—and how they could work here at home.

Article
Defending Civic Space in the United States: Lessons Learned Around the World

In a context of democratic erosion, U.S. civil society organizations face a widening array of legal, political, and security threats. They can learn from the experiences of civic activists in backsliding democracies around the world.

    Saskia Brechenmacher

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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