Spencer J. Cox: How to disagree with respect — not hate

Spencer J. Cox, Republican governor of the state of Utah in the United States, says that even in these deeply polarized times, it’s still possible to disagree without hate or contempt. He shows how this idea sparked a viral campaign ad he co-created with his Democratic political opponent back in 2020 — and shares four … Read more

Ian Bassin: How to spot authoritarianism — and choose democracy

Democracy is about having choices — and authoritarianism is about not having them, says lawyer and writer Ian Bassin. Detailing the seven steps of the authoritarian playbook, he invites us all to put aside our differences and rethink our role in the fight for freedom, revealing the hope and power behind every choice we make. … Read more

Tessza Udvarhelyi: How to create democracy — in an authoritarian country

“Today, Hungary is in the gray zone between a dictatorship and a democracy,” says activist Tessza Udvarhelyi. “This did not happen overnight.” In a rousing talk, she reminds us just how close any country can come to authoritarianism — and offers on-the-ground lessons for how to keep democracy alive through focus, determination and imagination. (Followed … Read more