Defending Democratic Institutions

Countering Adversary Attacks on Fundamental Institutions of Democracy

The Defending Democratic Institutions (DDI) project was established to better understand, and develop recommendations to counter foreign efforts to disrupt democracy and exacerbate public distrust of democratic institutions via cyber and information operations. A key focus of this initiative is on information operations undermining Americans’ trust in the justice system, to include judges, prosecutors, and the rule of law. In addition, this initiative focuses on building national resilience through the reinvigoration of civics education, at all ages, as a national security imperative.

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Suzanne Spaulding

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Photo: CSIS DEFENDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS PROJECT/CREATED USING GEMINI

Photo: CSIS DEFENDING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS PROJECT/CREATED USING GEMINI

Building Civics Concepts into STEM and the Tech Sector

As technology continues to shape society, it’s essential for tech leaders to recognize their role in strengthening democracy. This report highlights the urgent need to integrate civic knowledge and responsibility into STEM education and careers. 

Report by Suzanne Spaulding and Paula Reynal — November 13, 2024

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Defending Democracy: Ensuring Election Integrity in 2024

Please join the CSIS Defending Democratic Institutions project for a conversation on Ensuring Election Integrity in 2024 with Iranga Kahangama, Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk, and Resilience at DHS.

Event — March 29, 2024

Civics at Work: Promoting Civil Discourse in the Workplace

As a part of 'National Week of Conversation', the Defending Democratic Institutions Project is hosting a 'Civics at Work' event to outline the important role that civics plays in promoting civil discourse in the workplace. 

Event — April 17, 2023

The Risks Facing Democracy

Read Gerald F. Seib's recent speech delivered on the state of democracy at the 2023 Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership.

Commentary by Gerald F. Seib — April 11, 2023

Civics for Adults: A Guide for Civics Content Providers

Reinvigorating civics has become a national and economic security imperative. The urgency requires reaching not just K-12 students but also adults. This guide is for individuals looking to engage in civics conversations and activities with adults.

Report — September 15, 2022

Early Lessons for Democracies

It is important for democracies to look at the early lessons from what has been done effectively in response to the buildup and invasion in Ukraine.

Commentary by Suzanne Spaulding — March 8, 2022

Civics at Work: Constitution Day Training for Federal Employees

To face today’s challenges, the federal government must recognize the national security imperative of reinvigorating civic education, and that starts with reinvigorating its own civics programs this Constitution Day.

Critical Questions by Suzanne Spaulding and Devi Nair — September 9, 2021