Defending Democratic Institutions

Countering Adversary Attacks on Fundamental Institutions of Democracy

This project seeks to counter foreign and domestic adversaries in their efforts to disrupt democracy and cultivate a public distrust of democratic institutions via cyber and disinformation operations. A key focus on this initiative is on understanding and countering adversary attacks on America’s justice system, to include judges, prosecutors, and the rule of law. In addition, this initiative will focus on building national resilience against adversary operations aimed at undermining public trust through the reinvigoration of civic education as a national security imperative.

Meet Our Experts

Meet our network of experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates. 

Suzanne Spaulding

Suzanne Spaulding

Media Queries

Latest Analysis

Photo: Itza/Adobe Stock

Photo: Itza/Adobe Stock

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

See all analysis by Defending Democratic Institutions

Featured Event

Recent Events

See all events by Defending Democratic Institutions

All Defending Democratic Institutions Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 37 results

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

Understanding the DHS Cyber Mission

Please join the CSIS Defending Democratic Institutions Project for a conversation on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) cyber mission.

Event — April 7, 2021