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.
Contact Information
- Devi Nair
- Associate Director and Associate Fellow, International Security Program
- 202-775-3257
- dnair@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Latest Analysis

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

Civics for Adults: A Guide for Civics Content Providers
Report — September 15, 2022

Early Lessons for Democracies
Commentary by Suzanne Spaulding — March 8, 2022

Civics at Work: Constitution Day Training for Federal Employees
Critical Questions by Suzanne Spaulding and Devi Nair — September 9, 2021
Recent Events

'Never Trust, Always Verify': Federal Migration to ZTA and Endpoint Security

‘Civics at Work’ Launch Event

Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil M. Gorsuch

Lessons Learned from a Cyberattack: SolarWinds Conversation (Part 2 of 2)
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Civics at Work: Promoting Civil Discourse in the Workplace
Event by Deborah Enix-Ross , Ginny Badanes , Preston Golson , Ted McConnell , and Suzanne Spaulding (moderator) — April 17, 2023
The Risks Facing Democracy
Commentary by Gerald F. Seib — April 11, 2023
Civics for Adults: A Guide for Civics Content Providers
Report — September 15, 2022
'Never Trust, Always Verify': Federal Migration to ZTA and Endpoint Security
Event by Emily Harding , Suzanne Spaulding , James Andrew Lewis , Michael Daniel , and Jeanette Manfra — June 16, 2022
Early Lessons for Democracies
Commentary by Suzanne Spaulding — March 8, 2022
Civics at Work: Constitution Day Training for Federal Employees
Critical Questions by Suzanne Spaulding and Devi Nair — September 9, 2021
Civics as a National Security Imperative: A Conversation with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro
Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) , and Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker — May 5, 2021
Understanding the DHS Cyber Mission
Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Michael Daniel , Christopher Krebs , Tim Maurer , and Kemba Walden — April 7, 2021
A Conversation with FBI Director Wray and National Security Lawyers on Civic Education as a National Security Imperative
Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Christopher Wray , Steve Bunnell , M. Tia Johnson , Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker , Jennifer O'Connor , and James E. Baker — March 12, 2021
Lessons Learned from a Cyberattack: SolarWinds Conversation (Part 2 of 2)
Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Glenn S. Gerstell , Lieutenant General (Retired) Edward Cardon , Jeanette Manfra , and Congressman Michael McCaul — February 26, 2021