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.

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Suzanne Spaulding

Suzanne Spaulding

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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

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

The CSIS hosted a discussion with expert panelists on the future of zero trust and how the federal government can better implement cybersecurity policies.

June 16, 2022

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Recent Events

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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 by Deborah Enix-Ross , Ginny Badanes , Preston Golson , Ted McConnell , and Suzanne Spaulding (moderator) — 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 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

As part of its Strategic Dialogue on Civic Education as a National Security Imperative, CSIS invites you to a conversation with FBI Director Christopher Wray and national security lawyers to get their perspectives on why civic education is a national security issue.

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)

Please join the CSIS Defending Democratic Institutions Project on February 26, 2021 for the second part of the two-part conversation, "Lessons Learned from a Cyberattack: A Conversation with SolarWinds."

Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Glenn S. Gerstell , Lieutenant General (Retired) Edward Cardon , Jeanette Manfra , and Congressman Michael McCaul — February 26, 2021