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.

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

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

See all analysis by Defending Democratic Institutions

Featured

'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

View the event

Recent Events

Video On Demand

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

June 16, 2022 • 2:30 – 3:45 pm EDT

Video On Demand

‘Civics at Work’ Launch Event

May 4, 2022 • 2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT

Video On Demand

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

April 14, 2021 • 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT

Video On Demand

Lessons Learned from a Cyberattack: SolarWinds Conversation (Part 2 of 2)

February 26, 2021 • 12:00 – 1:00 pm EST

See all events by Defending Democratic Institutions

All content by Defending Democratic Institutions

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Online Event: How to Lose the Information War: A Conversation with Nina Jankowicz

Please join us on Tuesday, July 14th for a discussion with Nina Jankowicz on her new book, How to Lose the Information War.

Event by Suzanne Spaulding and Nina Jankowicz — July 14, 2020

Online Event: Civics as a National Security Imperative: Addressing Racial Injustice (Part 2 of 2)

Please join us on July 2nd (4:00-5:15pm EST) the second part of this two-part conversation: "The Role of Civics in Addressing Racial Injustice."

Event by Suzanne Spaulding , Danielle Allen , Shawn Healy , Amber Coleman-Mortley , and Andrew Wilkes — July 2, 2020

Online Event: Civics as a National Security Imperative: Addressing Racial Injustice (Part 1 of 2)

Please join us on July 1st (4:00-5:15pm EST) the first part of this two-part conversation: "Racial Injustice as a National Security Threat."

Event by Beverly Kirk , Jeh Johnson , Wyndee Parker , Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker , and Kiron Skinner — July 1, 2020

Bandwidth Is the New Water

COVID-19 is exposing the extent to which online connectivity has become a societal necessity. But as more and more individuals across the country are forced to stay home, can networks withstand a constant and simultaneous coronavirus-induced strain on the internet?

Commentary by Devi Nair — March 31, 2020

Why the Kremlin Targets Veterans

CSIS’s Defending Democratic Institutions team analyzes the growing threat of disinformation operations targeting U.S. veterans. This commentary covers attacks by Russia via social media and recommendations for defending against future attacks.

Commentary by Suzanne Spaulding , Devi Nair , Alexandra Huber , and Jason Gresh — November 8, 2019

Dividing America: A Conversation with Senator Michael Bennet

Please join us for a discussion with Senator Michael Bennet on his new book, Dividing America: How Russia Hacked Social Media and Democracy.

Event by Suzanne Spaulding and Michael Bennet — September 10, 2019

Creating an Expectation of Service: Civic Education as a National Security Imperative (Testimony)

Suzanne Spaulding, Senior Adviser, Homeland Security, International Security Program, testifies before National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service on "Creating an Expectation of Service: Civic Education as a National Security Imperative."

Report by Suzanne Spaulding — July 10, 2019