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: Suzanne Spaulding
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
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

Understanding Insurrection and Sedition
Critical Questions by Suzanne Spaulding , Devi Nair , and Joseph Federici — January 29, 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)
All content by Defending Democratic Institutions
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Bandwidth Is the New Water
Commentary by Devi Nair — March 31, 2020

Why the Kremlin Targets Veterans
Commentary by Suzanne Spaulding , Devi Nair , Alexandra Huber , and Jason Gresh — November 8, 2019

Dividing America: A Conversation with Senator Michael Bennet
Event by Suzanne Spaulding and Michael Bennet — September 10, 2019

Creating an Expectation of Service: Civic Education as a National Security Imperative (Testimony)
Report by Suzanne Spaulding — July 10, 2019

Democracy and Justice in the Age of Disinformation
Event by and Suzanne Spaulding , Michael Chertoff , Sujit Raman , Judge Jeremy Fogel , Ted McConnell , Harvey Rishikof , Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker , Lara Flint , Jeffrey Minear , Mary McQueen , Seth Jones — May 1, 2019

Russia’s Attacks on Democratic Justice Systems
Report by Suzanne Spaulding , Devi Nair , and Arthur Nelson — May 1, 2019

Beyond the Ballot: How the Kremlin Works to Undermine the U.S. Justice System
Report by Suzanne Spaulding , Devi Nair , and Arthur Nelson — May 1, 2019

Defending Rule of Law Norms: A Conversation with Rod Rosenstein
Event by Suzanne Spaulding and Rod Rosenstein — February 25, 2019

Defending Rule of Law Norms: A Conversation with Rod Rosenstein
Transcript — February 25, 2019

Countering Adversary Attacks on Democracy—It's not just about elections
Event by Suzanne Spaulding , John J. Hamre , Mark Warner , and Harvey Rishikof — November 15, 2018
