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

Contact Information

Media Queries

Latest Analysis

Photo: Suzanne Spaulding

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

See all analysis by Defending Democratic Institutions

Featured

Photo: kras99/Adobe Stock

'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

See all events by Defending Democratic Institutions

All content by Defending Democratic Institutions

Filter by

21 - 30 of 33 results

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

Photo: sirikornt/Adobe Stock

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

Photo: CC BY-ND 2.0

Democracy and Justice in the Age of Disinformation

Please join the Defending Democratic Institutions (DDI) project this law day for the launch of our newest report Beyond the Ballot: How the Kremlin Works to Undermine the U.S. Justice System.

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

Democracy and Justice in the Age of Disinformation

Russia’s Attacks on Democratic Justice Systems

This CSIS interactive report by the Defending Democratic Institutions Project investigates the potential consequences of Russian disinformation operations on justice systems around the world.

Report by Suzanne Spaulding , Devi Nair , and Arthur Nelson — May 1, 2019

picture of an equal arm scale

Defending Rule of Law Norms: A Conversation with Rod Rosenstein

CSIS invites you to a conversation with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on the importance of defending rule-of-law norms and the contrast between the U.S. Department of Justice's efforts and the Chinese government's efforts on these issues.

Event by Suzanne Spaulding and Rod Rosenstein — February 25, 2019

Defending Rule of Law Norms: A Conversation with Rod Rosenstein

Defending Rule of Law Norms: A Conversation with Rod Rosenstein

A conversation with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on the importance of defending rule-of-law norms and the contrast between the U.S. Department of Justice's efforts and the Chinese government's efforts on these issues.

Transcript — February 25, 2019

Defending Rule of Law Norms: A Conversation with Rod Rosenstein