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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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

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

Lessons in Countering Violent Extremism

On June 20, the Transnational Threats Project (TNT) and the Defending Democratic Institutions Project (DDI) gathered experts from the public and private sector to discuss lessons regarding messaging and influence operations.

Event by Seth G. Jones and Suzanne Spaulding — June 20, 2018

Countering Adversary Threats to Democratic Institutions

This report, informed by a CSIS-convened Experts Group, calls for a whole-of-nation approach to address the threat to, and improve the resilience of, the country's democratic institutions.

Report by Suzanne Spaulding and Eric Goldstein — February 14, 2018