Advancing an effective pro-democracy narrative
Democracy is facing its steepest global decline in decades, with nearly three-quarters of the world’s population living in autocracies or nations experiencing “autocratization” (according to the V-Dem Institute Democracy Report 2026). The crisis is characterized by democratic backsliding, the erosion of a free press and judicial independence, and the weaponization of elections. The United States is not immune to this threat.
Powerful narratives are intentionally being deployed that undermine democratic institutions, increase polarization, and delegitimize democratic norms and freedoms. Narrative can also be one of the most important tools in countering authoritarianism and expanding democracy.
To advance narratives that support democratic principles and actions, the Pro-Democracy Narrative Playbook—a nonpartisan, collaborative initiative—has been developed based on in-depth research conducted across the United States, as well as 11 additional countries on five continents. The free resource provides tested narrative and messaging frameworks and access to research, training and technical assistance to increase understanding and support for democracy.
THE POWER OF NARRATIVES
Narratives are the stories through which people make sense of the world, process information and make decisions about what to do or not do. They are critical, because they shape social norms and community expectations. Narrative can either inoculate against or create a fertile environment for mis/dis/malinformation.
When a nation is perceived as being under threat (e.g., from minorities, immigrants or foreign powers), an authoritarian narrative often demands that citizens sacrifice personal freedoms. An example of an anti-democratic narrative is one used to erode trust in the free press by delegitimizing journalists as enemies of the people, fake news or partisan actors. Another is the narrative against the democratic right to assemble by labeling protest movements and protesters as violent, extremist and divisive.
A pro-democracy narrative frames the benefits of fundamental freedoms—such as the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble and freedom of religion (including separation of church and state)—as critical to a healthy democracy. We need narratives that encourage democratic engagement and behavior, not degrade it.
For example, the free press is held up as a cornerstone of democracy, as it keeps citizens informed, exposes injustice, and helps ensure open and honest government. Peaceful protesters are exercising their right to speak their mind without fear, defending democratic values, and helping inspire hope and progress.
The Pro-Democracy Narrative Playbook demonstrates how positive messaging such as this can advance a proactive narrative of what to be for, rather than against, while effectively countering authoritarian narratives. It can help individuals and communities speak about democracy that resonates across divides.
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PRO-DEMOCRACY NARRATIVES AND FAITH?
The very institutions that allow a flourishing nation with diversity of faiths, interfaith connections and commitment to human dignity are under severe threat. One of the most powerful levers to ensure our nation thrives and protects everyone’s freedoms is narrative.
Research for the Playbook makes clear that polarization is a key challenge to address, and religious identity is too often being weaponized to increase polarization. For instance, narrative is being used to legitimize and normalize actions that violate core values of human dignity. These core values are beliefs shared across faiths, such as compassion (often expressed as care for the most vulnerable), truth, forgiveness and justice.
To help bridge these divides and advance freedoms most effectively, the Playbook provides people of faith with resources about today’s narrative landscape and how to best frame our shared values and humanity.
JOIN THE EFFORT
As people of faith, we can change the narrative to help our communities both defend and improve democracy, so it better serves we the people.
Thanks to the generosity of several Pacific Northwest foundations, faith-based and other nonprofit organizations can access free training, hands-on workshops, technical assistance and support for applying the narrative to their work, and a growing library of tools and resources. These resources are available for free at prodemocracynarrativeplaybook.org. You may also join the Pro-Democracy Narrative Playbook initiative by signing up at bit.ly/4fgky2L.
Your voice matters. Together, we can advance democracy that is free, fair and fearless.
Written by Eric Friedenwald-Fishman, a Portland-based narrative and social and behavior change innovator. He leads the global Pro-Democracy Narrative Playbook initiative and is the creative director at Metropolitan Group. He has worked on democracy, governance, human rights, public health, environment and faith in public life for nearly 40 years and in over 30 countries. Eric is an active member of Congregation Beth Israel, a life-trustee emeritus of Willamette University, and a board member of CapitalPlus Exchange and Central City Concern.
