– Following its online release, the landmark publication Defending Democracy and Human Rights – Report and Policy Recommendations is now also available in print. This 200-page document provides bold policy recommendations, critical insights, and a global call to action for democracy in times of war, nationalism, and authoritarianism.
The publication is the most comprehensive outcome of the International Conference “Defending Democracy and Human Rights in the Face of War, Nationalism, and Authoritarianism”, held in Skopje on December 11–12, 2024. It reflects the collective work of the Defending Democracy Initiative, established in the aftermath of the event.
Designed as both a reference and a practical tool, the publication supports the development and implementation of national and international strategies to counter authoritarian threats, strengthen democratic resilience, and promote human rights.
A Closer Look at the Publication
Part I – Policy Recommendations: Spanning ten thematic sections, this chapter provides essential context, detailed recommendations, and concrete steps, measures, and actions. It is aimed at political leaders, civil society actors, academics, and agents of change.
Part II – Voices from the Conference: Featuring keynote addresses from distinguished European and U.S. leaders and thinkers, this section captures the spirit and intellectual foundation of the initiative.
Part III – Activities and Documentation: This part documents the conference agenda, workshops, press engagements, and networking events. It includes a presentation of the exhibition Defending Democracy: 25 Years of CIVIL and offers resources for continued learning and advocacy.
The guiding principles of the Defending Democracy Initiative, reflected throughout the publication, include:
- Rebuilding political culture grounded in democratic values
- Countering authoritarianism, far-right extremism, and nationalist radicalism
- Supporting independent media and civil society in the fight against disinformation and hybrid threats
- Advocating for strategies to stop Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and safeguard global peace and democracy
The publication is available in both digital and print formats. It is accessible online in an easy-to-read, downloadable format under the Creative Commons 4.0 International License, and select print copies are being distributed to key institutions, decision-makers, media, and international partners.
Read the publication online
Media Dialogue (Germany)
Defending Democracy
CIVIL MEDIA
Civil Today
Drejt
Green CIVIL
About the Project
The publication is part of a project supported by the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia and implemented by an international consortium:
- Youth4Media and Media Dialogue (Germany)
- CIVIL – Center for Freedom (North Macedonia)
- New European People’s Forum (Brussels)
These organizations are the co-founders of the Defending Democracy Initiative, committed to countering anti-democratic forces and building alliances for democratic transformation and human rights worldwide.
The founders of the Defending Democracy Initiative invite institutions, media, civil society, and individuals to explore the publication, share its message, and become part of the global movement to confront war, nationalism, and authoritarianism—together, we can defend democracy and human rights.
