Ami Fields-Meyer and Julia Angwin: Why Democracy Depends on Ordinary Citizens
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from June 3, 2026 | Courage in the Age of Fear. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, author, public policy expert, and former White House senior policy adviser Ami Fields-Meyer joined Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Julia Angwin for a thought-provoking conversation about democracy, civic responsibility, and the lessons Americans can learn from dissidents around the world. Drawing on research from their book How to Be a Dissident: An Age of Fear, the two explored why democratic societies require more than elections to thrive—and why ordinary citizens have an essential role to play in protecting democratic values.
Democracy Requires More Than Voting
Fields-Meyer and Angwin explained that their research began with a simple question: What can Americans learn from people who have resisted authoritarian governments overseas? As they interviewed activists, scholars, and community leaders from around the world, they discovered an equally important story unfolding at home.
The discussion challenged the common assumption that authoritarianism only arrives through dramatic events such as military coups. Instead, they argued that democratic erosion often occurs gradually through elected leaders, weakened institutions, and increasing restrictions on civic participation. Under those conditions, simply voting every few years may no longer be enough. Sustaining democracy also requires active civic engagement and a willingness to speak up when democratic norms are threatened.
The Courage to Act on Your Values
One of the interview’s central themes was what the authors describe as a “moral collision”—the moment when personal values conflict with fear of the consequences.
Angwin shared the story of a Department of Housing and Urban Development employee who chose to publicly challenge actions he believed undermined civil rights protections, fully expecting it would cost him his job. While his decision carried significant personal consequences, it reflected a principle the authors heard repeatedly during their research: many people did not consider themselves courageous—they simply reached a point where remaining silent became impossible.
Rather than portraying dissidents as extraordinary heroes, Fields-Meyer and Angwin argued that acts of courage often begin with ordinary people making difficult but deeply personal choices consistent with their values.
Community Makes Courage Possible
Another lesson is that meaningful civic action rarely happens alone. Successful movements are built on relationships, trust, and shared purpose.
Whether describing civil rights activists preparing together for nonviolent demonstrations, neighborhood residents organizing to protect one another, or Soviet-era dissidents supporting each other through years of repression, the authors emphasized that strong communities provide both practical support and the confidence to act.
Finding Hope Through Civic Engagement
Despite discussing serious challenges, the conversation ended on an optimistic note. Fields-Meyer and Angwin argued that people often underestimate how many others share their concerns until someone takes the first step.
History shows that meaningful change frequently begins with small acts of civic participation that inspire others to join. Their message was ultimately one of hope: democracy is strengthened not only by institutions, but by citizens willing to care for one another, uphold their values, and participate in shaping their communities.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.