This guide explains how business leaders can help protect democracy in America. It shows that strong democracy is good for business, while authoritarianism creates risks and instability. The article gives real examples of how companies have stood up to undemocratic practices - like 150 companies stopping donations to politicians who refused to accept the 2020 election results, or the Dodgers refusing to let ICE agents into their stadium.
It outlines four main strategies: refusing to cooperate with authoritarian leaders, negotiating for democracy in private meetings, providing support to pro-democracy movements, and making public statements defending democratic values. The guide includes case studies from places like Ukraine, Venezuela, and Wisconsin where businesses helped protect democracy. It also provides links to additional resources, podcasts, and toolkits for business leaders who want to take action.
The content is part of the Horizons Project's Pillars Project, which studies how different groups in society can defend democracy.