Derek Barker
@dwmbarker.bsky.social
Senior program officer for research initiatives, Kettering Foundation. Political theorist, editor of From Many, We blog. Studies democracy, virtue ethics, Aristotle. Orioles fan. Opinions expressed here are mine.
https://kettering.org/newsletter-optin/
https://kettering.org/newsletter-optin/
Pinned
Democracy for All Project
kettering.org
We partnered with Gallup to understand not only what Americans think about democracy, but what is driving those perceptions. Full report here: kettering.org?research_pro... #Polisky
I enjoyed this CNN piece on our Democracy For All Project survey. Based on our data, if your crazy relatives bring up politics at holiday, start talking about democracy and you might find common ground. www.cnn.com/2025/11/22/u...
Think politics will ruin Thanksgiving? Smerconish has some advice | CNN
Think your holiday table is destined for political chaos? Smerconish says the real divide isn’t at Thanksgiving, it’s in our heads. Here’s why.
www.cnn.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
I enjoyed this CNN piece on our Democracy For All Project survey. Based on our data, if your crazy relatives bring up politics at holiday, start talking about democracy and you might find common ground. www.cnn.com/2025/11/22/u...
Reposted by Derek Barker
❗️🇪🇺🇺🇦 The full text of the EU plan to end the war in Ukraine is published by The Telegraph
November 23, 2025 at 5:24 PM
❗️🇪🇺🇺🇦 The full text of the EU plan to end the war in Ukraine is published by The Telegraph
Much needed discussion of what post-Trump reconstruction might look like. "It has to be detailed, it has to be comprehensive...it has to be on the shelf for people to pick up and plug into their daily discourse and lawmaking and litigation strategies."
Super knowledgeable discussion of Trump 2.0 and beyond by @aaronrosspowell.com @shikhadalmia.bsky.social and @andycraig.bsky.social
www.theunpopulist.net/p/america-wi...
www.theunpopulist.net/p/america-wi...
America Will Need a Reconstruction Project After Trump: A Conversation with Shikha Dalmia and Andy Craig
Liberals will have to rebuild the institutions of governance and accountability that Trump is destroying and The UnPopulist plans to lead the way
www.theunpopulist.net
November 24, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Much needed discussion of what post-Trump reconstruction might look like. "It has to be detailed, it has to be comprehensive...it has to be on the shelf for people to pick up and plug into their daily discourse and lawmaking and litigation strategies."
I am surprised Twitter added this transparency feature. How long do we think it will last before Elon pulls it?
It’s hilarious and revelatory that a bunch of giant MAGA/America First X accounts are actually based in Eastern Europe and Nigeria.
Top MAGA Influencers Accidentally Unmasked as Foreign Actors
A new feature on Elon Musk’s X has given deeper insight into the online “America First” movement.
www.thedailybeast.com
November 23, 2025 at 6:08 PM
I am surprised Twitter added this transparency feature. How long do we think it will last before Elon pulls it?
For the fourth Saturday of November, take a minute to recognize and spread awareness of Ukraine's Holodomor, a man made famine killing millions, now recognized by many nations as genocide.
November 22, 2025 at 8:29 PM
For the fourth Saturday of November, take a minute to recognize and spread awareness of Ukraine's Holodomor, a man made famine killing millions, now recognized by many nations as genocide.
Reposted by Derek Barker
Consolidated authoritarianism across Eurasia
Arrests of Kyrgyz opposition politicians all over the country today ahead of the snap parliamentary elections that President Japarov has assured will be “peaceful and quiet.
The current regime is not taking any chances and putting even its mildest opponents behind bars
The current regime is not taking any chances and putting even its mildest opponents behind bars
November 22, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Consolidated authoritarianism across Eurasia
Research fellow @andrew-whitehead.bsky.social does a great job of capturing the energy of our Democracy Prize celebration honoring Alexei Navalny and Judith Browne Dianis. andrewwhitehead.substack.com/p/courage-is...
Courage is Contagious.
Reflections on the importance of recognizing the courageous ones, allowing art to feed our souls, and that we the people can build the country we deserve.
andrewwhitehead.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Research fellow @andrew-whitehead.bsky.social does a great job of capturing the energy of our Democracy Prize celebration honoring Alexei Navalny and Judith Browne Dianis. andrewwhitehead.substack.com/p/courage-is...
A peace that is imposed on Ukraine, that gives Ukraine nothing of what it has been fighting for, is not a just or negotiated peace. Just a surrender to Russia, and loss for global democracy.
Latest piece out in @theatlantic.com . Trump's "peace" plan for Ukraine, which he at this very moment trying to force on the country with threats and intimidation, is grotesque. The US president is admitting what too many refused to admit, he wants Putin to win. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump’s Devastating Plan for Ukraine
The White House is giving Putin permission to try again.
www.theatlantic.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
A peace that is imposed on Ukraine, that gives Ukraine nothing of what it has been fighting for, is not a just or negotiated peace. Just a surrender to Russia, and loss for global democracy.
Reposted by Derek Barker
Trump’s collusion with Russia and ultimatum to Ukraine are a dangerous break from America’s values and strategic commitments. His approach abandons our allies, sows chaos around the world, and enriches a small circle of elites at the expense of American security.
open.substack.com/pub/alexande...
open.substack.com/pub/alexande...
🚨🚨🚨America Must Reject Trump’s Corrupt Foreign Policy🚨🚨🚨
A call to action as Trump pressures Ukraine to capitulate to Russia
open.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Trump’s collusion with Russia and ultimatum to Ukraine are a dangerous break from America’s values and strategic commitments. His approach abandons our allies, sows chaos around the world, and enriches a small circle of elites at the expense of American security.
open.substack.com/pub/alexande...
open.substack.com/pub/alexande...
Reposted by Derek Barker
1/ Nov 21 – Day of Dignity and Freedom.
We honor all who rose up in 2004 and 2013–2014 for Ukraine’s right to choose freedom over fear.
Maidan changed us.
It united us.
It proved we are a nation that will not kneel to tyrants at home or invaders from Moscow.
We honor all who rose up in 2004 and 2013–2014 for Ukraine’s right to choose freedom over fear.
Maidan changed us.
It united us.
It proved we are a nation that will not kneel to tyrants at home or invaders from Moscow.
November 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
1/ Nov 21 – Day of Dignity and Freedom.
We honor all who rose up in 2004 and 2013–2014 for Ukraine’s right to choose freedom over fear.
Maidan changed us.
It united us.
It proved we are a nation that will not kneel to tyrants at home or invaders from Moscow.
We honor all who rose up in 2004 and 2013–2014 for Ukraine’s right to choose freedom over fear.
Maidan changed us.
It united us.
It proved we are a nation that will not kneel to tyrants at home or invaders from Moscow.
We partnered with Gallup to understand not only what Americans think about democracy, but what is driving those perceptions. Full report here: kettering.org?research_pro... #Polisky
Democracy for All Project
kettering.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:29 PM
We partnered with Gallup to understand not only what Americans think about democracy, but what is driving those perceptions. Full report here: kettering.org?research_pro... #Polisky
Reposted by Derek Barker
In a year in which the VP argued that "America is not just an idea," it's worth returning to the Gettysburg Address, delivered on this day 162 years ago.
"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom."
"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom."
The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln
www.abrahamlincolnonline.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:41 PM
In a year in which the VP argued that "America is not just an idea," it's worth returning to the Gettysburg Address, delivered on this day 162 years ago.
"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom."
"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom."
Reposted by Derek Barker
It's being reported that New Zealand has banned puberty blockers for transgender youth. I removed New Zealand from my recommendations to families fleeing a while back after the far right saw a surge in power in the country.
Sad day for NZ trans youth.
Sad day for NZ trans youth.
November 19, 2025 at 4:35 AM
It's being reported that New Zealand has banned puberty blockers for transgender youth. I removed New Zealand from my recommendations to families fleeing a while back after the far right saw a surge in power in the country.
Sad day for NZ trans youth.
Sad day for NZ trans youth.
One could even imagine bots doing phone surveys nowadays. 🤔
new paper by Sean Westwood:
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
November 19, 2025 at 3:36 AM
One could even imagine bots doing phone surveys nowadays. 🤔
My overview of the new Kettering-Gallup Democracy for All Project, an annual survey dropping soon.
In the latest installment of #FromManyWe, @dwmbarker.bsky.social explains how this new national survey will lift up diverse voices and track the state of democracy over time. bit.ly/4oNrFDC
The Democracy for All Project: An Annual Survey and Research Initiative
A nuanced exploration of democracy and its challenges.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 3:37 PM
My overview of the new Kettering-Gallup Democracy for All Project, an annual survey dropping soon.
Kettering-Gallup Democracy for All annual report is dropping soon! Follow @kettering.org for the announcement. kettering.org/kettering-ga...
Kettering-Gallup Democracy for All Project Event Shares Initial Survey Findings
On Wednesday, October 22, the Kettering Foundation and Gallup hosted an event, Is Democracy Working?, at Gallup headquarters in Washington, DC. Drawing on findings from the new Democracy for All Project, developed by the Kettering Foundation and Gallup, the session explored how perceptions of democracy are shaped by the fulfillment of—or failure to deliver on—people’s aspirations and basic needs.
kettering.org
November 17, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Kettering-Gallup Democracy for All annual report is dropping soon! Follow @kettering.org for the announcement. kettering.org/kettering-ga...
Reposted by Derek Barker
this is what's so ironic about the current struggle around land acknowledgements at Ohio State - those of us trying to roll back the university's new restrictions on land acknowledgements are mostly pretty ambivalent about them! But saying you *can't* do them? That's a big, obvious problem!
my wokest opinion is that land acknowledgements are fine. people knowing a little bit about the land you're on, even if one isn't invested in a land back project, is not particularly worse than the status quo, even if one comes by this info in a way that is somewhat cringe and forced
"my least woke opinion is---"
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
November 15, 2025 at 5:44 PM
this is what's so ironic about the current struggle around land acknowledgements at Ohio State - those of us trying to roll back the university's new restrictions on land acknowledgements are mostly pretty ambivalent about them! But saying you *can't* do them? That's a big, obvious problem!
Important alert from @erininthemorning.com www.erininthemorning.com/p/trump-admi...
Trump Admin Quietly Changes State Department Page To Indicate It May Invalidate Trans Passports
The change comes after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the administration and lifted a temporary injunction.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Important alert from @erininthemorning.com www.erininthemorning.com/p/trump-admi...
Very interesting read on Gen Z, and I have to say I was kinda shocked.
Piece from me and @adambonica.bsky.social in @thenewrepublic.bsky.social today about Gen Z
They have bad taste in music but quite progressive political attitudes (even the men)
newrepublic.com/article/2030...
They have bad taste in music but quite progressive political attitudes (even the men)
newrepublic.com/article/2030...
The Shocking Truth About Gen Z Voters Is That They’re Pretty Great
Stop panicking: They are the most progressive generation ever, especially on race. If that surprises you, you’ve been listening to the wrong story.
newrepublic.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Very interesting read on Gen Z, and I have to say I was kinda shocked.
Reposted by Derek Barker
I sometimes feel like they don’t want to end poverty or reduce inequality because they believe they’re entitled to a class of people they can prey upon
November 14, 2025 at 4:49 PM
I sometimes feel like they don’t want to end poverty or reduce inequality because they believe they’re entitled to a class of people they can prey upon
New from Global Democracy Coalition on impact of foreign aid cuts. This does not even include the damage to US reputation as a reliable partner. globaldemocracycoalition.org/wp-content/u...
globaldemocracycoalition.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:33 PM
New from Global Democracy Coalition on impact of foreign aid cuts. This does not even include the damage to US reputation as a reliable partner. globaldemocracycoalition.org/wp-content/u...
And by the way don't believe the "nationalist conservatives" when they say they are pragmatists and it's just about tariffs and strengthening the border.
‘The Heritage Foundation, Carlson, & Fuentes are all part of a singular White Christian Nationalist movement hoping to make America great again by restricting the rights of people of color, rolling back the feminist movement’s victories, & cheer-leading authoritarianism´
~ @victorerikray.bsky.social
~ @victorerikray.bsky.social
The Heritage Foundation, Groypers, and the Narcissism of Small Differences
Fuentes is the fly born of Heritage’s maggot.
www.liberalcurrents.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:11 PM
And by the way don't believe the "nationalist conservatives" when they say they are pragmatists and it's just about tariffs and strengthening the border.
Reposted by Derek Barker
Bernie Moreno prioritizing all the things Ohioans elected him to do - supporting private equity firing union workers, trying to start a war with Colombia, and secretly collecting information about his colleagues' cars
“To influence Trump on Colombia, Sen. Bernie Moreno brought a fake image of the country's president.” www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...
To influence Trump on Colombia, Sen. Bernie Moreno brought a fake image of the country's president
The president of Colombia recalled his ambassador from the U.S. when the image was spotted in a White House photo, intensifying a growing rift between the two countries.
www.nbcnews.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Bernie Moreno prioritizing all the things Ohioans elected him to do - supporting private equity firing union workers, trying to start a war with Colombia, and secretly collecting information about his colleagues' cars
Reposted by Derek Barker
“Mr. Moreno returned to Chillicothe again on the first Saturday in June — not for a rally, but to deliver grim news to the union’s leadership: H.I.G. Capital would be closing the mill…Mr. Moreno said he had come to understand H.I.G. Capital’s plight. ‘I’m a business guy,’ Mr. Moreno said.”
The New York Times, reporting from Chillicothe, Ohio: “A MAGA Senator Promised Hope for a Dying Ohio Mill. Then Reality Set In.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/b...
A MAGA Senator Promised Hope for a Dying Ohio Mill. Then Reality Set In.
The town’s unionized workers wanted to believe that there was something better than what private equity owners had offered.
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:26 PM
“Mr. Moreno returned to Chillicothe again on the first Saturday in June — not for a rally, but to deliver grim news to the union’s leadership: H.I.G. Capital would be closing the mill…Mr. Moreno said he had come to understand H.I.G. Capital’s plight. ‘I’m a business guy,’ Mr. Moreno said.”
Reposted by Derek Barker
Public options for essentials, strategic price interventions, investment in housing and childcare — this is antifascist economics. It tackles the material conditions that make authoritarianism appealing.
In making life livable, democracy defends itself.
In making life livable, democracy defends itself.
November 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Public options for essentials, strategic price interventions, investment in housing and childcare — this is antifascist economics. It tackles the material conditions that make authoritarianism appealing.
In making life livable, democracy defends itself.
In making life livable, democracy defends itself.