Using AI and Anne Applebaum to Illuminate Resistance

In her thought-provoking 2020 article “History Will Judge the Complicit,” Anne Applebaum explores how fear, self-interest, and a desire to stay connected to power have led many to collaborate with destructive regimes throughout history. Drawing parallels between past and present, she highlights both the rationalizations that fuel complicity and the small but powerful steps that some individuals take to reclaim their integrity. The following list outlines tools inspired by Applebaum’s insights, designed to appeal to Republicans who may feel trapped in their silence but are searching for ways to quietly or publicly resist a political movement they no longer support.

Based on Anne Applebaum’s article, here is a list of ways to appeal to Republicans who are struggling with actively opposing Trump but are afraid to do so publicly:

1. Emphasize the Importance of Self-Respect and Integrity

• Remind them that small acts of resistance, such as speaking privately or withholding certain endorsements, can build self-respect over time.
• Share stories of individuals like Wolfgang Leonhard, who reclaimed their integrity through gradual acts of dissent.

2. Highlight the Historical Legacy of Decency and Courage

• Appeal to their sense of how history will judge public figures who stood for decency during moments of moral crisis.
• Reference historical dissidents who were later remembered for their integrity, like Alexander Vindman or Władysław Bartoszewski, as examples of how small actions can have lasting impact.

3. Reframe the Fear of Public Backlash

• Emphasize that criticism from Trump supporters is temporary, but the consequences of complicity could define their legacy forever.
• Point out that many who feared losing influence or support—like Mitt Romney—found respect for standing firm.

4. Build Strength in Numbers and Networks

• Encourage private conversations with like-minded peers to show that they are not alone in their concerns.
• Create informal alliances where quiet dissenters can support one another and build collective courage.

5. Appeal to Their Faith and Moral Compass

• Remind religious conservatives that the values they profess—truth, justice, humility—are incompatible with blind loyalty to a leader who disregards them.
• Compare their situation to biblical moments where flawed leaders were rebuked by the righteous (e.g., prophets speaking truth to power).

6. Demonstrate the Cost of Inaction

• Point to the real-world consequences of silence, such as the mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis or the erosion of democratic norms.
• Show how every small act of collaboration, even unintentional, contributes to larger harm (e.g., parallels to East German collaborators who simply “went along” to maintain their lifestyle).

7. Underscore the Appeal of Role Models

• Encourage them to think of role models in their lives—military figures, parents, mentors—who upheld their principles, even at great cost.
• Share the example of figures like John McCain, whose funeral became a symbol of American patriotism and resistance against Trumpism.

8. Acknowledge and Reduce Personal Risk

• Point out that public figures who leave the Trump administration or speak out often land on their feet with jobs, fellowships, and public respect.
• Reframe perceived risks (e.g., losing access to power) as opportunities to be part of building something new and principled.

9. Reclaim the Conservative Identity

• Appeal to their pride as defenders of constitutional norms and democratic institutions, emphasizing that true conservatism protects democracy rather than undermines it.
• Highlight that loyalty to principles, not a person, defines real patriotism.

10. Personalize the Stakes

• Encourage them to consider how their actions affect their family, friends, and community.
• Share stories of people who changed their minds after seeing the personal impact of policies, like military veterans or small-business owners affected by economic mismanagement.

By focusing on these emotional, historical, and moral appeals, you can help individuals struggling with fear or doubt take meaningful steps toward dissent, whether public or private.

The Short List:

Reflect on Values: Revisit your principles and ensure your actions align with them.
Take Small Steps: Start with simple actions, like refusing to spread false narratives.
Find Allies: Connect with others who share your concerns for support.
Speak Privately: Voice concerns in trusted conversations before going public.
Reframe Fear: Remember that social backlash is temporary, but your legacy is lasting.
Follow Role Models: Draw inspiration from figures who stood up for integrity.
Focus on Decency: Small, decent actions build long-term courage.
Consider Legacy: Think about how history will judge your actions.Resist Normalization: Don’t let unethical behavior become acceptable.
Plan an Exit: If needed, prepare to step away and advocate for change externally.

These steps are essential because they offer a path from silent complicity to meaningful action, reminding us that even small acts of integrity can shape history. By resisting fear and embracing courage, individuals can uphold the democratic values that define true leadership. Thank you to Anne Applebaum for her insightful article, which continues to inspire reflection and resolve in challenging times.