In a moment of rising authoritarianism, understanding why people engage — or pull away — is crucial. 

A new framing science brief from Topos Partnership, Reclaiming Control Together: Building Narrative Power Against Authoritarian Populism, examines how increasing feelings of powerlessness, disconnection, and distrust can make authoritarian appeals more resonant — and explores how communicators can respond with narrative strategies that strengthen people’s sense of agency, connection, and collective power.

We gathered on September 29th for a practical conversation about what these insights mean for our work in this moment. Together with Julie Fisher-Rowe, Narrative Strategist with Topos Partnership & Think Big Alliance and Jiva Manske, Strategic Program and Communications Advisor with the 22nd Century Initiative, we looked at the research, heard concrete examples of how communicators and local organizers are putting these ideas into practice, and explored narrative approaches that build power and foster democratic engagement.

Missed the conversation? Check out recorded highlights below: