As the United States faces democratic backsliding, rising political violence, and attacks on civil society, defenders of democracy must adapt to rapidly changing challenges. The dismantling of USAID in 2025 represents a significant loss for global democracy, but its previous work offers valuable lessons that can guide pro-democracy efforts in the U.S. and worldwide. Operating effectively in complex and unpredictable environments requires flexibility, iterative approaches, and the ability to balance existing strategies with innovative models that respond to emerging conditions.
In Colombia, USAID helped prepare for the implementation of the 2015 peace accords, even before the agreements were signed. With institutions largely absent, USAID combined existing community strengths with the creation of new governmental capacities to support conflict-affected areas. Programs like Territorially Focused Development helped bridge civil society initiatives with nascent government institutions, demonstrating how adaptive planning can enable communities and governments to transition successfully after long-term conflict.
During the Syrian Civil War, USAID supported the formation of Syria Civil Defense, later known as the White Helmets, in a chaotic environment where opposition groups lacked coordination. By formalizing volunteer networks and establishing relationships across the country, USAID enabled the White Helmets to deliver critical emergency response services, maintain legitimacy, and inspire hope. Their work highlights the importance of creativity, decentralized decision-making, and leveraging local networks in high-risk, unstable contexts.
In Moldova, USAID’s program supported democratic and pro-European initiatives during a period of rapid political and geopolitical change. Staff conducted a strategy review to reassess operations, risks, and program priorities, ensuring that interventions remained effective amid Russian interference and shifting local conditions. This iterative approach allowed the program to maintain relevance and continue supporting Moldova’s democratic path, demonstrating the value of regular check-ins, external perspectives, and adaptive management in complex environments.
These examples illustrate key lessons for U.S. democracy defenders: success in dynamic environments requires identifying which existing strategies remain effective, exploring innovative approaches to emerging threats, and periodically reassessing operations and risks. By embracing complexity-aware and adaptive approaches, defenders of democracy can respond effectively to challenges, strengthen institutional resilience, and safeguard democratic processes even amid periods of rapid change.
