A recent report by the non-governmental organization Justice for Prosperity (JfP) sheds light on a concerning trend: the slow, methodical erosion of democratic societies by what they term “subversive powers.” The report, titled “Unveiling Subversive Power,” argues that our open societies are under threat from a coordinated network of actors employing a range of tactics to undermine civil and minority rights.
What is Subversive Power?
The JfP report defines subversive power as “coordinated soft-power actions undertaken by individuals, networks, and foreign governments to achieve their objectives of growing their position, influence, or financial resources.” These actions are often subtle and operate “under the radar,” making them difficult to detect and counter through traditional legal means. The report emphasizes that this is not a dramatic, overnight coup, but a gradual decay of democratic norms and institutions.
The initial focus of the research is on Europe, including Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, but it also acknowledges the global nature of these networks, with actors from the United States and Russia playing significant roles.
The Playbook: Eight Tactics of Subversion
Justice for Prosperity has identified eight primary tactics used by these subversive actors to achieve their goals. These methods are often used in concert to create a compounding effect.
1. Networking
At the core of this subversive power is a “spider web of extremism.” These networks bring together aggressive foreign governments, oligarchs, populist politicians, and ultra-religious conservative organizations. The report highlights the World Congress of Families (WCF) as a prime example of a networking platform that unites leaders and organizations to promote a “pro-family” agenda, which often translates to anti-LGBTIQ+ and anti-abortion stances.
2. Discourse
Language is a key weapon. Subversive actors carefully craft their messaging to appear positive and mainstream. The report points to the use of terms like “parental rights” to oppose comprehensive sexual education and “pro-life” instead of “anti-abortion.” This reframing of language normalizes extremist ideas and makes them more palatable to the public.
3. Training
These groups invest in training their members in negotiation, legal counseling, and marketing to effectively push their agendas. The report mentions the US-based Leadership Institute as a key trainer for anti-LGBTIQ+ and anti-women’s rights groups, with organizations like CitizenGO participating in their programs.
4. Social Media and the Internet
The internet provides a powerful tool for mobilization and spreading disinformation. Online petitions, social media campaigns, and targeted online harassment are all part of the playbook. The report cites examples of CitizenGO using online platforms to campaign against reproductive health and LGBTIQ+ rights in various countries.
5. Funding
The report underscores that these movements are well-funded, often through a combination of small online donations, wealthy benefactors, and even state funding. It points to links between organizations like CitizenGO and Russian oligarchs, the US Christian right, and other affluent influencers.
6. Infiltration of Influential Positions
A key long-term strategy is to place individuals in positions of power within national governments and international bodies like the United Nations and the European Union. This allows them to influence policy from within and lend an air of legitimacy to their causes.
7. Attacks on Rights Defenders
Journalists, activists, and human rights defenders who expose or oppose these subversive networks are often targeted with harassment, lawsuits (SLAPPs), and reputational attacks. This creates a chilling effect, discouraging others from speaking out.
8. Reputational Harm
This tactic goes hand-in-hand with attacks on rights defenders. The goal is to discredit individuals and organizations by spreading false or misleading information, thereby undermining their work and support base.
Key Actors on the Radar
The report identifies several key organizations that are central to this subversive network:
- World Congress of Families (WCF): An international coalition that promotes a “natural family” agenda.
- CitizenGO and HazteOír: A Spain-based platform known for its online campaigns against LGBTIQ+ rights and abortion.
- Political Network for Values: A global platform for politicians and legislators who share a conservative agenda.
- Tradition, Family and Property (TFP): A global organization with numerous autonomous branches promoting traditionalist Catholic views.
The report also details the activities of other influential actors, including Ordo Iuris in Poland, Agenda Europe, and Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADFI).
Why We Should Care: Recommendations for Action
The “Unveiling Subversive Power” report concludes with a stark warning: democracy is not a given and must be actively defended. The authors stress that these subversive activities have real-world consequences, leading to increased polarization, hate crimes, and the erosion of fundamental human rights.
The report offers several recommendations, including:
- Increased Awareness: The public needs to be more aware of these tactics and the actors behind them.
- Dedicated Government Attention: Governments and international bodies like the EU need to dedicate specific attention to this issue.
- Effective Counter-Mechanisms: Developing new methods to identify and track subversive activities is crucial.
Ultimately, Justice for Prosperity’s report is a call to action for everyone who values open and democratic societies to stop being naive and to actively work to protect our democracies from these insidious threats.
