How to transform autocracy to democracy: Be transparent

There are so many reasons for any campaign to be as transparent as possible (but not more so--if Anita and her child Jorge are living in sanctuary in your weekend woodlands cabin to keep them safe from ICE you are obviously not going to be transparent about that): 

·       Being forthright with media, opponents, law enforcement, and others is the only path to trust.

·       Being honest about the meta-goal (e.g., ending racism, transforming the government, seeing the autocrat resign) makes it harder to accuse a campaign of something else, of just promoting smaller goals to convert to oppressive communism or to seize power to make fortunes.

·       Being truthful can reduce the number of times the armed agents of the state commit violence against members of the campaign because the combination of openness and nonviolent conduct even in the face of violent oppression opens a sympathy gap more and more in favor of the campaign.

This commitment to truth, trust, honesty, and transparency enhances the reputation of the campaign even as it erodes how the populace views the aspiring autocrat. This can affect power dynamics and even help lead to a willingness to negotiate, especially as the sympathy gap helps a burgeoning recruitment to both supporting ranks and participating numbers.