THEORY OF CHANGE

Oppression is contagious. Repressive regimes reinforce each other’s tactics, creating a global environment where human rights abuses spread across borders. The Islamic Republic of Iran exemplifies this transnational authoritarianism, operating as a theocratic dictatorship that builds global networks of control through the active sale of military equipment, natural resources, and hostages. The regime uses sophisticated propaganda campaigns to obscure these networks and position itself as morally superior to Western nations. They do this by hijacking liberation movements with cultural legitimacy and social influence. Authoritarianism transcends East and West binaries, and freedom cannot be sustained in isolation.

Traditional politics has failed. Militarized, state-centric politics cannot counter injustice because these systems prioritize power and capital over people and peace. Where politics fails, culture rises. We mobilize storytelling, digital culture, and social influence as a force for imagining and building the future. We work with youth movements, artists, and influencers around the world to develop compelling counter-narratives that shift media coverage and scale human rights campaigns. We amplify youth voices and artist visions for better futures to undermine state-sanctioned propaganda.

Culture is counterpower—and freedom must be global.

IMAGINATION AND INFLUENCE ARE THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL WE HAVE TO MAINTAIN JOY AND FORGE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE UNDER AUTHORITARIANISM.