How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future

How to Stand up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future (2022) is a memoir and journalistic exposé written by Maria Ressa, a renowned Filipino-American journalist and cofounder of the news website Rappler. Ressa’s expertise stems from her decades-long career in journalism, including her work as CNN’s bureau chief in Manila and Jakarta, and her firsthand experience confronting authoritarianism in the Philippines.

The book belongs to the genre of political nonfiction and serves as both a personal memoir and a call to action. Ressa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, explores the challenges facing democracy in the digital age. The title reflects Ressa’s direct confrontation with authoritarianism, particularly with the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. In her book, Ressa intertwines her personal journey as a journalist with a broader analysis of how disinformation and social media manipulation threaten democratic institutions worldwide. She provides insights into the mechanics of online propaganda and offers strategies for combating the erosion of truth in public discourse.

This study guide refers to the 2022 HarperCollins hardcover ebook edition.