Democracy Narratives in Action
Report on Global Narrative Research and Pro-Democracy Narrative and Message Framework
Democracy around the world is under attack. Data and evidence collected globally make clear that authoritarian governments and their allies are dominating the information ecosystem. From April 2022 – May 2024, Metropolitan Group and our in-country research partners collected a combination of quantitative and qualitative data through a global research scan and in-depth case studies in Ecuador, El Salvador, Indonesia, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Libya, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Serbia, Uganda and the United States.
Democracy Narrative Resources
To complete this research, Metropolitan Group and our partners mapped and analyzed the most dominant and salient pro-authoritarian and pro-democratic narratives in the existing narrative landscape, conducted formative research, developed, tested and refined effective pro-democracy narrative, values triggers and supporting message frameworks.
Global Narrative Research and Recommended Narrative
Summary: Global Democracy Narratives and Message Framework
The summary document provides a concise overview of the 12 global dominant narratives; a set of 10 recommended values; the recommended global narrative; and five evidence-based guidelines for effective pro-democracy communication.
Full Report: Mapping the Global Democracy Narrative Landscape: Research Findings and Applications
This report combines all narrative research, testing, and narrative development across 12 countries. It provides in-depth analysis of narratives and values; testing results that informed narrative development; new narratives and message frameworks; and five evidence-based guidelines for more effective messaging.
Message Guide: Pro-Democracy Global Narrative and Message Guide
This message guide provides an actionable set of tools to help apply the new narrative and three examples of issue specific message frames that can be customized and applied to increase support for liberal democracy.
Slide Deck: Mapping the Global Democracy Narrative Landscape: Research Findings and Applications
The slide deck provides an overview and analysis of 12 global narratives identified in the global report.
U.S. Narrative Research and Preliminary Narrative
Summary Overview: A New Narrative to Promote Democracy in the U.S
This concise summary includes key findings from research and testing; 10 recommended values; and the preliminary narrative.
Full Report: A New Narrative to Promote Democracy in the United States
This report provides an in-depth analysis of dominant and salient pro-authoritarian and pro-democracy narratives in the United States, 10 recommended values, qualitative testing findings, and a preliminary U.S. narrative.
Slide Deck: Developing a New Narrative to Promote Democracy in the U.S.
The slide deck includes a detailed overview of findings from the U.S. narrative scan and subsequent new narrative testing, recommended values, and a preliminary pro-democracy narrative.
Narrative Framework: Freedom Matters Narrative and Message Framework in the U.S.
This one page document provides the 10 recommended values and the preliminary narrative framework.
Pro-Democracy Narrative Playbook: A shared initiative to advance liberal democracy
Concept Note: Pro-Democracy Narrative Playbook
Metropolitan Group and our partners have launched a new initiative to build a narrative infrastructure that can help organizations and coalitions, across issue areas and sectors, advance an upstream pro-democracy narrative and more effectively counter pro-authoritarian narratives. The initiative seeks to build a movement of movements beyond the democracy space to mobilize every sector that depends on democracy and the protection of democratic principles.
Democracy Playbook Partner
Other Resources
Narrative Model: Narrative: A Power Lever for Social Change
Over the last two years we have conducted literature scans, key informant interviews, participated in global and national convenings, and hosted a narrative practitioners summit. Based upon these inputs and field application of narratives, we offer our updated Narrative for Social Change model.
Point of View: Meeting the Moment: Advancing Your Mission in the Face of Rising Authoritarianism
Based in our work in over 30 countries, including those with rising authoritarianism, many of the organizations and movement leaders we work with have asked us how to navigate this particular moment. We have distilled into this 2-pager key lessons learned from our work with civil society and democracy advocates around the world.
Join us to advance liberal democracy!
Contact us for more information: democracynarratives@metgroup.com