New York, N.Y. — I am frustrated—deeply, viscerally frustrated. The world I see around me is spiraling into chaos, teetering on the edge of an authoritarian abyss that threatens to undo the social democratic order we’ve built since World War II.
Like the child in the fable, I want to scream, “The emperor wears no clothes!”—to pierce through the denial and complacency that allow this darkness to spread. I am ready to do anything—even lay down my life—to alleviate the horrors of war in Palestine, Ukraine, and soon, perhaps, Taiwan. But I know that dying for a cause is not enough. We need action, strategy, and hope to rally the forces of good against this decline of civilization.
A World in Crisis
The state of the world is dire. Authoritarianism is rising, cloaked in populism and nationalism, eroding the democratic institutions we once took for granted. In the United States, the divide is no longer just political—it’s existential. It’s not about Democrats versus Republicans; it’s about democracy versus tyranny, freedom versus control. Globally, we see the same pattern: leaders consolidating power, silencing dissent, and fueling division. The wars in Palestine and Ukraine are stark reminders of the human cost—thousands dead, millions displaced, and a looming threat in Taiwan that could ignite yet another catastrophe.
I feel powerless joining the crowds of protesters worldwide. My strength lies elsewhere: in my mind, my voice, and the legacy of my family, which has long stood for truth and justice. I want to leverage these assets to shout from the rooftops, to spotlight this decline, and to inspire resistance. But it’s hard to see a bright future without firm action, decisive plans, and great leaders. We need a Moses to lead us out of this wilderness, yet the figures who could rise to the occasion—Barack Obama, George Soros, Oprah Winfrey—seem muted or underutilized. Where are the voices to rally us?
The Hope and Challenge of Goodness
Mahatma Gandhi’s words hearten me: “In the end, goodness always prevails.” I cling to this belief, finding solace in its promise. Yet history teaches us a harder truth: goodness doesn’t triumph passively. It prevails through struggle, sacrifice, and relentless effort. The abolition of slavery, the defeat of fascism, the expansion of civil rights—these victories were won by people who refused to yield, who turned their frustration into action. Today, we face a similar test. Without a concerted push, the darkness I see—war, oppression, and the erosion of democratic values—will only deepen.
Leveraging My Legacy
As heir to the Luce family legacy, I carry a responsibility to act. My ancestors used their influence to shape discourse and champion justice, and I must do the same. My platform as editor-in-chief of The Stewardship Report and leader of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation gives me tools to amplify this fight. I cannot march in every protest, but I can write, speak, and fund initiatives that confront authoritarianism head-on. My voice can pierce the silence; my legacy can ignite change.
But what does that look like in practice? How do we turn frustration into impact? Below, I explore the messed-up state of the world and propose remedies—steps we can all take to resist this decline and rebuild a civilization worth believing in.
The Woe of Our World
The Rise of Authoritarianism
Across the globe, authoritarian leaders are dismantling democratic norms. Elections are undermined, judiciaries are co-opted, and media are muzzled. In the U.S., we’ve seen attempts to subvert the 2020 election, attacks on voting rights, and a growing acceptance of disinformation. Elsewhere, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s threats to Taiwan, and the suppression of dissent in places like Hungary and Turkey paint a grim picture. This isn’t just politics—it’s a systematic assault on freedom.
The Human Toll
The wars in Palestine and Ukraine are not abstract conflicts—they are tragedies of flesh and blood. In Gaza, civilian deaths mount as infrastructure crumbles; in Ukraine, cities lie in ruins. Taiwan looms as the next flashpoint, with global consequences. These aren’t isolated events but symptoms of a world where power trumps humanity, where authoritarian regimes gamble with lives to expand their reach.
The Silence of Influence
I look to figures like Barack Obama, whose eloquence and insight could galvanize us, yet he remains largely quiet post-presidency. George Soros, with his wealth and networks, could fund a democratic resurgence, but his efforts feel scattered. Oprah Winfrey, with her cultural sway, could shift narratives, yet she’s not fully engaged in this fight. Their potential is immense, but their silence—or limited action—leaves a void we must fill ourselves.
Remedies to Overcome the Darkness
We cannot wait for a savior. If Moses isn’t coming, we must each become leaders in our own right. Here are concrete steps to resist authoritarianism and restore hope:
1. Amplify Truth Through Writing and Media
- What I Can Do: As a writer and editor, I can use The Stewardship Report to expose authoritarian tactics, highlight voices from war-torn regions like Palestine and Ukraine, and call out the decline of democratic values. My family legacy gives my words weight—people listen when a Luce speaks.
- What You Can Do: Share credible stories, support independent journalism, and challenge disinformation. Truth is our first defense.
2. Build Grassroots Power
- What I Can Do: Through the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, we can fund grassroots efforts—scholarships for activists, support for democratic movements, aid for war refugees. My influence can seed change at the community level.
- What You Can Do: Organize locally. Attend town halls, support candidates who defend democracy, or start a discussion group. Change begins where we stand.
3. Forge Alliances Across Divides
- What I Can Do: I can reach out to unlikely allies—conservatives who value liberty, business leaders who see stability in democracy—using my platform to bridge gaps. Unity is our strength.
- What You Can Do: Talk to someone you disagree with. Find common ground on freedom and justice. Authoritarianism thrives on division; we must counter it with connection.
4. Inspire Through Sacrifice and Example
- What I Can Do: I’m willing to give everything—my time, my resources, even my life—to this cause. By showing that commitment, I can inspire others to act. My legacy isn’t just a name—it’s a call to courage.
- What You Can Do: Take a stand, however small. Volunteer, donate, or speak out. Every act of defiance weakens the darkness.
5. Demand Leadership
- What I Can Do: I can write open letters to Obama, Soros, Winfrey, and others, urging them to leverage their platforms. My voice, tied to the Luce name, might break through.
- What You Can Do: Petition influential figures in your sphere—celebrities, CEOs, politicians. Demand they use their power for good.
6. Foster Global Solidarity
- What I Can Do: My foundation can partner with international groups fighting for peace and democracy, amplifying their work and connecting it to our struggles.
- What You Can Do: Support global causes—donate to Ukrainian relief, advocate for Palestinian rights, or raise awareness about Taiwan. We’re in this together.
A Final Call
I refuse to let this darkness win. Gandhi’s promise of goodness prevailing isn’t a guarantee—it’s a challenge. We need action, not just hope; leaders, not just dreams. I’ll use my mind, my voice, and my legacy to fight—writing, funding, and screaming until the world hears. If I could stop the wars in Palestine, Ukraine, and Taiwan with my life, I’d do it in an instant. But living to resist, to build, to inspire—that’s the harder, truer sacrifice.
Join me. Use your own assets—your voice, your skills, your passion—to push back. We don’t need one Moses; we need millions. Together, we can rally the forces of good, resist this decline, and reclaim civilization. The emperor may wear no clothes, but we can weave a new garment—one of justice, freedom, and hope.
Let’s begin.
Jim Luce is the editor-in-chief of The Stewardship Report and president and CEO of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation. He is a writer, philanthropist, and advocate for global citizenship and social justice.
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