What Democracy’s Advocates Can Learn From Ukrainians

In the oddly managerial language of military analysts, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is currently “behind schedule.” But it’s not just his military that’s struggled so far. Putin’s global propaganda machine—TV channels, social-media bot networks, government-sponsored hackers, and official mouthpieces—has floundered.

This was not expected to happen. Nor was Ukraine—a country that just a few weeks ago—expected to so completely dominate the global battle for hearts and minds. But it has. Its people have. Threatened by a ruthless autocrat, with their country and lives at stake, Ukrainians have captured the world’s attention with messaging that is messy and honest, hopeful and profane, deadly serious yet wholly unpretentious. In other words, perfect for a democratic society.