What is this?

What is the purpose of this substack? What is SCAAN?

Coups and government overthrows happen pretty frequently around the world. I’d guess on average at least a couple of times a year. (I know there are plenty of places where I could look that up, but I know that would only distract me from writing this post.) The one that’s happening in America now is different and unique in many ways - because everything in America is different and unique in many ways from what happens in the rest of the world - but it also has a lot in common with those other coups, overthrows and power seizures.

You are probably as concerned and scared as I am about what's happening in America right now. We knew it would be bad, but I don't think anyone expected this level of ruthless, shameless and thoughtless destruction. And like many others I've been trying to figure out what I can do to fight back.

The point of this effort is to learn from experiences in other countries, and apply those lessons to what is happening here.

I’m calling this effort the “State Capture in America Analysis and Action Network.” It’s not a great name and I’ve used the acronym SCAAN, but I’ve wavered on what the AA stands for - America, Analysis or Action - but it’s a start. The key word is Network. I’ve invited people who have first-hand expertise with coups, overthrows and constitutional crises in countries around the world to participate by producing their own contributions that can be shared here. Fortunately (for this effort at least) many of the people who have that experience and expertise worked at USAID or its implementing partners and have now been laid off, furloughed, placed on administrative leave of just locked out of their offices. If you would like to contribute your thoughts, please feel to contact me.

This initiative is intended to a source of analysis, insight and especially inspiration related to America's constitutional crisis, with a particular focus on experiences and lessons from coups, government overthrows and anti-democratic actions in other countries around the world.

This effort is in its very earliest stage with only a handful of posts, and it looks rough and amateurish, but we have confidence that it will quickly get better and stronger.

We've all watched these things happen in other countries. We're watching it happen here now. I know you have thoughts about this to share with others. I'm sure they are brilliant thoughts. But they are not doing anybody any good rattling around in your head, dropped into chats or - worst of all - angrily vented at your family and friends.

I am eager - even desperate for others to submit their ideas and contribute to this effort in any way they can. Please see this as an opportunity to bring your insights into a discussion with your peers that is intended to be thoughtful, constructive, proactive and contributes to the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.

Apologies for the choppiness and amateurish production values, but an movement seems better than nothing.