Donald Trump’s entire strategy relies on shock and awe—a calculated effort to create chaos and disorient the public. Here are some key strategies to help you stay focused and grounded amidst this intentional whirlwind of confusion.
Naomi Klein breaks it down in her book The Shock Doctrine—governments and corporations use crises like weapons. Natural disasters, economic crashes, political upheavals—they’re not just moments of emergency; they’re opportunities for the powerful to shove through policies we’d never accept if we weren’t overwhelmed.
But here’s where Jennifer Walter, a Swiss sociologist, adds another layer. It’s not just about the policies. It’s about us—our minds, our emotions. Walter talks about how these crises mess with our mental health on purpose. When you’re drowning in fear, anxiety, and burnout, you’re less likely to fight back. That’s not a side effect. That’s the plan.
So, How Do We Fight Back?
1. Call It What It Is
When the news cycle feels like it’s spinning out of control, say it out loud: This is shock and awe. Naming it breaks the spell. It shifts your mindset from “What’s happening to us?” to “Oh, I see what they’re doing.”
2. Build Community Before the Storm
Klein’s point is clear—crises are easier to exploit when people are isolated. So, don’t wait. Build your networks now. Organize, connect, and strengthen your community because when the storm hits, you’ll need each other.
3. Protect Your Mind Like It’s Part of the Fight—Because It Is
This is where Walter’s work really hits home. Resistance isn’t just in the streets; it’s in your head. Ground yourself. Create routines that keep you steady when everything feels chaotic. Use techniques like mindfulness or even simple breathing exercises. It’s not about being “zen”—it’s about staying focused so you can keep fighting.
4. Disrupt the Narrative of Inevitable Defeat
Authoritarians want you to believe that resistance is pointless. Prove them wrong. Every protest, every organizing meeting, every act of defiance slows them down. And every time you take care of your mental health, you’re refusing to let them control not just your actions, but your spirit.
Bottom Line?
Klein shows us the political playbook. Walter shows us the mental one. Together, they remind us: The chaos is the point. But so is our resilience. We don’t just survive it—we organize, we resist, and we protect ourselves and each other in the process.
Naomi Klein’s "Shock Doctrine"
Core Idea: Authoritarian regimes and corporations exploit crises (natural disasters, wars, economic collapses) to push through policies that would otherwise face public resistance.
Tactic: While people are disoriented by crisis, leaders impose drastic changes—privatization, austerity, rollbacks of civil liberties—without democratic input.
Application to Resisting Fascism:
Blitzkrieg of Policy Changes: Just like in warfare, fascists overwhelm with rapid changes to laws, courts, and institutions, creating confusion and hopelessness.
How to Resist:
Stay Focused: Name the strategy—acknowledge the chaos is intentional.
Organize: Build strong networks before crises hit; mutual aid, grassroots groups, and local coalitions are key.
Slow the Momentum: Protests, legal challenges, and public campaigns disrupt the narrative of inevitability.
Get Naomi's Book
Here are direct purchase links for Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism from retailers that support independent bookstores and are less likely to donate to the Republican Party:
Bookshop.org: The Shock Doctrine on Bookshop.org
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) Store: The Shock Doctrine on IWW Store
Better World Books: The Shock Doctrine on Better World Books
Powell’s Books: The Shock Doctrine on Powell's Books
Follow Naomi on Social Media:
Instagram: @naomiaklein
Threads: @naomiaklein
Bluesky: naomiaklein.bsky.social
Facebook: Naomi Klein Official
Follow Jennifer Walter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjenniferwalter/