Basics of Resistance

1. Resistance is a personal choice to oppose injustice and tyranny

Resistance is taking your own path, regardless of whatever some law, regulation, or convention dictates.

Defining resistance. Resistance is a deliberate act of opposition against unjust authority or tyrannical systems. It can take many forms, from silent and solitary actions to organized group efforts. The key is that resistance does not seek permission from those in power but rather asserts individual autonomy and conscience.

Motivations for resistance. People choose to resist when they feel an injustice has gone too far or when a system has become so corrupt that their morality compels them to act. Resistance aims to preserve personal integrity, individual freedom, and potentially restore political liberty. It is often a response to the failure of traditional political processes to protect rights and liberties.

Forms of resistance. Resistance can include:

• Civil disobedience
• Monkeywrenching (deliberate sabotage)
• Encryption and privacy protection
• Underground communications networks
• Self-sufficiency and going off-grid
• Tax resistance
• Cultural resistance (art, media, education)

2. Individual resistance can be powerful and effective

The least powerful people, when driven by a combination of anger and intelligence (and when the time is right), can topple the most powerful.

Power of one. Individual acts of resistance, when well-planned and executed, can have significant impact. Solo resisters have the advantage of maintaining strict operational security and avoiding potential betrayals by associates. Examples of effective individual resistance include:

• Whistleblowing
• Leaking sensitive information
• Sabotage of oppressive systems
• Creating and distributing subversive media

Skills for individual resisters. To be effective, individual resisters should develop:

• Strong OPSEC (operational security) practices
• The ability to blend in and avoid detection ("gray man" skills)
• Self-reliance and resourcefulness
• Specialized technical skills (hacking, encryption, etc.)
• Mental resilience and the ability to act alone

Cautions for solo resistance. While powerful, individual resistance carries risks. Lone actors must be especially careful to avoid detection and have contingency plans in place. They should also be wary of the psychological toll of acting alone and find ways to maintain motivation and perspective.

3. Group resistance requires careful organization and security measures

The basic unit of a clandestine group resistance effort is a "cell of three"—three individuals working together.

Cell structure. Effective resistance groups often use a decentralized cell structure to maintain security. The classic model is the "cell of three," where each member only knows two others. This limits damage if a member is compromised. Larger organizations can be built using a hierarchical structure of interconnected cells.

Key principles for group organization:

• Compartmentalization of information (need-to-know basis)
• Secure communication protocols
• Vetting and gradual integration of new members
• Redundancy in critical roles and skills
• Ability to function if leadership is compromised

Challenges of group resistance. While groups can accomplish more than individuals, they face unique challenges:

• Maintaining operational security with multiple members
• Managing interpersonal dynamics and potential conflicts
• Coordinating actions across a decentralized structure
• Mitigating the risk of infiltration or betrayal

Group leaders must balance the need for security with the operational requirements of their mission, constantly adapting their structure and methods as circumstances change.

4. Develop essential skills for successful resistance

Tradecraft means techniques used in espionage and intelligence—and these days, used in activism and resistance.

Core competencies. Successful resisters cultivate a range of skills to enhance their effectiveness and security:

• Operational security (OPSEC)
• Encryption and secure communications
• Situational awareness
• Physical security and self-defense
• Social engineering and human intelligence gathering
• Technical skills (computer security, lock picking, etc.)
• Disguise and blending in ("gray man" skills)

Continuous learning. The landscape of resistance is constantly evolving, particularly in the digital age. Resisters must commit to ongoing education and skill development to stay ahead of adversaries and adapt to new challenges.

Ethical considerations. While developing these skills, resisters must maintain a strong ethical framework to guide their actions. The goal is to use these abilities in service of just causes, not for personal gain or to harm innocents.

5. Allies and associates play crucial roles in resistance efforts

By yourself, in a crisis, you're screwed.

Building a network. Successful resistance often requires support beyond the core group. Allies and associates can provide:

• Resources and funding
• Specialized skills or knowledge
• Safe houses and logistical support
• Intelligence and information
• Public cover or legitimacy

Types of supporters:

• Direct allies: Fully committed to the cause and willing to take significant risks
• Associates: Sympathetic individuals who provide limited support
• Unwitting helpers: People who assist without knowing the full context

Managing relationships. Resisters must carefully cultivate and manage these relationships:

• Maintain operational security while leveraging outside support
• Clearly define the expectations and limits of each relationship
• Develop systems for vetting potential allies and associates
• Create secure methods for communication and resource transfer

Building a robust network of supporters can greatly enhance the effectiveness and resilience of a resistance movement, but it requires careful management to maintain security.

6. Plan and execute operations with precision and caution

Planning, however, is what keeps you out of jail. It's what keeps you calm under pressure.

Operational planning. Successful resistance actions require meticulous planning:

1. Define clear objectives
2. Gather intelligence and conduct surveillance
3. Assess risks and develop contingency plans
4. Select and prepare team members
5. Acquire necessary equipment and resources
6. Establish communication protocols
7. Plan entry, execution, and exit strategies
8. Determine success criteria and assessment methods

Execution principles:

• Maintain strict operational security throughout
• Use appropriate covers for status and action
• Employ the minimum force necessary to achieve objectives
• Be prepared to abort if conditions become unfavorable
• Have backup plans and extraction protocols in place

Post-operation procedures. After an action, conduct a thorough debrief and assessment:

• Evaluate successes and failures
• Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement
• Securely dispose of any compromising evidence
• Monitor for any potential fallout or consequences

Careful planning and execution minimize risks and maximize the impact of resistance actions.

7. Maintain operational security (OPSEC) at all times

OPSEC is essential, but it can only help you if done right.

OPSEC fundamentals. Operational security is critical for protecting resisters and their missions:

• Identify critical information that must be protected
• Analyze potential threats and vulnerabilities
• Implement countermeasures to mitigate risks
• Continuously assess and improve security measures

Key OPSEC practices:

• Strict need-to-know information sharing
• Secure communication methods (encryption, dead drops, etc.)
• Careful management of digital footprints and metadata
• Physical security measures (countersurveillance, safe houses, etc.)
• Compartmentalization of knowledge and operations

OPSEC mindset. Effective OPSEC requires constant vigilance and a security-first mentality. Resisters must be willing to sacrifice convenience and sometimes personal relationships to maintain operational integrity. They must also be prepared to adapt their security measures as threats evolve.

8. Adapt resistance methods to changing circumstances

There is always a third option. If you can find it, you're already ahead—and if you can act on those third options, you are by default more free than everyone around you.

Flexibility in tactics. Effective resistance requires adaptability to changing political, social, and technological landscapes. Resisters must be willing to:

• Abandon outdated methods
• Embrace new technologies and techniques
• Shift between overt and covert tactics as needed
• Respond quickly to new threats or opportunities

Continuous innovation. Successful resistance movements cultivate a culture of innovation:

• Encourage creative problem-solving
• Study and adapt tactics from other movements
• Develop new tools and methods for resistance
• Cross-pollinate ideas from diverse fields (technology, psychology, etc.)

Strategic reassessment. Regularly evaluate the overall strategy and goals of the resistance:

• Assess the effectiveness of current methods
• Identify emerging opportunities or threats
• Adjust long-term objectives as needed
• Be willing to pivot or change course if circumstances demand it

By remaining flexible and innovative, resisters can stay ahead of adversaries and maintain their effectiveness in the face of evolving challenges.

Last updated: August 9, 2024