The opposition made their moves—but did they change the game? This week, Moves That Matter takes on dissidents, Epstein, and the shutdown deal. Featuring Q&A from @garrykasparov.bsky.social, plus pieces by Garry, @jaynordlinger.bsky.social, and @urielepshtein.bsky.social.

Yielding on the government shutdown was the wrong move, RDI’s @garrykasparov.bsky.social argues. Now, with the next battle already on the calendar, Garry looks ahead and maps out the opposition’s next move.

“They have their eyes open, these people. Given their experiences, it can hardly be otherwise.” From Berlin, RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social offers a window into the World Liberty Congress, where dissidents from across the globe unite to defend democracy—reminding us what’s at stake.

Students and faculty are being squeezed from two directions: Foreign authoritarian powers are trying to influence American campuses—and federal coercion is starting to follow. @sarahemclaugh.bsky.social reveals the growing pressures threatening academic freedom, and what it takes to defend it.

Dissidents. Journalists. Business leaders. The Frontlines of Freedom Conference is about fostering a culture of freedom. And we want you to be a part of it! Learn more from RDI’s @garrykasparov.bsky.social and @urielepshtein.bsky.social, and register to join us Dec. 9-10 at FOFCON in DC.

“The impulse to demand accountability, regardless of who is in power, is the beating heart of democracy.” RDI CEO @urielepshtein.bsky.social breaks down why the Epstein Files represents more than just a scandal—it represents a test on the foundations of democracy.

“According to Moscow’s zero-sum game, whatever makes Americans angry should make Russians happy. Whatever sows disorder in America is good for order in Russia.” RDI’s @evangottesman.bsky.social exposes how Russia fans the flames of division—and why violence at home plays right into its hands.

Senate Democrats cut a deal to end the shutdown. But another showdown between Trump and the opposition is already on the calendar. RDI’s @garrykasparov.bsky.social argues the opposition was wrong to yield—and offers a look into the next battle on the horizon.

Either Trump’s team spun a baseless conspiracy to get elected—or they’re covering up a global pedophile ring. Either way, not a good look. RDI CEO @urielepshtein.bsky.social unpacks the Epstein saga, and the opposition’s chance to turn up the pressure.

The World Liberty Congress unites dissidents from across the globe. RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social takes readers inside the meeting, where dissidents @garrykasparov.bsky.social, Masih Alinejad, and Leopoldo López amplify their message: unity and defiance in the face of dictatorship.

This Veteran’s Day, RDI honors those who have served. We’re spotlighting pieces by veterans whose stories exemplify courage, leadership, and duty to America’s principles. Ft. @avindman.bsky.social, William H. McRaven, @general-ben.bsky.social, and Stanley McChrystal.

RDI’s @garrykasparov.bsky.social argues that the opposition was wrong to yield on the government shutdown—and offers a path to stand up to the Trump administration's overreach with another fight on the horizon.

RDI’s FOFCON unites dissidents, journalists, business leaders, and public officials to strengthen democracy and fight authoritarianism—and we want you to join us! Ready to join the action? Learn more via RDI’s @garrykasparov.bsky.social and @urielepshtein.bsky.social and register today.

Tomorrow (11/11) in NYC: RDI Chairman @garrykasparov.bsky.social joins @biannagolodryga.bsky.social, Yonit Levi, and Elon Gold for a powerful conversation on antisemitism, moderated by Rafaela Siewert. Don’t miss out! Register now to join in person or watch online.

ICYMI: This week’s Moves That Matter—the moves made by the people, Trump’s political calculus, and what America needs to maintain a competitive marketplace of ideas.   Subscribe and never miss a move. Feat. @garrykasparov.bsky.social, @avindman.bsky.social, and @jaynordlinger.bsky.social

What does it mean to be a conservative in this moment for America?  RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social explores the roots of conservatism, and why a healthy conservative movement calls for defending liberal democracy.

On Tuesday, the people made their moves—but plenty of pieces are still in play. Moves That Matter breaks down the shifting board and what America needs to maintain a competitive marketplace of ideas. Featuring @garrykasparov.bsky.social , @avindman.bsky.social, and @jaynordlinger.bsky.social.

While America stands at a pivotal moment, the question looms: who are we as a nation?  Watch Admiral William H. McRaven’s speech on courage, principles, and faith in the American experiment. His message: “We are the good guys.”

Across the globe, freedom faces a coordinated threat. Fatima Abo Alasrar uncovers how the October 7 attacks revealed a growing authoritarian axis—aligned to undermine democracy and tighten their grip.

“Paradoxically, the American conservative is a defender of liberalism.” RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social illustrates why true conservatism means preserving the liberal ideas of America’s founding.

From Obama to Biden to Trump, US presidents have chased after quick wins in their dealings with Putin. Fatima Abo Alasrar traces the pattern of short-term transactions over long-term transformation—and how it plays right into Putin’s hands.

“Donald Trump’s opponents may not control the halls of power in Washington, but there are still levers they can pull to wield influence.” RDI Chairman @garrykasparov.bsky.social on Democrats’ failure to push back and how they can leverage power more effectively.

Trump may have endorsed Cuomo, but he’s playing the long game with Mamdani. RDI Chairman @garrykasparov.bsky.social dissects Trump’s Mamdani calculation, and how the NYC election could tip the scales in Trump’s favor.

Moderates had some big wins on Tuesday. RDI CEO @urielepshtein.bsky.social in @nytimes.com: “True moderation goes beyond heterodox politics. It requires the humility to recognize that no one has all the answers and the restraint to avoid condemning everyone on the other side of an argument.”

RDI Chairman @garrykasparov.bsky.social: "Mikie Sherrill, Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger, and others in their mold have a far stronger case to be a standard-bearers for the Democrats than a far-left radical."

Today marks the first major US elections of Trump’s second term—and Mamdani’s rise is already reshaping the Democratic Party. RDI’s @garrykasparov.bsky.social on the far-left candidate’s surge and why Democrats need to break from extremists.

RDI Board Member @avindman.bsky.social: “Complying with the illegal or unconstitutional demands of a tyrant will neither undo the violation of our oath nor provide legal protection when this moment passes and our actions are judged in the future.”

As millions of Americans cast their vote today, freedom fighters worldwide risk everything for fair elections. RDI Hero of Democracy & Nobel laureate María Corina Machado stood boldly for that right. Her powerful words on Venezuela’s fight for freedom:

The TikTok generation doubts democracy’s promise. Cynicism won’t fix that, but real stories can. Caitlin Forrest on how the stories of dissidents cut through the noise, reminding us what America really is and what we’re fighting to protect.

@garrykasparov.bsky.social on Russia’s turn to private militias—and the alarming parallels closer to home.

America’s greatest foreign policy failure after 9/11: Underestimating Russia. RDI Founder @garrykasparov.bsky.social on the strategic blind spots that enabled Putin’s ambition, and how they’re echoed in Washington's handling of Russia today.

Last week, Masih Alinejad met face-to-face with the men hired to kill her. RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social captures the drama from inside the courtroom, as the woman the Iranian regime tried to silence made her statement heard.

ICYMI: Iran sent hitmen to assassinate RDI Frontline Fellow Masih Alinejad in her Brooklyn home. A foreign attack on American soil—and on American freedoms. Masih and RDI CEO @urielepshtein.bsky.social: “We can turn this tragedy into an engine to unite around a strong civic identity.”

Service members swear an oath to the Constitution, not to one man. RDI Board Member @avindman.bsky.social urges service members and Congress to remember their civic duty—and warns that political loyalty won’t stave off the consequences of violating that oath.

A ceasefire may be brokered, but Hamas is still alive—and so too are its ambitions.  Ksenia Svetlova writes for RDI’s The Next Move on Hamas’s position and what it means for the future of Gaza. 

“Losing power will soon become riskier than continuing to bend the law to Trump’s demands. Surrendering their position will mean exposure to consequences.” RDI Chairman @garrykasparov.bsky.social on Bondi, Patel, and mafia politics with Trump as the Don.

Iran tried to murder RDI Frontline Fellow Masih Alinejad at her Brooklyn home. When foreign powers silence dissenters from across the sea, they attack the promise of America itself. Masih and RDI CEO @urielepshtein.bsky.social call on Americans to stand united for our core freedoms.

Inside a courtroom on Wednesday, RDI Frontline Fellow Masih Alinejad stood just feet from her would-be assassins as a judge sentenced them to 25 years each. RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social ’s piece offers a powerful portrait of the moment—and the woman whose work inspires us all.

Servant leadership requires humility & responsibility to others. With a president obsessed with spectacle & ego, can America’s troops still count on servant leadership from their Commander-in-Chief?  RDI CEO @urielepshtein.bsky.social asks: Is Trump the kind of guy who eats last?

Threats of nuclear tests resuming and a global authoritarian axis on the rise. Is the world edging close to a global conflict—or is it already here?  @garrykasparov.bsky.social traces the growing alignment of authoritarian powers and the urgent need to put the fire out now.

@garrykasparov.bsky.social’s message to the left: “Your extremists” are still extremists. RDI Chairman Garry Kasparov examines how the Mamdani Effect is reshaping the party and why Democrats must cut ties with far-left fanaticism.

Iran sent assassins to kill RDI Frontline Fellow Masih Alinejad in Brooklyn. Yesterday she faced them in court. With her would-be killers sentenced, revisit her reflection on a fearless stand against dictatorship—and a warning of what happens when terror takes root in the US.

“Arvo Pärt has stood for everything that the Soviet Union was not, and that other authoritarian states are not.” RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social on an Estonian dissident-composer’s transcendent art and defiance against cruelty.

@garrykasparov.bsky.social: “Principled liberals should not be afraid of a thirty-something political liability. A clean break from far-left fanaticism is a moral imperative and a strategic necessity.” Read RDI’s Garry Kasparov on the Mamdani Effect.

⏳ Only 5 days left! Check out The Next Move by Friday, October 31 and learn how you can win a chess set signed by @garrykasparov.bsky.social . Don’t miss your chance: www.thenextmove.org

Free speech isn’t free if it’s selective. You have to want it for the other guy too. RDI Senior Fellow @jaynordlinger.bsky.social exposes double standards and why consistency is essential to liberty.

“When blood is spilled in our streets, unfriendly powers take notice.” Violence at home endangers our democracy and empowers our enemies abroad. Jack Tomaricho on how political violence is a national security threat:

ICYMI: Moves That Matter is here—your weekly round up of the biggest stories shaping democracy’s frontlines. We’re cutting through the chaos and keeping you one move ahead. Subscribe now.

“There are waypoints on the road to democratic oblivion. Each one you pass makes it harder to turn around.” @garrykasparov.bsky.social breaks down Trump’s National Guard deployments, exposing how sending American troops into American cities blurs the line between democracy and authoritarianism.

With Budapest talks off and new sanctions on Moscow, is Trump finally ready to outleverage Putin? Revisit Greg Wilson’s take on how Trump can actually flip the script and deliver for Ukraine—if he’s ready to actually take on the Russian dictator.