Surviving Under Authoritarian Regimes by Fulfilling Essential Human Needs

Under the pervasive shadow of a fascist dictatorship, it may seem almost unattainable to fulfill our higher-level needs, such as self-actualization or emotional freedom. When basic survival is at stake, pursuing a sense of purpose or personal fulfillment can indeed feel like an unreachable luxury. However, there is strength in embracing simplicity and focusing on what we can realistically achieve. By concentrating on the first three tiers of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—physiological, safety, and belonging—we can cultivate community resilience that is crucial for survival.

Physiological Needs: Food, Water, Shelter

Under authoritarian control, securing the basic necessities—food, water, and shelter—becomes a collective effort. Independent supply chains are critical, as relying on a government that values loyalty over humanity leaves us vulnerable. Mutual aid networks are essential in this context. These networks facilitate food-sharing, community gardens, and methods to purify water. Water purification can be achieved by boiling, using purification tablets, or constructing simple sand and charcoal filters to ensure access to safe drinking water. The key lies in decentralizing resources and building small, resilient units of mutual aid where community members support one another. Local bartering systems for food, organized underground shelters for safety during potential raids, and independent stockpiling of medicine and essential supplies are practical measures to consider. In this environment, taking care of each other becomes a priority, as we cannot rely on a fascist government to ensure our well-being.

Safety Needs: Personal and Community Security

Safety is often an elusive goal under authoritarian regimes that perceive threats everywhere. Governments may claim to provide security, but it is often a guise for control. True safety comes from community-based security initiatives that are not centered around policing but rather on ensuring collective well-being. It is about organizing so that no one is left isolated, whether during food shortages, crackdowns, or emergencies requiring medical assistance. Establishing a network of trusted individuals who can help relocate others to safety, monitor for threats, and communicate discreetly can enhance neighborhood security. Tools like encryption, coded language, and face-to-face planning are crucial in navigating this reality. Together, we can foster a sense of safety—not through fear or submission, but through collective solidarity.

Belongingness and Love: Building Connection

While belonging may seem like a secondary need, it is in fact a crucial source of strength. Authoritarian regimes thrive on social fragmentation—dividing communities and fostering distrust among neighbors. The antidote to this is building genuine connections. Even small gatherings, covert meetings, or secure online conversations can help create a sense of belonging. Interpersonal relationships provide the motivation to keep fighting for one another. Sharing meals, personal stories, and even our fears creates a communal spirit that authoritarian regimes aim to erode. If people lose their sense of caring for one another, it becomes far easier for the state to exert control. Acts of solidarity—such as celebrating small victories, mourning losses together, or supporting one another with childcare or other daily tasks—are powerful acts of resistance. These connections remind us that we are not alone; we have each other.

Resilience Through Community

When we look beyond these three core needs—physiological, safety, and belonging—things become far more challenging. Self-esteem and self-actualization often require freedoms—of expression, movement, and identity—that are severely restricted under dictatorships. However, by meeting these initial three needs through creativity, mutual support, and an unbreakable commitment to community, we lay the groundwork for resilience. Surviving, in and of itself, becomes an act of defiance. If we can survive—and even manage to thrive within these confines—we create the foundation upon which we can build something greater when the opportunity to resist fully presents itself.