Keeping track of everything can be…exhausting. So this weekly roundup will highlight the moves that matter (hence the name!).

Trump’s pardons, deals, and power plays highlight the rising threat of privatized power. A new proposed plan for Ukraine was drafted in consultation with Moscow. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, a plan for peace reminds us that diplomacy and democracy are different games. And across it all, RDI’s Frontlines of Freedom Conference is rallying the pro-democracy camp to defend freedom.

While power plays were changing the board, The Next Move was pulling back the curtain, offering strategic insights, and thinking moves ahead.

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Thanks, as always, for your readership and support!

— The Next Move team

Pardons, Profits, and Private Power

Trump pardons a crypto billionaire with business ties to his family. He meets with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Trump’s business ventures boom in Saudi Arabia. Swiss executives shower him with gold—and tariffs on Swiss goods suddenly drop.

The common thread? A dangerous slide toward the privatization of power.

The Price of Peace

The Trump administration has proposed a peace plan in Ukraine—after consulting Moscow, not Kyiv. The 28-point settlement plan would require Ukraine to surrender land and limit the size of its army and weaponry, echoing long-held demands by Russia.

When Deviant Diplomacy Delivers

This week, the United Nations voted to authorize the US’s post-war plan for Gaza. A ceasefire in the region is a win, but many were reluctant to credit the very man who brokered it: Donald Trump.

Frontlines of Freedom

At The Next Move we’re all about defending democracy and fighting authoritarianism. And RDI’s Frontlines of Freedom Conference (FOFCON) is bringing the pro-democracy camp together to build a culture of freedom.

To get in the spirit of FOFCON, RDI is launching the FOFCON Pod. Interviews with RDI Senior Fellow Jay Nordlinger and the courageous dissidents who will be joining us at FOFCON in DC next month.

Register to attend FOFCON on December 9-10 in DC, and join us in defending liberty.

Moves That Matter…Less

There’s no question that we’re seeing leaders flooding the zone—dominating headlines with noise to distract you from seeing the moves that mattered.

Each week, we’ll cut through the noise and raise a flag when something looks like a red herring: the cheap moves, shiny side quests, and headline-grabbers that keep you from seeing the whole board.

Funeral Invitation Snub

Thursday saw a parade of former presidents and top officials at Dick Cheney’s funeral. One top leader of the GOP was noticeably absent from the gathering: President Trump. Headlines honed in on the snub. Dramatic? Sure. But in the larger fight for democracy, is this really a move that matters? Or just a distraction from the whole board?

Keeping track of everything is… exhausting. So this weekly roundup will highlight the moves that matter (hence the name!).

The Board is Yours! Congratulations to Our Raffle Winners.

Forty years ago this month—November 1985—Garry Kasparov became World Chess Champion. We recently ran a contest giving subscribers a chance to win a free chess set autographed by Garry. Congratulations to our three winners! Here’s one winner, Mark Brumbaugh, with his prize.

Stay on the lookout for more raffles, plus other opportunities exclusively for paid subscribers!

Your Move

Renew Democracy Initiative Chairman Garry Kasparov responds to your comments! Have a question or comment for Garry or another member of The Next Move team? Reply below and your question could be featured in a future edition of Moves That Matter.

The Annihilated Truth (what a username!) asks:

Is this Substack moving to the right? Or did I miss the purpose of this movement and was it conservative/European liberal from the start?

Garry responds:

This was following some of my criticism of New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. A number of you were shocked by what I had to say: How could I be so clear-eyed on Donald Trump, and—as you saw it—miss the mark on Mamdani?

So I’m glad someone asked this question. I haven’t moved, but you (and all of your other fellow readers) and I are becoming more well acquainted with one another and learning about where we stand on the issues.

I am a democrat (small d)—that’s a belief grounded in an old life under dictatorship and a new life in this most free society, America (although the US shows some troubling signs of moving in a direction that’s all too familiar to me). I am a capitalist—you will find that many of us who experienced the excesses of Soviet communism place a high value on the free market; it is not perfect, but it enables a degree of innovation and abundance that is simply not available under the alternative. We are all products of our experiences, and my analysis is informed by mine.

I am also a moderate, who believes that free markets and political debates should not run amuck. I support a strong political center of gravity and oppose radicalism on the far right and far left with equal vigor—though I also recognize where the greatest threat comes from today

I make a distinction between the social democracies of Western and Northern Europe—where democracy is the noun, and socialism the modifier, and the more radical American democratic socialism, where it’s socialism first, only tempered somewhat by democracy. As I’ve written before, when we talk about radicalism, it is often a question of worldview, not policies—reasonable people can disagree and compromise about individual policies, but it’s much harder to compromise on a person’s fundamental philosophy.

That is my view. You can support my analysis or dissent from it—just remember, I cite my sources! I also want to remind you that I’m not the only one here. The Next Move publishes an array of perspectives, and I am always encouraging readers to consider them all. This would be a boring place if we were on the same exact page about every single candidate or piece of legislation (although there are certainly places on this website you can go for that, if you like). But at The Next Move, let’s disagree, discuss, and engage. We’ll be better for it.

— Garry Kasparov
Chairman, Renew Democracy Initiative

This week, the opposition made their moves—but did they change the game?

The government shutdown came to an end, provoking fresh questions about the opposition’s effectiveness. New details on the Epstein files were released, turning up the pressure on President Donald Trump. And overseas, dissidents showed us what real resistance looks like.

While they were making moves, The Next Move was studying the board—pulling back the curtain, offering strategic insights, and thinking moves ahead.

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Thanks, as always, for your readership and support!

— The Next Move team

Concessions at the Capitol

Eight Senate Democrats caved, cutting a deal to end the government shutdown just days after voters punished Republicans for the very standoff. What should have been leverage in their fight became concessions, leaving the opposition little to show for their efforts, and a president emboldened by their retreat.

An Opposition to Take Notes From

Across the globe, dissidents demonstrate what it really takes to stand firm in the face of authoritarian pressure. Through their experiences, they show that meaningful resistance requires strategy and solidarity: lessons Americans could take notes from.

Credit Where Credit is Due…

While President Trump’s opponents retreated on one part of the board, they turned the heat up elsewhere. On Wednesday, House Democrats released new Epstein emails, exposing fresh details about the president’s ties to the infamous predator. On an issue that fractures Trump’s base, Democrats are showing some fight.

The Epstein Files certainly aren’t a pleasant issue to discuss—but this isn’t just partisan mudslinging. RDI CEO Uriel Epshtein (no relation!) reminds us why the files matter in a free society like ours.

Moves That Matter…Less

There’s no question that we’re seeing leaders flooding the zone—dominating headlines with noise to distract you from seeing the moves that mattered.

Each week, we’ll cut through the noise and raise a flag when something looks like a red herring: the cheap moves, shiny side quests, and headline-grabbers that keep you from seeing the whole board.

Trump Stadium? The Donald Dome? Donald J. Trump Freedom Field?

This week, headlines lit up over Trump reportedly wanting the Washington Commanders to name their football stadium after him. Sure, Trump likes to put his name on buildings. But is this scheme really worth the blitz it’s getting?

In the larger fight for democracy and freedom, is this a move that matters? Or just a distraction—a Hail Mary, if you will—to keep you from seeing the whole board?

Keeping track of everything is… exhausting. So this weekly roundup will highlight the moves that matter (hence the name!).

On Tuesday, millions of Americans cast their vote in the first major elections since Trump’s second term. This week, Moves That Matter is breaking down what the shifting board means for the future of American democracy—and reminding us what is at stake.

Your support makes all of this happen, and we want to give a special shout out to our premium subscribers! Now through tomorrow, November 8, we’re offering 30% off an annual premium subscription. Premium subscribers get access to exclusive benefits like live Zoom calls with Garry Kasparov. Don’t miss out on this deal—upgrade today!

Save 30% on a premium subscription

Thanks, as always, for your readership and support!

— The Next Move team

Check, Not Checkmate

The board is shifting, and Democrats are making bold moves. Big wins in Virginia, New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania may feel like checkmate—but the game isn’t over, and plenty of pieces are still in play.

The Price of Loyalty

Last month, seven million took to the streets to protest the Trump administration. Earlier this week, millions voted for the opposition. As election night showed us, the match can change quickly—and those who break the social contract may not be insulated from political consequences

Keeping the Game Competitive

Many Americans are liberal. Many are moderate. And many are conservative. While the Republican Party has excused abuses under President Trump, America needs a healthy conservative movement and a competitive market of ideas.

Moves That Matter… Less

There’s no question that we’re seeing leaders flooding the zone—dominating headlines with noise to distract you from seeing the moves that mattered.

Each week, we’ll cut through the noise and raise a flag when something looks like a red herring: the cheap moves, shiny side quests, and headline-grabbers that keep you from seeing the whole board.

Trump’s Gatsby Soirée

This week, headlines grabbed at a Great Gatsby themed party at Mar-a-Lago—Trump’s latest bash while the government stays shut down. Tone deaf? Perhaps a bit. Trump also seems more Tom Buchanan than Jay Gatsby, but that’s another story. But in the larger game, is this truly a move that matters—or a just distraction from seeing the real plays shaping democracy’s future?

Let us know your thoughts and check back next week to see what The Next Move community is saying. And tell us in the comments what moves you think matter the most!

Last week we asked readers to sum up their views on the White House East Wing destruction. Two thirds of you seemed to think this was not, in fact, a move that mattered less. We’d love to hear why! Let us know in the comments.

The results are in…🥁

On the fence about becoming a paid subscriber? We have a special offer to make the decision easier for you: $49 for an annual subscription—a 30% discount—ending tomorrow, November 8. Paid subscribers get exclusive benefits like interactive Zoom calls with Garry Kasparov.

Subscribe or upgrade

Keeping track of everything is… exhausting. So this weekly roundup will highlight the moves that matter (hence the name!).

It’s Halloween, and what could be scarier than the total collapse of freedom and democracy? While the world’s strongmen were tightening their grip, The Next Move was busy pulling back the mask and exposing the real horror behind the headlines.

Your support makes all of this happen, and we want to give a special shout out to our premium subscribers! Now through November 8 we’re offering 30% off an annual premium subscription. Premium subscribers get access to exclusive benefits, like live Zoom calls with Garry Kasparov, where we have real conversations about democracy.

Save 30% on a premium subscription

Thanks, as always, for your readership and support!

— The Next Move team

A Knock At The Door

When most Americans get a knock at their front doors, it’s the neighborhood kids asking for Halloween candy. But three years ago, a hitman sent by the Iranian regime showed up at the home of Renew Democracy Initiative Frontline Fellow Masih Alinejad, and he wasn’t looking for a Twix bar. On Wednesday, a federal judge sentenced two Russian mobsters to 25 years for their role in that plot. Masih survived, and she doesn’t scare easy.

Dictators Don’t Trick-Or-Treat Alone

This Halloween, the most chilling story isn’t one of ghosts—it’s the growing alignment of powers bent on destroying global freedom.

Take Off the Mask

Masks are for Halloween, not government agents. RDI Chairman Garry Kasparov reflects on his experience in Russia to explain how a law enforcement agency became an unaccountable private militia.

Moves That Matter… Less

There’s no question that we’re seeing leaders flooding the zone—dominating headlines with noise to distract you from seeing the moves that mattered.

Each week, we’ll cut through the noise and raise a flag when something looks like a red herring: the cheap moves, shiny side quests, and headline-grabbers that keep you from seeing the whole board.

White House East Wing destruction

This week’s Move That Matters Less was the demolition of the White House East Wing.

It’s certainly been a headline grabber this week.

Understandable—The new ballroom is kind of ugly and the government soliciting private donations is… not great, but in the fight for democracy, which battles are worth our focus? Is this truly a move that matters compared with some of the more life-and-death issues highlighted above?

You tell us!

Let us know your thoughts and check back next week to see what The Next Move community is saying. And tell us in the comments what moves you think matter the most!

Last week we asked readers to sum up their views of the No King protests.

The results are in… 🥁

You’re probably not surprised that many people see the No Kings protests as a powerful expression of democracy. Peaceful protest is integral to a free society, and those protests were big! But 10% skeptical is not nothing—and we should take stock of what kinds of what activism really move the needle, and what is more theater.

Until next week… happy Halloween!

On the fence about becoming a paid subscriber? We have a special offer to make the decision easier for you: $49 for an annual subscription—a 30% discount—now through November 8. Paid subscribers get exclusive benefits like interactive Zoom calls with Garry Kasparov.

Subscribe or upgrade

Welcome to Moves That Matter, a new weekly roundup from The Next Move.

The Next Move is all about a strategy for the pro-democracy community. To be strategic requires taking a wide view—highlighting pieces you may have missed, revisiting yesterday’s analysis to see what we got right and what we got wrong.

Keeping track of everything is… exhausting. So this roundup will highlight just the moves that matter (hence the name!).

Your support makes all of this happen. As a thank you to our premium subscribers, Renew Democracy Initiative Chairman Garry Kasparov is giving away three autographed chess sets. Anyone signed up as a premium subscriber by Friday, October 31 will be automatically entered to win. There’s just one week left—don’t miss out!¹

Save 30% on a premium subscription

Thanks, as always, for your readership and support!

— The Next Move team

Home Field Advantage

We’re mixing chess and sports metaphors, but we needed to set up the domestic section of this newsletter somehow. Also, the World Series starts tonight. Bear with us!

Shut It Down?

Government has ground to a halt.

Weeks into the shutdown, we revisit the question: Is closing the government the strategically-sound move to hold the administration accountable?

To answer this, let’s revisit our debate from April when a shutdown was first on the table—and Democratic leadership chose to compromise.

Let us know in the comments: Do you think the shutdown is still the move?

Putin’s Pawn

The crises continue abroad. Trump’s meeting with Putin in Russia-friendly Hungary is off (for now), but the fact that it was even a consideration shows just how much influence Moscow still wields in Washington.

A Shaky Ceasefire

In the Middle East, initialing a ceasefire deal is only half the battle. With the Israel-Hamas truce already in turmoil, can Trump’s tactics deliver lasting peace?

Your Move

Now let’s get to the most important part—what all of you think about what’s going on!

Renew Democracy Initiative Director of Communications Evan Gottesman asked readers about their experiences with the No Kings protests.

Is No Kings making a splash—or is it a bust? Can the opposition counter authoritarianism and control extremism in its own corner? Here’s what you had to say:

Ed P. had a positive experience protesting in Philadelphia—but offered some constructive feedback:

Derrick White chose not to participate:

Made it this far? Then answer our poll and check back next week for the results to check the pulse of the Next Move community.

On the fence about becoming a paid subscriber? We have a special offer to make the decision easier for you: $49 for an annual subscription—a 30% discount—now through November 8. Paid subscribers get exclusive benefits like interactive Zoom calls with Garry Kasparov. Anyone who signs up as a premium subscriber by October 31 will be automatically entered to win a chess set signed by Garry!¹

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1. Please see full rules and regulations for The Next Move 2025 raffle.