Since the Russian invasion in 2022, some of Ukraine’s local leaders and networks of their allies worldwide have discussed rebuilding in what would amount to two phases. First, everyday citizens would use democratic processes — from online tools to deliberative bodies like citizens’ assemblies — to make plans for their own localities. Second, reconstruction money would go directly to local governments, rather than via national governments and international aid groups, to enact those plans.

In a few months, I expect to see headlines about how this all collapses after ~~CIA agents~~ definitely local citizens ~~sabotage their economy~~ stage a successful campaign to liberate them from the evils of communism.