WHAT WOULD YOU SACRIFICE FOR THE TRUTH? For decades, Maria Ressa has not hesitated to speak the truth about power. However, her determination to detect and expose the networks of misinformation fostered by the governments of her country, which spread lies and hatred among citizens – a task that requires courage – has led her to find herself in a precarious position against the most powerful man in the country: the President.

Today, the state is pursuing her; many arrest warrants have been issued against her, and she faces prison sentences that exceed one hundred years – all for simply telling the truth. How to Stand Up to a Dictator is the story of the slow and painful death of democracy and how an invisible atomic bomb has exploded online, killing our freedoms and knowing no borders.

In the book, as Maria's life, journalistic reports, and articles unfold, a network of misinformation is mapped out that spans the globe – from Duterte's war on drugs to the U.S. Capitol; from Brexit to Russia's invasion of Ukraine; from Chinese cyber warfare to Facebook and Silicon Valley – which decisively affects where we click, how we think, and how we vote.

The 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, reflecting on a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth, issues an urgent call to all of us to awaken, remain resolute, and fight for our collective future – before it is too late.

“Compared to others who are hiding, have been exiled, or are in prison, I am lucky. The only defense mechanism a journalist has is to shine a bright light on the truth, to expose the lies – and I can still do that. This book is for those who take democracy for granted, and it is written by someone who has never taken it for granted.” MARIA RESSA

“She is one of my heroes [...] sounding the alarm for all of us” HILLARY CLINTON

“Maria Ressa is only 1.57 meters tall, but in the quest for the truth, she surpasses most“ AMAL CLOONEY

“Magnificent and transformative [...] Maria Ressa embodies the moral exemplar of our time“ SUSANNA ZUBOFF

“Maria is a prominent voice [...] she is incredible in many ways. The world needs to hear what she has to say“ CAROL CANDWALLANDTR