How Democracies Die

In 'How Democracies Die', Steven Levitsky explores the idea that democracies are more often killed by insiders rather than external forces. He suggests that elected officials can slowly erode the democratic system from within, making it a subtle yet dangerous threat.

Levitsky emphasizes the importance of gatekeepers in a democracy. These are the political parties and leaders who have the power to prevent demagogues from reaching positions of power. If gatekeepers fail in their duty, it can lead to the erosion of democracy.

The book identifies four key indicators of authoritarian behavior: rejection of democratic rules, denial of political opponents' legitimacy, toleration or encouragement of violence, and readiness to curtail civil liberties. These indicators can help us recognize threats to democracy.

Levitsky argues that democratic norms are just as important as the constitution in preserving a democracy. These unwritten rules, such as mutual tolerance and institutional forbearance, help maintain the balance of power and prevent the abuse of authority.

In 'How Democracies Die', you'll find a deep dive into the American democracy. Levitsky uses historical examples to show how the erosion of democratic norms has led to the current political climate. It's a wake-up call for all of us to take a closer look at our own political systems.