Book Report: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
In the book How Democracies Die, political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt ask an important question: under what circumstances do democratically elected governments ultimately crumble? This 2018 non-fiction book takes into consideration the frailties of modern democracy and makes use of historical and international examples to show just how insidious it is in the nature of authoritarianism to work its way into the democratic system without obvious violence or military coups (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018). Compellingly argued in the analysis of Levitsky and Ziblatt is the idea that democracies never falter due to revolutions but, rather, with a stealthy weakening of norms and institutional safeguards. Essentially, what the authors are trying to put across is that values and cultural norms also need protection in the interest of saving democracy, not just the institutions of democracy.
Content Summary
In the book, the authors examine the undermining of democracies in different countries such as the United States, Venezuela, Hungary, Turkey, and Poland. For Levitsky and Ziblatt, such decline ushers in an initial process of erosion of two critical norms: mutual toleration and institutional forbearance. Mutual toleration, in this sense, means treating one's political competitors as rivals rather than as threats. Institutional forbearance involves the practice of not abusing the powers at one's disposal for political gain. Examples the authors gave include the cases of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, each of whom came to power via the ballot box and then progressively limited democratic freedoms. Critical junctures are points where leaders restructure political regime rules to remove vetoes through apparently democratic means. They also indicate that democratic decline sometimes occurs camouflaged as "reform" or national stability and thus often is not recognized as authoritarianism until it has already been instituted. While they discuss many countries, recent political developments in the United States are a special focus of their book and a source of concern due to the nation’s declining democratic processes.
Analysis and Perspective
Instead of relying on central characters in the usual meaning of the word, the authors discuss many political figures who serve as case studies of ways that individuals can act as catalysts for either democracy's strengthening or unraveling. Figures such as Chávez, Erdoğan, and Viktor Orbán in Hungary are discussed as having gained initial popularity and then using that mandate to gradually sideline political opponents, intimidate the media, and weaken institutional checks. These figures were dynamic, calculating, and even charismatic in their own way, which partly explains their initial appeal. The events they relate lead to the core theme of this book: leadership does not necessarily have to spurn democracy to undermine it; it merely has to manipulate democratic processes toward consolidating power. Thematically, the book speaks to the fragility of democratic systems and the ways in which informal norms perpetuate these. Levitsky and Ziblatt introduce two great themes: the "gatekeepers" of democracy-politicians, parties, and the media who play roles that are crucial in resisting authoritarian figures and the incremental "death by a thousand cuts" that often characterizes democratic backsliding. These ideas supplement their belief that democracy can only be as strong as the people and the institutions that commit to upholding its values.
The writing is clear and urgent, in a very direct and analytical voice, which is intended more for readers interested in understanding political science and its intricacies. The authors’ view is cautionary at best and often critical while analyzing the recent trends in American politics. With the use of easy-to-understand terminology and concrete examples, they have provided an interesting and informative tale while encouraging the readers to ponder over the present and future state of democratic governance.
Conclusion
How Democracies Die is a powerful, insightful analysis of the hidden dangers facing democracies around the world. Levitsky and Ziblatt succeed in showing how democracies can be worn down from within by leaders who flout democratic norms. With historical comparative case studies, the authors construct a warning framework for recognizing and acting on the subtle signs of democratic decline. The book would be very useful to scholars in politics, history, or current events, especially those caring about democratic resilience in this age of growing political polarization. It is a stimulating read, with its balanced reliance on theory, real-world examples, and reflective analysis, for both the scholar in political science and the general reader.
