How democracies die - Bilingual quotes that celebrate the beauty of language, showcasing meaningful expressions in two unique perspectives.
In "How Democracies Die," authors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt explore the mechanisms through which democracies can deteriorate and ultimately collapse. They argue that the decline of democratic institutions usually occurs through subtle processes rather than sudden revolutions or overt coups. The authors emphasize that democracies are most vulnerable to erosion when political leaders break longstanding norms of mutual toleration and institutional forbearance. These norms allow opposing parties to coexist peacefully and respect the electoral process.
The book illustrates historical examples where democracies have faltered, highlighting cases like Venezuela and Turkey, where leaders initially rose through democratic means but later undermined democratic practices. The authors argue that when political leaders gain power, they often seek to entrench their authority by attacking the media, judiciary, and other checks on their power. They stress the importance of civic engagement and the role that ordinary citizens play in defending democratic norms.
Levitsky and Ziblatt also provide a framework for recognizing early warning signs of democratic decline, such as the normalization of authoritarian behavior and the gradual dismantling of democratic institutions. They call for vigilance and active participation from citizens to safeguard democracy, suggesting that the strength of a democracy lies in its adherence to established democratic norms and the resilience of its citizenry against threats to those principles.
In "How Democracies Die," authors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt explore the mechanisms through which democracies can deteriorate and ultimately collapse. They argue that the decline of democratic institutions usually occurs through subtle processes rather than sudden revolutions or overt coups. The authors emphasize that democracies are most vulnerable to erosion when political leaders break longstanding norms of mutual toleration and institutional forbearance. These norms allow opposing parties to coexist peacefully and respect the electoral process.
The book illustrates historical examples where democracies have faltered, highlighting cases like Venezuela and Turkey, where leaders initially rose through democratic means but later undermined democratic practices. The authors argue that when political leaders gain power, they often seek to entrench their authority by attacking the media, judiciary, and other checks on their power. They stress the importance of civic engagement and the role that ordinary citizens play in defending democratic norms.
Levitsky and Ziblatt also provide a framework for recognizing early warning signs of democratic decline, such as the normalization of authoritarian behavior and the gradual dismantling of democratic institutions. They call for vigilance and active participation from citizens to safeguard democracy, suggesting that the strength of a democracy lies in its adherence to established democratic norms and the resilience of its citizenry against threats to those principles.