"How Democracies Die" explores the decline of democratic systems and the rise of authoritarianism, particularly in the context of the United States. The authors, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, analyze historical and contemporary examples to illustrate how democratic institutions can be gradually eroded. They emphasize that the collapse of democracy often occurs not through sudden coups but through incremental steps that undermine political norms and checks on power.
The book highlights the importance of mutual toleration and forbearance among political parties as essential principles for democracy to thrive. When parties refuse to accept the legitimacy of their opponents, it leads to polarization and conflict, which jeopardizes democratic governance. The authors argue that when political actors fail to adhere to these norms, the system becomes unstable and vulnerable to authoritarianism.