In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky highlights the alarming trend among American politicians who view their opponents as adversaries rather than rivals. This has led to a culture where intimidation of the press is prevalent, and there are threats to dismiss electoral outcomes. Such actions undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and civil discourse.

Levitsky argues that, in pursuit of power, politicians are actively working to erode important democratic institutions. This includes attempting to weaken the judiciary, intelligence agencies, and ethics oversight bodies, which are essential for maintaining checks and balances within the political system. Such dangers pose significant risks to the democratic fabric of the country.