The authors of "How Democracies Die" argue that while constitutional safeguards are important, they alone cannot protect a democracy from erosion. They emphasize that democratic norms and practices, such as mutual respect among political opponents and the willingness to accept election losses, are crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy.

Levitsky and his co-author contend that the vitality of a democracy depends not just on legal structures but also on the behavior and beliefs of political actors. When these informal norms weaken, even well-established democratic frameworks can falter, highlighting the need for ongoing civic engagement and vigilance to uphold democratic values.