For demogagues hemmed in by constitutional constraints, a crisis represents an opportunity to begin to dismantle the inconvenient and sometimes threatening checks and balances that come with democratic politics. Crises allow autocrats to expand their room to maneuver and protect themselves from perceived enemies. But the question remains: Are democratic institutions so easily swept away?
In times of crisis, demagogues often see an opening to diminish the democratic structures that limit their power. When faced with such situations, they may exploit instability to undermine the very checks and balances designed to preserve democratic governance. This tactic grants them greater flexibility to act freely and shield themselves from rivals or dissenters.
However, the resilience of democratic institutions is put to the test during these turbulent times. The core question posed by Steven Levitsky in "How Democracies Die" is whether these institutions can withstand the pressures exerted by autocratic leaders seeking to consolidate power. The ability of democracies to endure or bounce back from such threats remains uncertain.
