In Erik Larson's "In the Garden of Beasts," the author explores the theme of failure within political systems, emphasizing that governments, whether authoritarian or democratic, can equally collapse. This failure often leads to dire consequences for society, causing despair among the populace. The tension between authority and the individual's experience of oppression is central to the narrative.

Larson underscores the tragic outcomes of such governmental failures, highlighting the human cost involved. Ordinary citizens become victims of political turmoil, with countless lives lost as a result of these systemic failures. The book reflects on the profound impact such events have on families and communities, emphasizing a collective suffering that often goes unnoticed amidst grand historical narratives.