In "How Democracies Die," author Steven Levitsky discusses how governments often choose to engage with influential cultural figures instead of directly confronting them. This strategy involves co-opting these figures or establishing a mutual understanding that permits them to maintain their creative pursuits, provided they remain politically neutral. Such actions often create a facade of tolerance while limiting the political influence these figures might exert.

This dynamic reflects a broader trend where regimes seek to maintain stability by managing dissent through cultural channels. By allowing popular figures to exist outside of the political arena, governments can diffuse potential challenges to their authority while still benefiting from the cultural capital these figures produce. Ultimately, this strategy underscores the delicate balance between cultural expression and political engagement in shaping democratic societies.