North Carolina offers a window into what politics without guardrails looks like - and a possible glimpse into America's future. When partisan rivals become enemies, political competition descends into warfare, and our institutions turn into weapons. The result is a system hovering constantly on the brink of crisis.
In North Carolina, the political landscape reveals the dangers of unrestrained partisanship, showcasing a scenario where political opponents are viewed as adversaries rather than rivals. This dynamic transforms typical competition into a combative struggle, compromising the integrity of democratic institutions and their functions.
As detailed in Steven Levitsky's book, "How Democracies Die," the situation in North Carolina serves as a cautionary tale for the future of American democracy. The ongoing crisis within the political system highlights the precarious balance of democratic governance, where the lack of safeguards can lead to a breakdown in cooperation and an escalation toward conflict.
