In "How Democracies Die," author Steven Levitsky discusses the unique characteristics of the current wave of extremism, particularly highlighting its infiltration of the Republican Party's upper echelons. This trend marks a departure from previous instances of extremism, which typically remained on the fringes of political power, demonstrating a significant shift in the party's dynamics and ideologies.
Levitsky's analysis indicates that this newfound presence of extremism within influential party structures poses risks to democratic norms and governance. By examining the implications of this shift, he encourages readers to reflect on the health of democracy and the potential threats that emerge when extremist ideologies gain traction among established political leaders.