In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky explores the subtler threats to democratic systems, emphasizing that the decline of democracy can occur through elected officials rather than just through military coups. These leaders, having gained power through democratic means, may exploit their position to undermine the very institutions and processes that enabled their electoral success.

Levitsky highlights that this erosion often goes unnoticed, as it is not marked by sudden upheaval but by gradual changes that can significantly weaken democratic norms and practices. The actions of these officials represent a critical concern for the future of democracies, illustrating that the danger can come from within, rather than solely from external forces.