The pathway to undermining democracies frequently starts with rhetoric, as noted in Steven Levitsky's "How Democracies Die." Demagogues employ aggressive language to portray their opponents negatively, labeling them as threats to society. This kind of divisive language is aimed at rallying support from their base while instilling fear and distrust among the populace. By framing dissenters as enemies or subversives, they seek to delegitimize criticism and consolidate power.

This manipulation of language serves to polarize communities and erode the norms of political discourse. As these leaders characterize their critics in extreme terms, they effectively create a narrative that justifies further authoritarian measures. Such tactics not only undermine democratic principles but also sow discord and division, making it increasingly difficult for societies to function cohesively. This highlights a crucial danger in politics, where the words used can significantly influence the stability of democratic institutions.