In his book "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky discusses the dangers of public perception shaped by attacks on opponents. He highlights that if the public starts to associate political adversaries with terrorism, it creates a negative narrative that can lead to justifying extreme measures against these opponents. This mindset can undermine democratic processes and erode civil liberties.

Levitsky emphasizes that the role of media is crucial in shaping these perceptions. If the media is seen as promoting falsehoods about political rivals, it can further polarize society and facilitate actions that threaten democratic norms. This dynamic illustrates the fragility of democracy, as public opinion can sway towards justifying authoritarian measures in response to perceived threats.