Whether real or not, would-be authoritarians are primed to exploit crises to justify power grabs.
In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky discusses how potential authoritarian figures often take advantage of crises to strengthen their grip on power. This tactic is not limited to overtly authoritarian regimes; even established democracies can fall victim to leaders who use emergencies as a rationale for expanding their authority.
The notion that crises provide an opportunity for power consolidation emphasizes the vulnerability of democratic systems. Levitsky argues that these situations can undermine democratic institutions, making it crucial for societies to remain vigilant in protecting their democratic values, regardless of the circumstances they face.
