In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky discusses the consequences of political maneuvering, highlighting a significant moment in which a leader, named Marcos, solidified his authority for an extended period. This strategic action allowed him to maintain a grip on power for fourteen years, effectively curtailing democratic processes and stability within the government.

Levitsky emphasizes how such moves can undermine democratic institutions, illustrating a broader pattern where leaders manipulate laws and systems to entrench themselves in governance, ultimately damaging the framework of democracy itself.