In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky discusses how would-be autocrats exploit challenging situations such as economic downturns, natural calamities, and primarily security threats to undermine democratic governance. These crises serve as a backdrop for leaders to implement measures that restrict democratic norms and civil liberties under the pretext of maintaining stability and security.

Levitsky emphasizes that in times of heightened insecurity, politicians may leverage fear to rally support for undemocratic actions, framing them as necessary for the protection of the nation. This exploitation frequently leads to the erosion of democratic institutions and the consolidation of power in the hands of a few, ultimately jeopardizing the principles of democracy.