How Democracies Die
A comprehensive dissection of how democracies fall, underscored by historical contexts.
Summary of 5 Key Points
Key Points
- The role of gatekeepers in a democracy
- How institutions succumb to authoritarianism
- Analyzing modern threats to democracy
- The erosion of democratic norms
- The role of political polarization in democracy’s demise
key point 1 of 5
The role of gatekeepers in a democracy
In a democracy, gatekeepers play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and health of the political system. They are the political parties, party leaders, and other influential figures who have the power to vet candidates before they are presented to the public. Gatekeepers have a responsibility to safeguard democratic norms by selecting responsible, qualified individuals who respect the constitutional limits of their office…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 5
How institutions succumb to authoritarianism
Institutions succumbing to authoritarianism is a gradual deterioration, rather than a sudden change. It starts subtly, often under the guise of the rule of law, and the leaders take baby steps to consolidate power. They exploit the very democratic institutions meant to check their power, and use them to undermine democracy. This could involve manipulating electoral laws to favour them, undermining the freedom of the press, or using legal mechanisms to stifle opposition…Read&Listen More
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Analyzing modern threats to democracy
Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, in their analysis of modern threats to democracy, highlight the erosion of democratic norms as a crucial factor. They emphasize that the gradual undermining of unwritten rules, such as mutual toleration and restraint in the exercise of power, poses a significant threat to democratic systems. These norms, they argue, act as soft guardrails that prevent healthy political competition from spiraling into a destructive power struggle that can lead to authoritarianism…Read&Listen More
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The erosion of democratic norms
In ‘How Democracies Die’, the erosion of democratic norms is discerned as an insidious process that gradually eats away at the foundations of a democratic society. This erosion does not happen overnight, but instead occurs over a period of time due to the gradual undermining of rules, conventions, and social norms that are essential for the functioning of a democracy. The authors argue that democratic norms are not merely formal rules enshrined in constitutions, but also unwritten practices that have been established over time. These informal norms act as the glue that holds a democracy together, fostering mutual respect and cooperation amongst different political parties and their supporters…Read&Listen More
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The role of political polarization in democracy’s demise
Political polarization plays a significant role in the downfall of democracies. It occurs when political parties become so ideologically divided that they view each other as enemies rather than rivals. This extreme division is often accompanied by a deep-seated hatred and mistrust, making it nearly impossible for parties to work together for the common good. It thus hinders the healthy functioning of democratic institutions and processes, eventually pushing the system towards crisis and potential collapse…Read&Listen More