How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
The following sample paper is a book report on How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. In this report example, the writer engages the reader with an interesting introduction that entails the title of the book, its authors, its genre, and a concise look at its main arguments. Further, it summarizes the main points while integrating relevant examples. This provides for the in-depth analysis and examination of the motives of the political figures, major themes of democratic erosion, and the critical role of political norms, in order to exemplify how relevant and influential the book is. Overall, this book report effectively captures the importance of the text to its readers interested in political science and the dynamics of democracy.
November 10, 2024
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
1
Book Report: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
Institution
Student’s Name
Course Title
Instructor’s Name
Date of Submission
2
Book Report: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
In the book How Democracies Die, political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
ask an important question: under what circumstances do democratically elected governments
ultimately crumble? This 2018 non-fiction book takes into consideration the frailties of modern
democracy and makes use of historical and international examples to show just how insidious it
is in the nature of authoritarianism to work its way into the democratic system without obvious
violence or military coups (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018). Compellingly argued in the analysis of
Levitsky and Ziblatt is the idea that democracies never falter due to revolutions but, rather, with
a stealthy weakening of norms and institutional safeguards. Essentially, what the authors are
trying to put across is that values and cultural norms also need protection in the interest of saving
democracy, not just the institutions of democracy.
Content Summary
In the book, the authors examine the undermining of democracies in different countries
such as the United States, Venezuela, Hungary, Turkey, and Poland. For Levitsky and Ziblatt,
such decline ushers in an initial process of erosion of two critical norms: mutual toleration and
institutional forbearance. Mutual toleration, in this sense, means treating one's political
competitors as rivals rather than as threats. Institutional forbearance involves the practice of not
abusing the powers at one's disposal for political gain. Examples the authors gave include the
cases of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, each of whom came
to power via the ballot box and then progressively limited democratic freedoms. Critical
junctures are points where leaders restructure political regime rules to remove vetoes through
apparently democratic means. They also indicate that democratic decline sometimes occurs
camouflaged as "reform" or national stability and thus often is not recognized as authoritarianism
3
until it has already been instituted. While they discuss many countries, recent political
developments in the United States are a special focus of their book and a source of concern due
to the nation’s declining democratic processes.
Analysis and Perspective
Instead of relying on central characters in the usual meaning of the word, the authors
discuss many political figures who serve as case studies of ways that individuals can act as
catalysts for either democracy's strengthening or unraveling. Figures such as Chávez, Erdoğan,
and Viktor Orbán in Hungary are discussed as having gained initial popularity and then using
that mandate to gradually sideline political opponents, intimidate the media, and weaken
institutional checks. These figures were dynamic, calculating, and even charismatic in their own
way, which partly explains their initial appeal. The events they relate lead to the core theme of
this book: leadership does not necessarily have to spurn democracy to undermine it; it merely has
to manipulate democratic processes toward consolidating power. Thematically, the book speaks
to the fragility of democratic systems and the ways in which informal norms perpetuate these.
Levitsky and Ziblatt introduce two great themes: the "gatekeepers" of democracy-politicians,
parties, and the media who play roles that are crucial in resisting authoritarian figures and the
incremental "death by a thousand cuts" that often characterizes democratic backsliding. These
ideas supplement their belief that democracy can only be as strong as the people and the
institutions that commit to upholding its values.
The writing is clear and urgent, in a very direct and analytical voice, which is intended
more for readers interested in understanding political science and its intricacies. The authors’
view is cautionary at best and often critical while analyzing the recent trends in American
politics. With the use of easy-to-understand terminology and concrete examples, they have
4
provided an interesting and informative tale while encouraging the readers to ponder over the
present and future state of democratic governance.
Conclusion
How Democracies Die is a powerful, insightful analysis of the hidden dangers facing
democracies around the world. Levitsky and Ziblatt succeed in showing how democracies can be
worn down from within by leaders who flout democratic norms. With historical comparative
case studies, the authors construct a warning framework for recognizing and acting on the subtle
signs of democratic decline. The book would be very useful to scholars in politics, history, or
current events, especially those caring about democratic resilience in this age of growing
political polarization. It is a stimulating read, with its balanced reliance on theory, real-world
examples, and reflective analysis, for both the scholar in political science and the general reader.
5
References
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How Democracies Die. New York: Crown.
November 10, 2024
24/7 custom essay writing by real academic writers
WPH
Academic level:
Graduate
Type of paper:
Book report
Discipline:
Political Science
Citation:
APA
Pages:
2 (733 words)
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
