A Bad Dictator is Still a Dangerous One

In this book, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine the breakdown of democracies, arguing that modern democracies do not die in a sudden coup but rather through the slow erosion of critical institutions and political norms. Drawing on decades of research and examples from 1930s Europe to contemporary cases in Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, and the American South during Jim Crow, the authors highlight the importance of mutual toleration and forbearance in maintaining democratic stability. They identify key indicators of authoritarian behavior, such as the rejection of democratic rules, denial of opponents' legitimacy, tolerance of violence, and curtailment of civil liberties. The book also discusses the role of political parties in defending democracy and proposes solutions to counteract democratic backsliding, including elite-level cooperation, addressing social inequalities, and restoring democratic norms.

In this book, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine why American democracy has reached a breaking point while other Western democracies appear more stable. They argue that the U.S. Constitution, forged in the 18th century, has created a system that allows partisan minorities to consistently thwart and rule over popular majorities. The authors highlight institutions such as the Electoral College, the Senate's disproportionate representation of small states, and the filibuster as key factors. They compare the U.S. system to other democracies and propose reforms to address these issues, including reimagining the Senate, abolishing the filibuster, and eliminating the Electoral College. The book serves as a clarion call for reform, grounded in a deep understanding of the American political fabric and a visionary outlook for its transformation.