The Political Scene | The New Yorker

The Authors of “How Democracies Die” on the New Democratic Minority

Nov 18, 2024
Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Harvard political scientists and authors of "How Democracies Die," discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. They assert that it's not the voters' job to defend democracy, as they often prioritize personal concerns over abstract principles. Exploring the implications of Trump’s presidency, they highlight the dangers of minority-supported leaders and advocate for institutional reform to combat democratic backsliding. Both scholars emphasize that civic engagement and elite accountability are crucial to safeguarding democratic norms.
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INSIGHT

Republican Party Transformation

  • The Republican Party's transformation since 2018 is the most concerning change in American democracy.
  • Trump's control over the party creates a greater threat than when "How Democracies Die" was published.
INSIGHT

Counter-Majoritarianism in US Institutions

  • American institutions favor sparsely populated areas, leading to counter-majoritarian outcomes.
  • This has resulted in minority rule, exemplified by the 2016 election and Supreme Court appointments.
INSIGHT

Responsibility for Democracy

  • Voters don't prioritize defending democracy; they focus on personal concerns.
  • Protecting democracy is the responsibility of elites and institutions, not individual voters.
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