Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1748 Patriotism in Peril: Democracy, the Military, and the Fight Over What America Means
Nov 2, 2025
Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, political scientists and co-authors, delve into the alarming signs of democratic decline and the critical importance of institutional norms. U.S. Representative Andy Kim discusses the fight against corruption and political retribution in governance. Labor scholar Stephanie Luce shares strategies for empowering underdogs through base-building and collective care. Lastly, commentator Ted Johnson presents a framework for a non-partisan patriotism that embraces pride and accountability as America approaches its 250th anniversary.
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Norms Hold Democracies Together
- Democracies rely as much on unwritten norms as on constitutions to function.
- Levitsky and Ziblatt warn that erosion of mutual toleration and forbearance risks institutional failure.
Polarization Accelerates Breakdown
- Polarization amplifies norm erosion and drives democratic risk even when formal institutions remain.
- Words from leaders shape public opinion and provoke escalating tit-for-tat politics that weaken constraints.
Autocracies Coordinate Tactics
- Autocratic regimes collaborate internationally and share tactics like media control and kleptocratic finance.
- Applebaum and guests link Trump's admiration of autocrats to weakened U.S. soft power and governance norms.
