44 pages • 1 hour read
Daniel Ziblatt, Steven LevitskyHow Democracies Die
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky explores the threats to American democracy by examining past examples of democratic breakdown, showing that most democracies now die through the gradual weakening of norms and institutions rather than violent overthrow. The authors discuss how political gatekeeping, norms, and institutions have historically protected democracy, but recent changes and events, including Donald Trump's presidency, pose significant risks. They propose rebuilding democratic norms and cultivating a diverse coalition to defend democracy in the United States. The book addresses anti-black racism and political extremism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky offers a compelling analysis of democratic erosion, using historical and contemporary examples. Readers appreciate its insightful, well-researched arguments but some find it overly pessimistic and simplistic in parts. Overall, it is praised for its urgency and relevance in today's political climate.
Who Should Read How Democracies Die?
A reader who enjoys How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky is likely interested in political science, history, and contemporary societal issues. Similar readers might appreciate The Road to Unfreedom by Timothy Snyder and On Tyranny by the same author, which provide compelling analyses of democratic backsliding and authoritarianism.