How Democracies Die

Résumé du livre

Steven Levitsky is a professor of government at Harvard University. His research has focused on Latin America and the developing world. He is the author of numerous journal articles on political science and the co-author of the book Competitive Authoritarianism: Hybrid Regimes after the Cold War.

The deepening polarization in U.S. politics has roots stretching back to the 1960s, when race and religion began to reshape party affiliations, catalyzed by landmark events like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Over decades, demographic shifts and ideological realignments further entrenched divisions, with figures like Newt Gingrich amplifying confrontational politics in the 1990s. The rise of Donald Trump in 2016 exemplified the vulnerabilities of democratic systems, as his campaign bypassed traditional gatekeepers and employed divisive rhetoric, echoing historical patterns of democratic erosion seen globally. From the Civil War to modern populism, the U.S. has repeatedly faced challenges to its democratic norms, underscoring the importance of mutual respect, institutional restraint, and vigilance against demagoguery. As history shows, the survival of democracy depends on the collective actions of political leaders, institutions, and citizens alike.

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