How Democracies Die

The Subtle Erosion of Democracy

Democracies no longer die primarily through military coups, but through a gradual erosion of democratic norms. This 'slow-motion' death is often insidious, making it difficult to recognize until it's well underway. Leaders weaken democratic institutions subtly, such as by attacking the media, undermining the judiciary, or spreading disinformation, creating a climate of distrust and polarization that enables further authoritarian measures. Citizens and other political actors may not immediately recognize these actions as threats, allowing the erosion to continue unchecked. This makes the defense of democracy a constant and vigilant process, requiring a commitment to democratic principles even when politically inconvenient.

Polarization as a Catalyst for Decay

Political polarization, especially when combined with weak democratic norms, creates fertile ground for democratic backsliding. When societies become deeply divided along partisan lines, the temptation to win at all costs increases. This can lead political actors to justify actions that would have previously been considered unacceptable, such as manipulating electoral rules or suppressing dissent. Moreover, extreme polarization can paralyze government, making it difficult to address pressing issues and further eroding public trust in democratic institutions. Maintaining a healthy democracy requires cross-partisan cooperation and a willingness to compromise, even when deeply divided.

The Importance of Gatekeeping

The gatekeeping function of political parties is crucial in preventing authoritarians from gaining power. Responsible political parties should vet candidates, ensuring they are committed to democratic norms and principles. When parties fail to act as gatekeepers, extremist figures can rise to positions of influence, using their power to undermine democracy from within. The authors emphasize that established parties often underestimate the threat posed by authoritarian outsiders, assuming they can be controlled or co-opted. This failure of gatekeeping represents a critical vulnerability in democratic systems.

The Necessity of Mutual Toleration

Mutual toleration, the understanding that political rivals are legitimate and have a right to exist and compete for power, is a key norm for a healthy democracy. When politicians view their opponents as enemies to be crushed rather than rivals to be debated, the foundations of democracy are weakened. Without mutual toleration, compromise becomes impossible, and political competition devolves into a zero-sum game. This erodes trust and increases the likelihood of democratic breakdown. Democracy requires accepting the legitimacy of opposing viewpoints, even when deeply disagreeing with them.

The Value of Institutional Forbearance

Institutional forbearance, or restraint in the exercise of legal powers, is another vital, yet often unwritten, norm that sustains democracy. Even when actions are technically legal, they can be damaging to the spirit of democracy if they violate long-standing conventions or undermine fundamental principles. For instance, aggressively using legal loopholes to obstruct the opposition or gerrymandering districts to entrench power, while permissible under the law, can erode democratic norms and undermine the fairness of the political system. Democracies rely on an understanding that power should be exercised responsibly and with respect for democratic principles, not simply to the fullest extent possible.

Learning from Historical Precedents

The book uses historical examples, primarily from Europe and Latin America, to illustrate how democracies have died in the past. These case studies demonstrate that democratic erosion follows predictable patterns, often involving the gradual undermining of institutions, the normalization of anti-democratic behavior, and the suppression of dissent. By examining these historical precedents, the authors seek to provide insights into the warning signs of democratic decline and to highlight the strategies that have been used to subvert democratic systems. These historical lessons serve as a crucial guide for recognizing and combating threats to democracy today.

The Call to Defend Democracy

While focusing on the risks to democracy, the book implicitly calls for active engagement in defending democratic values and institutions. Citizens, civil society organizations, and political leaders all have a role to play in resisting authoritarian tendencies and upholding democratic norms. This includes speaking out against anti-democratic behavior, supporting independent media, and participating in political processes. The preservation of democracy is not a passive endeavor but requires constant vigilance and a willingness to defend democratic principles, even when faced with opposition or unpopularity.