How Democracies Die: Understanding the Threats to Freedom
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Obama's Picks Boutique
Donald Trump’s presidency has raised a question that many of us never thought we’d be asking: Is our democracy in danger? Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt have spent more than twenty years studying the breakdown of democracies in Europe and Latin America, and they believe the answer is yes. Democracy no longer ends with a bang—in a revolution or military coup—but with a whimper: the slow, steady weakening of critical institutions, such as the judiciary and the press, and the gradual erosion of long-standing political norms. The good news is that there are several exit ramps on the road to authoritarianism. The bad news is that, by electing Trump, we have already passed the first one.
Print length | 320 pages |
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Language | English |
Publisher | Crown |
Publication date | January 8, 2019 |
Dimensions | 5.14 x 0.67 x 7.97 inches |
ISBN-10 | 1524762946 |
ISBN-13 | 978-1524762940 |
The book provides a thorough historical analysis, covering various examples from Germany, Chile, Venezuela, Turkey, and Hungary among other countries.
The book is generally seen as pro-democracy rather than aligned with a particular political ideology. It critiques actions and policies undermining democratic norms from multiple perspectives.
The book draws parallels between historical patterns and contemporary issues faced by democracies, providing a timely and relevant analysis of current global political dynamics.
Yes, the authors provide practical suggestions for how democracies can be strengthened and protected, such as maintaining a free press and protecting the rule of law.
While rooted in academic research, the book is accessible to a general audience interested in politics, history, and current events.