Reviews
How Democracies Die: What History Reveals About Our Future by Steven Levitsky, Daniel Ziblatt
oskhen's review
3.0
Reads like an approachable introduction to a larger topic, perhaps making the mistake of thinking itself more bold and prophetic than it is.
alexdpar's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Reading this book now, it feels like the information is all stuff I’ve read or heard before. But then when you come to think about it, this is the origin that inspires a lot of that material. In someways, it does condense and combine a lot of democratic theory from the peace studies world, but does so in a way that is communicative to a wider audience and engaging. And at the same time, much of the subject matter is a product that is new and asks questions of preexisting work.
I think the best content that emerges is the criteria table for which a lot of the examinations are based (p. 23-24). That and its conclusion are brilliant, and even shocking considering its prediction abilities as it was written before the 2020 election overthrow attempt. The use of North Carolina as an example of democracy without guardrails is both accurate and embarrassing. But we deserve the critique.
As always, I want to question further and push back in some places, and I found this to be mostly in the conclusion. While the analysis of poverty reduction programs is spot on, other aspects, like reducing polarization on the GOP side, seems a bit too simplistic. I agree with the statement that reimagining finance, grassroots organization, messaging, and candidate selection is key to preventing democratic usurpers from taking power. But it’s exactly those people, like Gaetz and Hawley, who are pushing reforms under these labels. Additionally, it appears that grassroots support is for the extremen fringe of the GOP candidates. I’d be excited to see how the authors tackle something like this, as it appears the minority extreme republicans are reforming those aspects and maintaining control. Maybe the newest book is something I need to dive into next!
leonajasmin's review against another edition
4.0
It is obvious from reading this book that the authors are both well-researched and have plenty of experience in their field. Their writing was balanced- suitable for a beginner but someone more versed in the topic could get their teeth into it too- and had a highly readable writing style.
It was also nice to read a more 'balanced' book. Most books on topics like this tend to focus on one country and then throw in a few facts about others when deemed relevant. It's obvious where Levitsky and Ziblatt's interests lie (President Trump is a key focus), but there was a lot of global coverage too.
This book focuses a lot on the authoritarian personality, so has a psychological front to it on top of the obvious political aspects. As someone who's studied authoritarianism from both perspectives, I'd say they wrote this section in an easy-to-comprehend way for those less versed in it.
I feel like this book would've been better off a little longer as they cut corners to keep the word count down in a few places, but overall, this was a pretty interesting book for those interested in the psychology of politics.
It was also nice to read a more 'balanced' book. Most books on topics like this tend to focus on one country and then throw in a few facts about others when deemed relevant. It's obvious where Levitsky and Ziblatt's interests lie (President Trump is a key focus), but there was a lot of global coverage too.
This book focuses a lot on the authoritarian personality, so has a psychological front to it on top of the obvious political aspects. As someone who's studied authoritarianism from both perspectives, I'd say they wrote this section in an easy-to-comprehend way for those less versed in it.
I feel like this book would've been better off a little longer as they cut corners to keep the word count down in a few places, but overall, this was a pretty interesting book for those interested in the psychology of politics.
reuterre's review against another edition
4.0
Sehr wichtig. Fasst gut an einem Ort zusammen, für was viele vielleicht schon ein Gefühl entwickelt haben.
monicamjw's review
4.0
A revealing look at the characteristics of declines in democracies around the world, and a disturbing parallel to current day U.S.
houlette's review
5.0
Essential reading. Provides essential context for the current situation in the US, both in terms of other democracies around the world as well as in relation to its own history.
disastrouspenguin's review
5.0
Everyone should read this book.
Beyond that, I put off writing a review of this for a while because I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to say, and now I've forgotten.
Beyond that, I put off writing a review of this for a while because I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to say, and now I've forgotten.
dmknott's review
5.0
A must read for anyone concerned (or unconcerned) by the state of American democracy. The authors walk the reader through how democracies in Latin America and Europe have failed (or come close) and identify four key traits of would-be dictators before they rise to power. Within this framework they consider how American democracy has become increasingly instable, arguing that although Trump does represent a danger to our democracy, his election was a key indicator of the degree to which our democracy had already become fragile. What I particularly liked were the authors willingness to place a degree of blame on both parties (although more so on Republicans) & their objectivity in analyzing the present situation.
The end was especially hard to swallow, as the authors recommend ways to save our democracy that run counter to a lot of the narratives we hear today. Notably, they assert that the idea that democrats must also "play dirty" like republicans is a dangerous and will ultimately lead our democracy over the edge. A highly recommended and necessary read for all Americans, across both parties.
The end was especially hard to swallow, as the authors recommend ways to save our democracy that run counter to a lot of the narratives we hear today. Notably, they assert that the idea that democrats must also "play dirty" like republicans is a dangerous and will ultimately lead our democracy over the edge. A highly recommended and necessary read for all Americans, across both parties.