How Democracies Die

By Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt

A New York Times bestseller and urgent wake-up call for democratic resilience. In this acclaimed work of political analysis, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt draw on decades of global research to reveal how democracies can—and do—collapse, not through coups, but through the slow erosion of norms and institutions.

Book Synopsis

Democracy doesn’t always die with a bang. Sometimes, it fades with a whimper—through the gradual weakening of the judiciary, the press, and the unwritten rules that uphold civil society. In How Democracies Die, Levitsky and Ziblatt examine historical and contemporary examples from Europe, Latin America, and the United States to show how elected leaders can subvert democracy from within. With chilling clarity, they argue that the U.S. has already passed key warning signs—and offer a roadmap for how we can protect our institutions before it’s too late.

Perfect For

• Readers of political science, history, and current affairs
• Fans of On Tyranny and The Road to Unfreedom
• Educators and students exploring democratic theory and civic engagement
• Anyone concerned about democratic backsliding and authoritarian trends

Praise & Recognition

“Comprehensive, enlightening, and terrifyingly timely.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“A smart and deeply informed book… perfectly legal ways democracy is being undermined.”
—Fareed Zakaria, CNN

“If you only read one book for the rest of the year, read How Democracies Die.”
—Michael Morrell, former Acting Director of the CIA

About the Authors

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt are professors of government at Harvard University and leading scholars in the field of comparative politics. Their research focuses on democratic institutions, authoritarianism, and political polarization. Together, they bring decades of insight into the global patterns that threaten—and preserve—democracy.

Other Related Titles

• On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
• The Road to Unfreedom by Timothy Snyder
• Twilight of Democracy by Anne Applebaum
• Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright

Product Details

• Publisher: Crown
• Publication Date: January 16, 2018
• Format: Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / Audiobook
• ISBN: 9781524762933
• Pages: 320