How Democracies Die
by Steven Levitsky
How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky holds a exceptional rating of 4.60 out of 5, based on 5.6K reader ratings. First published in 2017. The book spans 320 pages.
About How Democracies Die
Mutual tolerance and institutional forbearance are two unwritten democratic norms crucial for a healthy and stable democracy. Coined by Harvard political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt in their 2018 book How Democracies Die, they are considered essential "soft guardrails" that reinforce a country's constitutional rules.
Mutual tolerance
Mutual tolerance is the shared understanding that political rivals are legitimate and loyal citizens with an equal right to exist, compete for power, and govern. It is the willingness of politicians and the public to accept that opponents are not enemies, but legitimate participants in the democratic process.
When mutual tolerance erodes, it can create a cycle of distrust where politicians may demonize their opponents and treat political defeat as an existential catastrophe.
Examples:
A sign of mutual tolerance: A candidate who loses an election publicly concedes and congratulates the winner, even if the results are disappointing.
An erosion of mutual tolerance: In the U.S., increasing partisan polarization has led many to perceive the opposing party as an existential threat rather than a legitimate rival.
Institutional forbearance
Institutional forbearance is the practice of self-restraint in exercising one's legal power. It is the act of not using every legal right to its absolute maximum, in order to preserve the spirit of democratic norms.
When politicians practice institutional forbearance, they refrain from engaging in "constitutional hardball," which is the use of legal but norm-violating maneuvers to gain an advantage. Without forbearance, a democracy can descend into severe dysfunction and crisis.
Examples:
A sign of institutional forbearance: Throughout much of the 20th century, the U.S. Senate generally confirmed a president's qualified judicial nominees in a timely manner, even if they were from the opposing party.
An erosion of institutional forbearance:
Court packing: While technically
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Steven Levitsky |
| Published | 2017 |
| Pages | 320 |
| Kindle Price | $13.99 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction |
| Average Rating | 4.60 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 5,582 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is How Democracies Die?
How Democracies Die is categorized as Non-Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Non-Fiction.
Is How Democracies Die worth reading?
Based on 5.6K reader ratings, How Democracies Die has an average score of 4.60 out of 5.00, which is considered "Exceptional."
How many pages is How Democracies Die?
How Democracies Die has 320 pages.
Who wrote How Democracies Die?
How Democracies Die was written by Steven Levitsky. It was first published in 2017.
What is the ISBN for How Democracies Die?
The ISBN-13 for How Democracies Die is 9780241381359.
How much does How Democracies Die cost on Kindle?
How Democracies Die is available on Kindle for $13.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
