Daniel Ziblatt - How Democracies Die

Daniel Ziblatt discusses the evolution of how democracies die, emphasizing the shift from military coups to elected leaders dismantling democratic institutions. He highlights the role of political parties in preventing demagogues from gaining power and the importance of political norms in maintaining democracy. Ziblatt warns of the fragility of democracy in the face of polarization and stresses the need for mutual respect among political rivals to repair the political system.

How have the methods of democratic decline changed since the Cold War?

• Through military coups

• Through economic sanctions

• Through elections by elected leaders

• Through foreign invasions

What is a key strategy to prevent demagogues from gaining power?

• Strengthening foreign alliances

• Implementing economic reforms

• Political parties refusing to cooperate with them

• Increasing military presence

Which historical figure was embraced by mainstream politicians in Italy, leading to a rise in authoritarianism?

• Hugo Chavez

• Adolf Hitler

• Benito Mussolini

• Joseph Stalin

What is a critical component of the U.S. system that helps constrain authoritarian leaders?

• Military intervention

• International treaties

• Checks and balances

• Economic sanctions

What is necessary for the U.S. Constitution to effectively function?

• International oversight

• Strict enforcement by the military

• Commitment to unwritten norms by political leaders

• Frequent amendments