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How Democracies Die
by Steven Levitsky • 2018
Coups are relics. The new authoritarian wins the election first, then slowly silences the referees.
4.16
33k+
How Democracies Die Summary
How Democracies Die 92%
Coups are relics. The new authoritarian wins the election first, then slowly silences the referees.
by Steven Levitsky 2018
4.16
33k+ ratings
Democracy Rules
by Jan-Werner Müller • 2021
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
3.46
168
Democracy Rules Summary
Democracy Rules 92%
Losing is the skill democracy forgot, and without institutions to structure conflict, it unravels.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2021
3.46
168 ratings
The Future of Freedom
by Fareed Zakaria • 2003
Democracy without courts, rights, and restraints is just a machine for producing elected strongmen.
4.02
4k+
The Future of Freedom Summary
The Future of Freedom 91%
Democracy without courts, rights, and restraints is just a machine for producing elected strongmen.
by Fareed Zakaria 2003
4.02
4k+ ratings
The Last American President
by Thom Hartmann • 2025
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
4.48
321
The Last American President Summary
The Last American President 91%
Billionaire money, racial grievance, cruel politics: how the GOP became an authoritarian machine.
by Thom Hartmann 2025
4.48
321 ratings
The People vs. Democracy
by Yascha Mounk • 2018
Populists dismantle institutions; unelected courts rule from above; split tearing democracy apart.
4.05
2k+
The People vs. Democracy Summary
The People vs. Democracy 91%
Populists dismantle institutions; unelected courts rule from above; split tearing democracy apart.
by Yascha Mounk 2018
4.05
2k+ ratings
Autocracy, Inc.
by Anne Applebaum • 2024
A global network of dictators runs autocracies like for-profit firms. Democracies bankroll them.
4.16
19k+
Autocracy, Inc. Summary
Autocracy, Inc. 91%
A global network of dictators runs autocracies like for-profit firms. Democracies bankroll them.
by Anne Applebaum 2024
4.16
19k+ ratings
Trumpocracy
by David Frum • 2018
American democracy didn't fall; it was hollowed out by lies and a party that looked away.
3.88
4k+
Trumpocracy Summary
Trumpocracy 91%
American democracy didn't fall; it was hollowed out by lies and a party that looked away.
by David Frum 2018
3.88
4k+ ratings
The Reactionary Spirit
by Zack Beauchamp • 2024
The urge to defend hierarchy dismantles democracy from within. Four nations reveal the pattern.
4.01
166
The Reactionary Spirit Summary
The Reactionary Spirit 91%
The urge to defend hierarchy dismantles democracy from within. Four nations reveal the pattern.
by Zack Beauchamp 2024
4.01
166 ratings
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority
by Martin Gurri • 2014
The digital revolution gave the public the power to destroy institutions but not to replace them.
4.19
2k+
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority Summary
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority 91%
The digital revolution gave the public the power to destroy institutions but not to replace them.
by Martin Gurri 2014
4.19
2k+ ratings
Fascism
by Madeleine K. Albright • 2018
Democracies are dismantled one law at a time. The 1930s playbook is back.
4.25
21k+
Fascism Summary
Fascism 91%
Democracies are dismantled one law at a time. The 1930s playbook is back.
by Madeleine K. Albright 2018
4.25
21k+ ratings
End Times
by Peter Turchin • 2023
Ten millennia of data point to two conditions for state collapse. America now meets both.
4.06
3k+
End Times Summary
End Times 91%
Ten millennia of data point to two conditions for state collapse. America now meets both.
by Peter Turchin 2023
4.06
3k+ ratings
Does American Democracy Still Work?
by Alan Wolfe • 2006
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
3.57
21
Does American Democracy Still Work? Summary
Does American Democracy Still Work? 91%
American democracy has morphed into a form that is democratic on paper but illiberal in practice.
by Alan Wolfe 2006
3.57
21 ratings
After the Fall
by Ben Rhodes • 2021
The foreign policy that won the Cold War ended up arming the next generation of dictators.
4.19
5k+
After the Fall Summary
After the Fall 90%
The foreign policy that won the Cold War ended up arming the next generation of dictators.
by Ben Rhodes 2021
4.19
5k+ ratings
The Anatomy of Fascism
by Robert O. Paxton • 2004
A historian maps the path to fascist power: the deals, the power split, and the warning signs.
4.22
6k+
The Anatomy of Fascism Summary
The Anatomy of Fascism 90%
A historian maps the path to fascist power: the deals, the power split, and the warning signs.
by Robert O. Paxton 2004
4.22
6k+ ratings
No Democracy Lasts Forever
by Erwin Chemerinsky • 2024
The document Americans revere was built to thwart popular rule. Now it is breaking the country.
3.93
337
No Democracy Lasts Forever Summary
No Democracy Lasts Forever 90%
The document Americans revere was built to thwart popular rule. Now it is breaking the country.
by Erwin Chemerinsky 2024
3.93
337 ratings
Ill Winds
by Larry Diamond • 2019
Democracy is being dismantled not by tanks but through courts, captured media, and laundered money.
3.99
274
Ill Winds Summary
Ill Winds 90%
Democracy is being dismantled not by tanks but through courts, captured media, and laundered money.
by Larry Diamond 2019
3.99
274 ratings
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies
by Benjamin M. Studebaker • 2024
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
4.60
15
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies Summary
Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies 90%
Democracies survive today not by solving problems but by multiplying stories about why they can't.
by Benjamin M. Studebaker 2024
4.60
15 ratings
Ungoverning
by Nancy L. Rosenblum • 2024
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
3.79
90
Ungoverning Summary
Ungoverning 90%
Shrinking government is one thing. Breaking it on purpose is another.
by Nancy L. Rosenblum 2024
3.79
90 ratings
What Is Populism?
by Jan-Werner Müller • 2014
Forget anti-elite anger. Populism's core is the claim that opponents are not the real people.
3.82
3k+
What Is Populism? Summary
What Is Populism? 90%
Forget anti-elite anger. Populism's core is the claim that opponents are not the real people.
by Jan-Werner Müller 2014
3.82
3k+ ratings
A Lot of People Are Saying
by Russell Muirhead • 2019
Conspiracism changed. It no longer explains, only tears down, and it now occupies the White House.
3.60
784
A Lot of People Are Saying Summary
A Lot of People Are Saying 90%
Conspiracism changed. It no longer explains, only tears down, and it now occupies the White House.
by Russell Muirhead 2019
3.60
784 ratings
Democracy
by Charles Tilly • 2007
Democracy isn't a finish line. Three processes build it; elites can tear them down much faster.
3.64
173
Democracy Summary
Democracy 90%
Democracy isn't a finish line. Three processes build it; elites can tear them down much faster.
by Charles Tilly 2007
3.64
173 ratings
The Rise of the Outsiders
by Steve Richards • 2017
Outsiders took the West with three forces: globalization's losers, immigration fears, media rage.
3.69
150
The Rise of the Outsiders Summary
The Rise of the Outsiders 90%
Outsiders took the West with three forces: globalization's losers, immigration fears, media rage.
by Steve Richards 2017
3.69
150 ratings
After the Fall
by Ben Rhodes • 2022
America's post-Cold War mistakes taught the world's authoritarians how to dismantle democracy.
4.15
157
After the Fall Summary
After the Fall 90%
America's post-Cold War mistakes taught the world's authoritarians how to dismantle democracy.
by Ben Rhodes 2022
4.15
157 ratings
How to Lose a Country
by Ece Temelkuran • 2019
A democracy collapses step by step, and the playbook looks the same from Turkey to the West.
4.04
2k+
How to Lose a Country Summary
How to Lose a Country 90%
A democracy collapses step by step, and the playbook looks the same from Turkey to the West.
by Ece Temelkuran 2019
4.04
2k+ ratings
Fight for Liberty
by Mark Lasswell • 2018
Democracy is besieged by authoritarians abroad. The weakening at home is the harder fight.
3.92
50
Fight for Liberty Summary
Fight for Liberty 90%
Democracy is besieged by authoritarians abroad. The weakening at home is the harder fight.
by Mark Lasswell 2018
3.92
50 ratings
Mortal Republic
by Edward J. Watts • 2018
Rome's republic wasn't conquered. Its own citizens dismantled it, choice by choice, over a century.
4.06
1k+
Mortal Republic Summary
Mortal Republic 90%
Rome's republic wasn't conquered. Its own citizens dismantled it, choice by choice, over a century.
by Edward J. Watts 2018
4.06
1k+ ratings
Aesthetic Theory
by Theodor W. Adorno • 1970
Free isn't removed walls; it's a body, a fact, a road, and solidarity.
4.14
3k+
Aesthetic Theory Summary
Aesthetic Theory 90%
Free isn't removed walls; it's a body, a fact, a road, and solidarity.
by Theodor W. Adorno 1970
4.14
3k+ ratings
Democracy and Solidarity
by James Davison Hunter • 2024
The American experiment was built on a fragile fusion of reason and faith. That fusion has run out.
4.32
122
Democracy and Solidarity Summary
Democracy and Solidarity 90%
The American experiment was built on a fragile fusion of reason and faith. That fusion has run out.
by James Davison Hunter 2024
4.32
122 ratings
On Tyranny
by Timothy Snyder • 2017
What ordinary citizens did wrong last century, and what you can do right this one.
4.29
112k+
On Tyranny Summary
On Tyranny 90%
What ordinary citizens did wrong last century, and what you can do right this one.
by Timothy Snyder 2017
4.29
112k+ ratings
Laboratories of Autocracy
by David Pepper • 2021
How statehouses became the most dangerous threat to American democracy, and why nobody noticed.
4.48
338
Laboratories of Autocracy Summary
Laboratories of Autocracy 90%
How statehouses became the most dangerous threat to American democracy, and why nobody noticed.
by David Pepper 2021
4.48
338 ratings
On Democracy
by Robert A. Dahl • 1998
Democracy is barely a century old, needs rare conditions, and capitalism is its host and hazard.
3.68
1k+
On Democracy Summary
On Democracy 90%
Democracy is barely a century old, needs rare conditions, and capitalism is its host and hazard.
by Robert A. Dahl 1998
3.68
1k+ ratings
How Do You Kill 11 Million People?
by Andy Andrews • 2011
A democracy dies the same way eleven million people did: one lie at a time.
4.06
4k+
How Do You Kill 11 Million People? Summary
How Do You Kill 11 Million People? 90%
A democracy dies the same way eleven million people did: one lie at a time.
by Andy Andrews 2011
4.06
4k+ ratings
The Next Civil War
by Stephen Marche • 2022
One in four Americans support secession. A journalist models the scenarios that could tip the rest.
3.68
2k+
The Next Civil War Summary
The Next Civil War 90%
One in four Americans support secession. A journalist models the scenarios that could tip the rest.
by Stephen Marche 2022
3.68
2k+ ratings
The Death of Democracy
by Benjamin Carter Hett • 2018
Hitler didn't seize power. Conservative elites handed it to him, certain they could control him.
4.26
3k+
The Death of Democracy Summary
The Death of Democracy 90%
Hitler didn't seize power. Conservative elites handed it to him, certain they could control him.
by Benjamin Carter Hett 2018
4.26
3k+ ratings
Giving Up Is Unforgivable
by Joyce Vance • 2025
Spotting the slow dismantling of democracy, and the citizen playbook for stopping it.
4.28
2k+
Giving Up Is Unforgivable Summary
Giving Up Is Unforgivable 90%
Spotting the slow dismantling of democracy, and the citizen playbook for stopping it.
by Joyce Vance 2025
4.28
2k+ ratings
Democracy and Its Critics
by Robert A. Dahl • 1989
Democracy requires conditions that sound simple and are almost never present at the same time.
3.84
316
Democracy and Its Critics Summary
Democracy and Its Critics 90%
Democracy requires conditions that sound simple and are almost never present at the same time.
by Robert A. Dahl 1989
3.84
316 ratings
On Fascism
by Matthew C. Macwilliams • 2020
Forty percent of Americans carry latent authoritarianism, waiting for fear to flip the switch.
3.96
738
On Fascism Summary
On Fascism 90%
Forty percent of Americans carry latent authoritarianism, waiting for fear to flip the switch.
by Matthew C. Macwilliams 2020
3.96
738 ratings
How Tyrants Fall
by Marcel Dirsus • 2024
The trap of power: why most dictators meet exile, prison, or a violent end.
3.92
804
How Tyrants Fall Summary
How Tyrants Fall 90%
The trap of power: why most dictators meet exile, prison, or a violent end.
by Marcel Dirsus 2024
3.92
804 ratings
Tyranny of the Minority
by Steven Levitsky • 2023
The party fewer voters chose governs, and the rulebook was written to let them.
4.39
4k+
Tyranny of the Minority Summary
Tyranny of the Minority 90%
The party fewer voters chose governs, and the rulebook was written to let them.
by Steven Levitsky 2023
4.39
4k+ ratings
The New Leviathans
by John Gray • 2023
Humans kill for meaning, not markets. Liberalism forgot this. The leviathans remembered.
3.42
980
The New Leviathans Summary
The New Leviathans 90%
Humans kill for meaning, not markets. Liberalism forgot this. The leviathans remembered.
by John Gray 2023
3.42
980 ratings
The Demagogue's Playbook
by Eric A. Posner • 2020
The Founders built a republic to keep demagogues out. Two centuries later, the safeguards are gone.
3.79
147
The Demagogue's Playbook Summary
The Demagogue's Playbook 90%
The Founders built a republic to keep demagogues out. Two centuries later, the safeguards are gone.
by Eric A. Posner 2020
3.79
147 ratings
In Mistrust We Trust
by Ivan Krastev • 2013
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
3.96
73
In Mistrust We Trust Summary
In Mistrust We Trust 90%
More rights, more information, less collective power: the paradox at the heart of modern democracy.
by Ivan Krastev 2013
3.96
73 ratings
American Struggle
by Jon Meacham • 2026
Democracy doesn't run on autopilot. The documents that show what happens when Americans forget.
4.20
587
American Struggle Summary
American Struggle 90%
Democracy doesn't run on autopilot. The documents that show what happens when Americans forget.
by Jon Meacham 2026
4.20
587 ratings
Popular Dictatorships
by Aleksandar Matovski • 2022
The ballot box is not a check on authoritarianism but its most powerful source of legitimacy.
3.56
16
Popular Dictatorships Summary
Popular Dictatorships 90%
The ballot box is not a check on authoritarianism but its most powerful source of legitimacy.
by Aleksandar Matovski 2022
3.56
16 ratings
What's the Worst That Could Happen?
by Andrew Leigh • 2021
A one in six chance of extinction this century. The cause is not technology but politics.
3.81
53
What's the Worst That Could Happen? Summary
What's the Worst That Could Happen? 90%
A one in six chance of extinction this century. The cause is not technology but politics.
by Andrew Leigh 2021
3.81
53 ratings
On Freedom
by Timothy Snyder • 2025
America's definition of freedom is broken. Less government has produced not liberty but oligarchy.
4.28
5k+
On Freedom Summary
On Freedom 90%
America's definition of freedom is broken. Less government has produced not liberty but oligarchy.
by Timothy Snyder 2025
4.28
5k+ ratings
Democracy in America?
by Benjamin I. Page • 2017
What most Americans want passes one time in three. The explanation isn't gridlock. It's wealth.
3.78
54
Democracy in America? Summary
Democracy in America? 90%
What most Americans want passes one time in three. The explanation isn't gridlock. It's wealth.
by Benjamin I. Page 2017
3.78
54 ratings
The Good State
by A.C. Grayling • 2020
Most democracies fail their own test: the government reflects a minority, not the people.
3.81
130
The Good State Summary
The Good State 90%
Most democracies fail their own test: the government reflects a minority, not the people.
by A.C. Grayling 2020
3.81
130 ratings
Open Democracy
by Hélène Landemore • 2020
Elections hand power to the few. A design for ordinary citizens to actually rule.
4.09
109
Open Democracy Summary
Open Democracy 90%
Elections hand power to the few. A design for ordinary citizens to actually rule.
by Hélène Landemore 2020
4.09
109 ratings
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy
by William G. Howell • 2020
The Constitution was designed for inaction; that structural flaw now fuels populist demagogues.
3.87
82
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy Summary
Presidents, Populism, and the Crisis of Democracy 90%
The Constitution was designed for inaction; that structural flaw now fuels populist demagogues.
by William G. Howell 2020
3.87
82 ratings
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