Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Forge a Democracy for All

In their follow-up to How Democracies Die, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent new framework for understanding the dangerous times we live in. They warn of right-wing efforts to undermine the American political system and call for a reform of politics to balance majority rule with minority protections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The eagerly awaited sequel to the international bestseller How Democracies Die – an essential read for the 2024 US election – delves into the profound threats facing democracy and presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the perilous times we inhabit. Written with the clarity and brilliance that propelled their previous work to global bestseller status, renowned Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent and compelling exploration of the challenges facing democracy.

Drawing from a wealth of historical examples, ranging from the Capitol riots to Edwardian Britain, 1930s France, and contemporary Thailand, Levitsky and Ziblatt elucidate the mechanisms through which political parties deviate from democratic principles and the indicators that signal the impending decline of democracy. In particular, they provide a timely warning about right-wing efforts to undermine the foundations of the American political system. Multiracial democracy, a rare achievement in societies, holds the potential to provoke an authoritarian backlash whose consequences will echo far into the future. The remarkable lead of Donald Trump in the run-up to the Republican nomination, even after his indictment and imprisonment on charges of election interference, serves as a stark testament to this risk.

Tyranny of the Minority is a vital and indispensable read for anyone who desires a more vibrant and resilient democracy. It delves into a range of factors, including election losses, demographic change, and voting rights, and advocates for a reform of politics that balances the need for majority rule with the protection of minority rights. The book also calls for a citizens movement to exert sufficient pressure on lawmakers to act before it is too late. By examining these critical issues, Tyranny of the Minority offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for preserving and revitalizing democracy in the face of mounting challenges.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 222 x 144 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241586204