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Feb 13, 2018lynelliot rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Compelling and persuasive argument about the gradual ways that democracies weaken and slide into autocracy (as opposed to suddenly, in violent coups), first using examples from countries all over the world, and then the U.S. Shows how the "soft guardrails" of American democracy--mutual toleration and institutional forbearance--have both functioned and broken down at different points over the entire history of the U.S., and gives a clear account of the warning signs of autocratic slide in the U.S. over the last 25 years. Details the alarming ways in which Donald Trump exhibits key indicators of authoritarian behavior. Also maps out some possible futures for the country, and a (hard) path for fortifying democracy in the U.S. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of the fragility of democracy in general, and of the dangers that the U.S. democratic system is currently facing in particular.