Democracies can die with coup d'etat - or can die slowly. This happens most deceptively when in piecemeal fashion, with the election of an authoritarian leader, the abuse of governmental power and the complete repression of opposition. All three steps are being taken around the world - not least with the election of Donald Trump - and we must all understand how we can stop them.

In this book, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt draw insightful lessons from across history to shine a light on regime breakdown across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. They present an alarming analysis of how democracies is being subverted today and a guide for maintaining and repairing a threatened democracy, for governments, political parties and individuals.

History doesn't repeat itself. But can we protect our democracy by learning its lessons, before it's too late.