Democracy’s Last Line of Defense: Why Ordinary Citizens Matter Most

When democracy is in danger, it’s tempting to look for heroes—a Lincoln, a Mandela, a Churchill. But Levitsky and Ziblatt remind us that the real saviors of democracy are often the people themselves. Across history, broad alliances of citizens—sometimes from rival parties—have united to reject extremism and defend democratic norms.

Grassroots action is powerful. Peaceful protests, civic education, and simple acts of kindness can rebuild trust and restore the unwritten rules that keep democracy alive. The process isn’t easy or quick, but it is possible. The future of democracy depends on ordinary people refusing to give up on each other, and on the system that allows us all to have a voice. The next chapter is ours to write. 1 4