The United States faces extraordinary problems in terms of polarization, extremism, and radicalization which make it difficult to safeguard our democracy. There are many afflictions about which observers should worry: voter suppression, unfair institutions, dysfunctional governance, a toxic information ecosystem, a rise in societal tensions, and the possibility of legal coups.

It is time to step back from this dangerous precipice and discuss why these developments represent such serious threats to American democracy. As power politics and authoritarianism gain strength, there are no guarantees facts will triumph over falsehoods and reason will dominate over emotion. Drawing on his personal experiences in the D.C. policy world, West offers advice for dealing with this high-risk situation and protecting people, organizations, and the country as a whole from the challenges that permeate the current environment.