Steven Levitsky is an American political scientist and professor of government at Harvard University, known for his research and writings on Latin American politics, democratic breakdowns, and authoritarian regimes. Born on January 17, 1968, Levitsky has a focus on comparative politics, and he has penned a range of articles and books on political parties, authoritarianism, and democratization, with a particular emphasis on Latin America. One of Levitsky's most notable works is the book "How Democracies Die," co-authored with Daniel Ziblatt. The book, published in 2018, examines the breakdown of democracies around the world, arguing that the erosion of democratic norms and institutions often leads to the decline of democracy without a violent coup or obvious constitutional breach. Levitsky's work has been significant in the fields of political science and international relations, as he delves into the subtle and incremental ways in which democracies can backslide into authoritarianism.