Democratic Erosion University Course Student Blog

Students enrolled in our course are encouraged to write for the course blog, and to read and comment on posts from students at other participating universities. The blog offers students the opportunity to analyze current events through the lens of the theory and case studies they engage with through the course.

Public Opinion, Polarization, and Pushback on the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte

With months ahead of impeachment trial of Sara Duterte in the Philippine Senate, we can expect more political theatrics to unfold and try to win over public opinion.

Forced Conscription in Eritrea: No Opportunities for the Youth of Eritrea

Eritrea’s forced conscription into national service has resulted in a struggling education sector and thousands of people fleeing the country.

The Politics of Shame: How Bobotante Narrative Poses Threats to Philippine Democracy

In democratic countries, elections are seen as a great equalizer for each individual, as they are entitled to free expression, regardless of their background. However, this is not the case in the Philippines, as the 2022 election has turned into a battlefield of shame...

Growing Rifts, Breaking Ties: Marcos v. Duterte as an Institutional Crisis in the Philippines

May 15, 2025 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

“Oh, how the mighty have fallen!” In the span of months, the Dutertes came from having strong positions in Philippine society and government to the verge of collapse. The...

Authoritarianism in Singapore: Challenging Narratives of a Benevolent British Empire

May 14, 2025 | James Madison University

Britons are feeling nostalgic for empire. In response to a 2019 YouGov survey asking Britons to indicate whether countries that were formerly colonized by Britain were...

You Can’t Sit with Us: The Practice of Democratic Gatekeeping and How It Has Saved Democracies

May 9, 2025 | Tulane University

At the 11th hour of the 2024 election many Republican politicians and members of congress took a stance against Republican candidate, Donald Trump. Through the “Republicans for Harris” tagline, they...

The Erosion of an Already Weak Democracy: The Rise and Fall of Jovenel Moïse

May 8, 2025 | Tulane University

Jovenel Moïse's presidency marked a dangerous shift from Haiti's already shaky democracy to overt authoritarianism. Delayed elections, unchecked abuse of executive power, and violent suppression of...

Undermining the Feedback Loop: How Trump’s Educational Policies Hinder Democratic Accountability

May 7, 2025 | Tulane University

In a larger trend of censoring opinions which the Trump administration views as undesirable, the Trump administration’s actions towards schools and universities has a negative impact on democracy as...

Democracy Six Feet Under: How Disinformation is Burying Philippine Democracy Alive

May 7, 2025 | Featured, University of the Philippines, Diliman

Philippine democracy is in great danger once again now that the two families who benefited the most from disinformation – the Marcoses and Dutertes, are in power and have turned against one another....

MAGA Meritocracy and Populist Ironies: Eroding Democracy from Within?

May 6, 2025 | Tulane University

The MAGA movement’s embrace of “meritocracy,” often wielded against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reveals a profound and damaging contradiction at the heart of its populist...

Redefining the West: How JD Vance’s Speech in Munich became a Turning Point in Transatlantic Politics

May 6, 2025 | Tartu University

On February 14, 2025, JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, addressed the Munich Security Conference. This conference is one of the world’s most important forums on international...

How to Control What You Cannot Have: China’s Strategic Use of Disinformation to Undermine Taiwanese Democracy

May 6, 2025 | Featured, Tulane University

We understand democratic erosion as democratically elected leaders eroding the mechanisms of fair democracy after entering office. What happens when the threat is external? As the percentage of...

Still Waiting in Line: How Emotional Disconnection and Democratic Erosion Shaped the 2024 Election.

May 5, 2025 | Tulane University

The most dangerous threat to democracy is a story that convinces people they no longer need it. By weaponizing grievances, channeling emotional disconnection, and positioning himself as the only one...

Trash-talking democracy to remain in power: Costa Rica’s changing political landscape

May 5, 2025 | Tulane University

The election of populist President Rodrigo Chaves in 2022 has called into question Costa Rica’s reputation for democratic stability and peaceful tradition. As reflected in recent events, the group...