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.

There’s no Greater Riches than (Extended Political) Families: Filipinos’ Pakikisama and the Perpetuation of Political Dynasties in the Philippines

Filipinos place utmost importance on their families, the foundation of our nation. Hence, despite not having a working party system, the Philippines have perdurable political dynasties, turning Philippine politics into a sempiternal family affair.

The Guest List of Autocracy: Why Authoritarian Leaders Line Up for a Piece of Russia’s History

  In recent years, each 9th of May, Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport welcomes very specific types of guests. Not tourists—but presidents, prime ministers and other notable guests from across the post-Soviet space and beyond. They plan to wholeheartedly join the...

Politics and Populism Brazil: Increasing Polarization

Populism has played an important role in the shaping of Brazilian politics over the past century. An approach that pits "the people" against "the elite," populism thrives under conditions of economic uncertainty, political distrust, and social inequality, which have...