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.

How far is too far for South Korea’s presidential pardons?

South Korea’s presidential pardons raise questions on accountability, especially in the aftermath of Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law.

How tolerating and encouraging violence fuels democratic backsliding in Georgia

During the past demonstrations, the ruling party of Georgia – Georgian Dream – made violence their primary weapon in overcoming protest. This blog emphasizes how violence used by the state implies democratic backsliding in light of the theoretical framework by Levistsky and Ziblatt.

Repression on Repeat: From Kyiv to Minsk to Tbilisi

Repression on Repeat: From Kyiv to Minsk to Tbilisi Last October, parliamentary elections were held in Georgia. Many considered them as important as a referendum because Georgian citizens were asked to choose between the ruling Georgian Dream, a Euroskeptic...

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: How Does This Affect Democracy?

Feb 14, 2025 | Boston University

Now more than ever we can see that our “democracy,” initiatives and plans are under siege and fire. Currently, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives are under...

Notes On A Post-DOGE America

Feb 14, 2025 | Boston University

The last few weeks of American governance have come as a massive surprise to vast swathes of the American public. Among the various events that have rocked the American...

Calling for Local Engagement: The Ohio Democratic Party Phone Bank

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

For the last two weeks, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have volunteered for the Ohio Democratic Party’s phone bank, speaking with local candidates across the state and interacting with potential...

Rallying for Democracy: Ohio’s 2024 Senate Race

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

I was eager to attend the rally in Columbus, Ohio, where Senator Sherrod Brown and his Republican opponent, Bernie Moreno, looked to mobilize voters on the first day of early voting for the 2024...

Polarization is Here, and You Can Find It on Your College Campus

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Signs of polarization are everywhere, including in your classroom and student organizations. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of Ohio State University’s College Democrats...

A Local Stage For Big Issues

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Ohio’s state government is one of the most radically and staunch conservative enclaves in the United States. Yet their constituents do not quite align with this message and stance. Over the past 10...

College Democrats Meeting and Democratic Erosion: A Reflection

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Attending a recent College Democrats of America meeting at Ohio State University was an opportunity to not only reflect on various aspects of democratic erosion within contemporary U.S. politics but...

Are We Losing our Sense of National Pride? Vivek Ramaswamy Seems to Think So

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former candidate for the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential nomination, strongly believes in putting America first in almost every scenario. I recently had the opportunity to...

Local Governments Still Embody What it Truly Means to be Democratic

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

As Americans who value democracy, we frequently want to be able to directly sit down with our representatives and voice our opinions and be able to have civil discussion on the actions we should...

Redrawing Our Future: Issue One and the End of Gerrymandering in Ohio

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Issue One will be on the ballot this November for Ohioans. I spoke to Catey Wolfe, the Campaign Manager for Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, about the importance of ending partisan...

Columbus City Council: How Local Government Hits Home

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Turns out it's not impossible for politicians to agree on some things. Or at least that's what the Columbus City Council would have you believe. Maybe it's just a local politics thing. City...