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.

These blogs reflect the views of the student authors, and not those of the Democratic Erosion Consortium.

Civil Society vs. Populism: Israel’s Fight Over Democracy

“Democracy can collapse in silence, but in Israel it spilled into the streets.” On July 24, 2023, the Knesset passed what became known as the “reasonableness law,” eliminating the Supreme Court’s ability to strike down government actions on the grounds of...

Can Poland Rebuild Its Democratic Institutions Without Breaking Them Further?

Poland’s 2023 election was noted as a critical turning point. After eight years, the Law and Justice Party (PiS), a coalition led by Donald Tusk gained enough seats to attempt a democratic course correction. For many Poles, and outside watchers, the outcome of this...

Daniel Ortega, and his Patient, Lifelong Quest for Unchecked Power in Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s experience with true, liberal democracy is limited. Their battle to end United States backed regimes went well into the 1970s. Free, fair, competitive elections were not seen until 1990. However, this success was temporary, as Nicaragua’s liberal democracy...

Clear Democratic Erosion in South Korea: How the Presidency of Yoon Suk-yeol is Undermining Democracy

Nov 4, 2024 | Ohio State University

"송도동, Incheon, South Korea"/ CC0 1.0 Democratic erosion can be defined as the gradual weakening of democratic institutions in a particular country or region through the...

A Saving Grace or Simply Smoke and Mirrors? How Rafael Correa’s 2008 Constitution Deceived the People of Ecuador

Nov 4, 2024 | Ohio State University

The people of Ecuador were facing chronic turnover in government leading to loss of morale, stability, and hope. That had experienced years of dissatisfaction in government....

Biden and Rising Gas Prices

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

Over the past 2 months, gas prices have spiked to above $4 a gallon, a far cry from the sub $2 gas prices of the COVID pandemic. Americans are facing massive problems at the pump as their household...

Two Sides: An Opinion

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

One day in seventh grade homeroom, I was handed a sheet of paper from my teacher. I saw three checkboxes followed by three words. In the moment, I didn't really care about what was happening and...

The United States Must Be Cautious of China’s Influence on the World Stage

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

Over the course of recent world history, few countries have grown quite like China, from an economic, influential and a geopolitical standpoint. However, such a change does not happen overnight....

Is U.S. Democracy Under a State of Attack?

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

U.S. democracy is very clearly in a state of crisis. An NPR poll found that “64% of Americans believe U.S democracy is in crisis and at risk of failing.” These negative feelings about the future of...

Marine Le Pen’s Loss in France Is a Victory over Populism, For Now

Apr 24, 2022 | Boston University

Last week’s presidential election in France saw Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen advance to a run-off, with neither candidate achieving the 50% majority needed to win decisively. Incumbent Macron...

Face-off in the Magic Kingdom: Ron DeSantis vs Mickey Mouse

Apr 24, 2022 | Boston University

Last month in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis passed the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, otherwise known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents. The bill prohibits “non-age appropriate”...

Biden’s Oil Reserve Plan Does Not Bode for the Environment

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, oil and gasoline prices skyrocketed to ludicrous amounts of money, with a barrel of oil costing around $100 per barrel and gasoline prices slowly creeping up past...

Fox News Helped Sensationalize CRT

Apr 23, 2022 | Boston University

In the face of white backlash following the 2020 protests, Fox News' persuasive and broad reach helped Republican party leaders and elected officials mobilize conservative parents and organizations...

Marine Le Pen and the Far Right Threat to Democracy

Apr 23, 2022 | Boston University

On April 10th, 2022, France held the first round of its presidential elections with a surprising result. Emmanuel Macron, the current president of France, emerged in the lead with 27.8% of the...