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.

History Repeats: Why Strong Global Defense is Key to Preventing Autocracy

A strong and consistent global defense by democratic nations is crucial to preventing the rise of autocratic regimes, as history shows—from the Cold War doctrines to the failed democratization of Afghanistan—that without committed follow-through and structural reform, authoritarian forces will exploit weaknesses and reclaim power.

Women in Political Dynasties: The Illusion of Choice and Democratic Erosion in the Philippines

Political dynasties have long controlled Philippine politics, with powerful families passing down leadership positions across generations. Despite the imposition of term limits discouraging dynastic rule, these families have found their way around the constitutional...

From Stardom to Senate: The Alarming Trend of Celebrity Politics in the Philippines

The intersection of celebrity and politics in the Philippines is nothing new. The phenomenon of celebrity politicians—actors, athletes, and other public figures who go from the big screen or stage to the corridors of power—has become a defining aspect of the country's...

Abortion Rights Are Fundamental to Democracy. Why Do Democracies Ban It?

Oct 9, 2024 | Brown University

In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, concluding that the U.S. Constitution does not provide federal protections for a woman’s right to choose. But in...

The Threat of JD Vance’s Populism to the Future of America

Oct 9, 2024 | Brown University

JD Vance has been called many things by many people since he was announced as Donald Trump’s Vice Presidential running mate three months ago. He is conservative and...

Regeme Type’s Effect on Human Rights, Especially Among Queer People

Apr 19, 2022 | University of Georgia

LGBT people have long been an extremely oppressed group in places all over the world. While many nations in the global north currently have stopped criminalizing the existence of queer people, and...

Partisan Divides Obstruct Justice Jackson’s Path to the Supreme Court

Apr 18, 2022 | Rollins College

Portrait of Ketanji Brown Jackson. On July 29, 1994, Justice Stephan Breyer was confirmed to the US Supreme court with an 87-to-9 vote. Nominated by former President Bill Clinton, Justice...

Corruption and Vested Interests: What No One is Saying About Ukraine

Apr 17, 2022 | University of Georgia

The war in Ukraine has awakened international cooperation unlike any event since World War II, as international organizations and states have come together to sanction Russia’s invasion. These...

Partisan Ingroup vs. Outgroup Tensions Boil Over

Apr 11, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

Ingroup vs. Outgroup Background Conflict has been stirred up in the United States for several years now. The political parties have an omnipresent hold on American life and real people are fighting...

Decline of Italian Democracy at the Hands of Matteo Salvini

Apr 8, 2022 | Rollins College

The extreme-right party, Lega Nord has gained popularity over the last 10 years and Matteo Salvini is responsible for it. Salvini now is the leader of Lega per Salvini Premier, shortened to Lega. He...

Has Peruvian Democracy Gone Off The Rails?

Apr 5, 2022 | Rollins College

Since the year 2000, Peru has had the longest period of democracy in the country's history. As a Latin American nation, the South American country struggled to achieve a stable democracy for years....

The Impact of Immigration on Democracy

Apr 5, 2022 | Rollins College

The Impact of Immigration on American Democracy: Immigration, a major determinant of political decision As of 2018, the United States was found to be the country with the most immigrants in the...

Has Florida Gone Down the Rainbow Road of Authoritarianism?

Apr 5, 2022 | Rollins College

Photo courtesy of Daniel James, unspash.com In an Op-Ed published on April 1, Michelle Goldberg writes about the ongoing fight between Disney and the Right over the recent passage of Florida’s H.B....

“Point Out Voters’ Frustrations:” The Downfall of True Political Discussion

Apr 5, 2022 | Rollins College

Scott Menchin The New York Times article “Can Republicans Win by Just Saying No?” by Blake Hounshell and Leah Askarinam examines the strategies contemporary politicians act upon to effectively...