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.

First 100 Days, More Like First 100 Hours: How Trump’s First 100 Days Played Out Against Trump’s Second 100 Hours

Indiana Senator Jim Banks, a staunch Trump ally, predicted that President Trump’s return to power would be characterized by “shock and awe.” In many ways, the events of President Trump’s first 100 hours in office during his second term have lived up to that promise....

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...

Loper Bright: How SCOTUS Undermined Democracy While America Looked The Other Way

Oct 10, 2024 | Brown University

For nearly a decade, much of the American public’s attention has been devoted to whether or not Donald Trump hopes to destroy American democracy. Opponents speak his...

Sheinbaum’s Folly: How a Weak State Undermines Mexico’s Democracy

Oct 10, 2024 | Brown University

Draped in the green, white and red of the Presidential Sash, Claudia Sheinbaum, 62, delivered her inaugural speech as Mexico’s 66th President. “We are a free,...

Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill is a Pipeline to the Radical Right

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis assumed office in early 2019 and has quickly come to dominant both state and national level politics. From his harsh resistance to COVID-19 restrictions to his blatant...

Hungarian Democracy: The Gradual Decline of Democratic Norms

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

On April 3rd, 2022, Hungary held elections for the National Assembly and for the prime minister. The nation’s incumbent leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, declared victory1. Widely seen as a...

The Conservative Political Action Conference Threatens Liberal Democracy

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

The annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was held in Orlando, Florida on February 24th through February 27th, 2022. CPAC is one of the largest and most influential conventions for...

To Fund or Not to Fund? Police Rhetoric and Democratic Backsliding

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

Perceptions on crime rates among American citizens radically differ from the truth of the matter.[i] Who is to blame for this widespread misinformation? The very people Americans hire to reduce the...

Extremism Is a Global Threat: Here is Why

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

“How far right extremism is becoming a global threat” published by The Economist details the ways in which radicalization has infected numerous places around the world—such as the United States,...

Social Media: The Digital Echo Chamber That Is Eroding Democracy

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

Social media has successfully accomplished its goal of making connections and spreading ideas and information. Billions of users across the globe partake in social media daily, with multiple...

The Impact of Racial Reparations on Perceived Status Threat of the White American

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

Racial Reparations aim to close the wealth gap between minorities and the rest of the population, that stems from slavery and the systematic injustices that followed. However, many European...

“The Republicans Try for a Hail Mary Pass”

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

The Republican’s have run out of options. They have successfully obstructed any hopes of a Democratic appointment to the Supreme Court since Obama’s final term. It was 2016 when Mitch McConell took...

The Ongoing Effects and Investigation of the January 6th Attack on the Capitol, and Trump’s Inability to Claim Accountability

Apr 4, 2022 | Rollins College

Trump has become an infamous populist regarding his actions in office, and those thereafter since he lost the 2020 election. After the riot at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, an investigation has...