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...

How Nationalism Saves Democracy

Oct 9, 2024 | Brown University

It is in the comforting sound of your mother tongue, the aroma of a home-cooked traditional meal, shared celebrations, and the beauty of our architecture that we find an...

La Ultraderecha: Is Spain’s Vox an Example of Right-Wing Populism?

Oct 9, 2024 | Brown University

On December 17, 2013, Santiago Abascal established the Spanish political organization Vox, which the New York Times describes as “nationalism at its finest” (Source). The...

The Post-War Dream of Iraqi Democracy

Mar 26, 2022 | University of Georgia

War, destruction, suppression, and revolution at the crossroads of the Old World; a vicious cycle of instability that has crushed Middle Eastern hopes for truly democratic institutions. Time and...

2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine: How Russia Uses Conflict to Dissolve Democracies

Mar 26, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

As of February 21 2022, Russia has once again invaded and occupied areas in sovereign Ukraine. What is known thus far about this particular invasion is that it occurred after Russia recognized...

Democracy in Haiti Is in Freefall: Will It Ever Stop?

Mar 25, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

In July 2021 Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated. Prior to his death, there were various protests and riots calling for him to step down because of his corrupt regime and his refusal...

A Tale of Two Internets

Mar 25, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

While former President Donald Trump’s new social media network, Truth Social, may end up becoming a “Big Failure” rather than the “Big Tent” it set out to be, alternate social media platforms for...

Why Russia’s Ukraine Invasion Is a Threat to Global Democracy

Mar 25, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has begun a military crisis in Europe, however, the crisis extends far beyond Ukraine's borders. Global democracy has been at risk for several years and Putin's...

Stealth Authoritarianism in China, and What it Means for the Rest of the World

Mar 24, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

In 1982 term limits were imposed on the office of the President of China. They were created by Deng Xiaoping (then president of China) to prevent another Mao-style autocrat from coming...

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and the Decrease in Right-wing Populist Support for Putin

Mar 24, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

On the morning of February 24, Putin ordered a “special military operation” under the guise of demilitarizing, denazifying, and democratizing Ukraine. This came after weeks of stationing hundreds of...

January 6th, An Attempted Executive Coup

Mar 24, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

January 6th, 2021 is a day that Americans will not soon forget. The United States experienced an attack on its democracy as violent protestors stormed the Capitol, spurred by an unfounded belief...

Big Tech Involvement in Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The Dangerous Precedent it May Set

Mar 23, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

With the Russian Invasion of Ukraine taking place this past week, Putin has triggered the greatest military crisis on the European continent since the Cold War. Over this time the global stage has...