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 are student blog posts written by student participants in the Democratic Erosion Course. These posts were not written by nor represent the views of the Democratic Erosion Consortium.

The Reaction to Trump’s Barring of Various News Channels from the White House

On September 18th, 2026, President Donald Trump posted online to the platform Truth Social stating that he would be “banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW,… and Politico… from the White House as a result of their constant “reporting” fake news!” (BBC). Following this post,...

Tunisia’s Democracy Did Not Disappear Overnight

In Tunisia, democracy did not end with a military coup or a cancelled election. It gradually became weaker. The president used emergency powers, presidential orders and constitutional changes. Critics also faced more pressure. Tunisia used to be called the biggest...

The Tragedy of Venezuela: The Collapse of the Economy and Democracy Caused by Populism Addiction and the Destruction of Liberty

Economic Crisis, Public Misjudgment, and Institutional Destruction Historically, when a national economy faces a serious crisis, the citizens often choose populist slogans for the reason of overcoming the crisis, making a critical mistake to voluntarily destroy the...

Control Over Media Narratives and Global Support for Ukraine

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

Control Over Media Narratives and Global Support for Ukraine The Russian Ukrainian Conflict is a prime example of the modern decline in democracy globally, though not in the...

When Discretion Replaces Equality: How Immigration Enforcement Threatens Democracy

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

When Discretion Replaces Equality: How Immigration Enforcement Threatens Democracy A democracy cannot survive if the law is enforced differently depending on who you are....

Democratic Backsliding in Hungary

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Since the founding of the European Union in 1993, the institution’s focus has centered around the principles of a full, representative democracy. Member states of the EU are required to maintain a...

The Erosion of the Democratic Facade

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

The ratification of the Charter of the United Nations in 1945 ushered in a new era of international relations, worldwide cooperation, and the international prioritization of democracy. The United...

The Consequences of Populism: Evo Morales and the 2019 Bolivian Crisis

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Bolivia is often overshadowed by its neighboring countries– Brazil to the east, Chile to the west, and Argentina to the south. Similar to these countries, Bolivia transitioned its government from a...

Marijuana Decriminalization as a Method of Democratization

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

On October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden announced a mass presidential pardon of all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. In his statement, he emphasized the importance of doing so...

Colorado Election Mistake Fuels Election Lies and Emboldens Populist Ideology

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Colorado's secretary of state sent 30,000 non-citizens postcards that encouraged them to register to vote. Shortly after, the secretary of state's office released a statement saying it was a mistake...

How the Issue of Crime Has Reshaped the 2022 Midterm Elections

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

How the Issue of Crime has Reshaped the 2022 Midterm Elections As the Midterm Elections rapidly approach, a number of policy issues have taken the forefront of political debate such as...

The Migrant Crisis in New York: Why Populism Brought Us to Such a Partisan Divide

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Earlier this month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in his city due to the massive influx of migrants arriving by bus. As a result, New York City is currently facing...

Political Polarization and Economic Inequality: How the United States is Democratically Eroding

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

An analysis of American democratic erosion is conducted leveraging findings from political science professors Sheri Berman and Ozan Varol. Particular attention is paid to the populist Trump...

Democratic Backsliding in the Massachusetts State House

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

As we well know, democracy is not a stable thing. It is fragile and easily threatened, yet idealized and strived for all around the world. In one moment it can be strong as ever, and in the next, it...