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...

Unions and Their Importance in the 2024 U.S. Election

Oct 8, 2024 | Ohio State University

It was inspiring to see a group of people come together to learn more about unions and the important role they play in the United States. Ohio State College Democrats hosted...

How Did We Get Here? A Look at How Immigration Has Accelerated Populism in the Netherlands

Sep 17, 2024 | University of Denver

How did we get here? This is a question that many across Europe might be asking themselves when looking at the current health of their democracy. The Netherlands is no...

The Far Right and Democratic Erosion

Mar 17, 2022 | University of Georgia

Although the far right has always had a presence in American politics, especially due to the fact that American politics is slanted so far to the right, in recent years, it has become a more...

An Argument for Compulsory Voting

Mar 16, 2022 | University of Georgia

Voting has been considered a sacred practice for centuries. As one of the main pillars of a democratic society, perhaps the best way to do this in a democratic system is to vote in elections. And...

Private Arbiters of Public Discourse: Facebook, MSI, and the Political Power of the Algorithm

Mar 16, 2022 | Brown University

In the digital age, it is plausible that a minor tweak in an algorithm could erode democracy as successfully as a charismatic demagogue. Juggernaut tech corporations have monopolized the markets of...

How India Turned Away from Democracy

Mar 16, 2022 | University of Georgia

In 1947, India became independent from British imperialist rule. It became a democracy with a parliamentary system and a liberal, far-reaching constitution. Hundreds of millions of people are...

America’s Revision to False Democracy: The Impact of the Judicial System’s Reversal from Protecting the Right to Vote

Mar 16, 2022 | University of Georgia

America is seen as a beacon of democracy around the world and the right to vote is one of the key principles of democracy. Having free and fair elections is one of the most important pillars of...

Canada in Crisis…Or Not: Trudeau, Emergency Powers, and the Freedom Convoy

Mar 15, 2022 | Brown University

Through the first two months of 2022, Canada has been in the midst of one of the most unforeseen political stories to emerge in years, a Vaccine mandate protest which has grown so confrontational in...

The United States, Mexico, and Unfolding Democratic Ideals

Mar 15, 2022 | University of Georgia

The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has taken several actions that raise concern over United States – Mexico relations as well as the state of democracy in Mexico....

The Destruction of Global Democracy: Why Nation-States Are Fundamentally Undemocratic

Mar 15, 2022 | Brown University

The current state of global democracy is in shambles. Liberal democratic institutions are in decline and the erosion of global democracy in recent years has only accelerated. As such, the liberal...

The Fall of the Dozhd TV: The Last Independent TV News Channel in Russia

Mar 14, 2022 | Brown University

On March 3rd, 2022, in the midst of the Russian invasion into Ukraine, the only independent TV news channel in Russia, Dozhd TV (also known as TV Rain), stopped broadcasting. Its editor-in-chief...