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.

Donald Trump the Nazi Reincarnate?: Godwin’s Law and How This Phenomenon is Counterproductive to Understanding Democratic Erosion

What do we hope to accomplish when comparing President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, a tyrannical perpetrator of genocide?

The Russia-Ukraine War Bodes Poorly for Democracy, But Not in the Way You Think

The Russia-Ukraine War is a serious threat to global democracy through the growing wave of isolationism in the United States, an entity that has typically been at the forefront of fighting authoritarianism across the world.

The Trump Administration’s Attack on USAID

The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, increase concerns about democratic backsliding as it could result in a trend with the executive undermining institutional legitimacy.

How a Third Wave of Autocratization Has Impacted Montenegro

Nov 9, 2023 | Salem State University

On October 30th, the Montenegrin parliament voted for a new government after months of political tension. This tension started in June when “Europe Now”, a centrist party...

Democracy in the United Kingdom: Resilient or a Recipe for Erosion?

Nov 5, 2023 | Arizona State University

As an entrenched democracy with widespread and relatively open political and social institutions, the United Kingdom might not immediately come to mind for a state that is...

What Does Taiwan’s Future Look Like After What Has Happened in Hong Kong?

Nov 28, 2021 | Suffolk University

Analysis of both quantitative data (V-Dem scores and survey results) and qualitative data (interviews conducted with a translator* who works in the government) show worrying trends of democratic...

Latinx Voters Disadvantages in the United States

Nov 28, 2021 | University of Utah

The Latinx political participation in the United States is relatively low. However, Latinx political participation is higher in their countries of origin. Therefore, why aren't Latinx becoming...

Be Careful What You Wish For, Montenegro: How Choosing the Lesser of Two Evils Damages a Democracy

Nov 28, 2021 | Suffolk University

Montenegro is epitomizing the cliches “be careful what you wish for” and "the lesser of two evils". After 30 years, the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) lost its majority and a coalition of...

Media Restrictions in an Increasingly Divided Poland

Nov 28, 2021 | Salem State University

As the Polish government cracks down on foreign media influence, critics question if it is simply an attempt to silence divergent opinions. On August 11th, Poland’s lower house approved a bill...

Ortega’s Reelection Signals Shift Towards Autocracy in Nicaragua

Nov 28, 2021 | Suffolk University

Daniel Ortega once liberated the Nicaraguan people from dictatorial rule. Now, he leads them towards autocracy. The result of Nicaragua’s presidential election was sealed months before election day...

Is the Instability Created by Presidential and Political Corruption Leading Honduras Towards an Autocracy?

Nov 26, 2021 | Suffolk University

Back in 1982, when Honduras worked to pass their twelfth and most democratic constitution, Hondurans had hope for the potential of their democracy and government. They were optimistic about the...

Poland’s Eroding Democracy and the European Parliament

Nov 25, 2021 | University of Georgia

A trend that has become increasingly more noticeable over the past several years is the democratic erosion of Eastern European institutions, which is seen clearly in countries such as Belarus,...

The Real Terrorist Threat Isn’t Who We Think It Is

Nov 24, 2021 | University of Utah

Italian Democracy: The Blueprint for Trumpism, I mean Populism…

Nov 23, 2021 | Georgia State University

Democracy can be hard sometimes. The Us Vs. Them divide deepens in democracies around the world with every populist that finds a way to magnify their voice. How did we get here? Your bran likely...