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.

The 2023 Elections in Zimbabwe and Growing Authoritarianism

Oct 30, 2023 | Salem State University

The August 2023 presidential election in Zimbabwe resulted in the reelection of the current ZANU-PF President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. This will be his second and final...

How the Belt and Road Initiative is Spreading Authoritarianism

Oct 30, 2023 | Salem State University

By Luciano Hoxhaj In 2013, President Xi Jinping of China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a project that has seen the development of Chinese physical and...

#EndSARS LEKKI Memorial: Amidst Tribute to the Victims of the Lekki Shooting, the #EndSARS Movement Raises Heated Discussions

Oct 24, 2021 | Suffolk University

On October 20th 2021 , a year after the Army fired at #EndSARS protesters , hundreds of young Nigerians gathered to honor the memory of the victims. Meanwhile, others addressed the challenges faced...

From the Harbor to Honduras: Can Boston’s Revolutionary Spirit Help Reshape the U.S.’ Relationship With Central America?

Oct 24, 2021 | Suffolk University

A Meeting between Boston’s Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) highlights how American policy fails Central America, and why...

An Attack on Democracy: Julian Assange’s Persecution by the United States

Oct 24, 2021 | Suffolk University

No matter where Julian Assange travels to, he will continue to be considered one of the greatest targets of the United States government. The Wikileaks creator has found refuge in countries across...

Party Affiliation vs. The Covid Vaccine

Oct 24, 2021 | Suffolk University

On August 18th 2021 the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American democracy hosted an event titled Vaccine Hesitancy: The Politics of Public Health in Tennessee. The Panel included...

The Iron Dome: US-Israel Relations & Funding

Oct 24, 2021 | Suffolk University

In 2005 The Iron Dome was created as a mobile air missile system in Israel with support from the US. When the US first wanted a military defense the US said that they should instead buy Patriot...

Unpacking Redistricting: Are Majority-Minority Districts Really What They’re Cracked up To Be?

Oct 24, 2021 | Suffolk University

Recently, I attended a hearing held by the Massachusetts legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Redistricting where the newly drawn legislative districts were unveiled. Massachusetts, the...

Lack of Government Transparency During a Public Health Crisis

Oct 24, 2021 | Suffolk University

Our country suffered a public health crisis with massive health inequities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. But why haven’t we got better and, why are communities still suffering? What do we...

What Can Boston’s Preliminary Election Tell Us About the November 2nd General Election?

Oct 23, 2021 | Suffolk University

In a precinct won by Mayor Kim Janey, mayoral candidate Michelle Wu certainly drew a large crowd. The current at-large city councilor stood side-by-side with some of her most notable...

African Environmentalism: The Forgotten Continent in the Climate Conversation

Oct 23, 2021 | Suffolk University

As efforts to reduce global emissions become more urgent, the mobilization of African climate initiatives is a beacon of hope. Through a combination of multinational and hyperlocal programs, African...