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.

Food Security is Rooted Abroad

Global fertilizer supply chains connect geopolitical events abroad to food production at home in ways most consumers don’t see.

The Meaning of Silence : What the moment of silence for Melissa Hortman says about American democracy

On June 14, 2025, the lives of Melissa Hortman who was a House speaker in Minnesota and her husband Mark were taken in what authorities believe to be a politically motivated act of violence. The same day Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and...

Buying Injustice: The Hidden Harms of this Act.

Are we looking to create a thriving society, or are we allowing fear into the lives of immigrant families? As new immigration policies appear, the question become, how do we prevent the changes that involve separating families and dismantling the place that...

Recent Anti-Fico Protests Might Indicate a Positive Future for Slovakia’s Democracy

Dec 1, 2025 | University of Georgia

On November 17th, 2025, Slovakian citizens in Bratislava protested and slammed their leaders, specifically Prime Minister, Robert Fico, with chants such as: “We have enough...

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court Upholds Bolsonaro’s Conviction — Hope For Democratic Resilience Remains

Nov 30, 2025 | Northeastern University

“In Brazil, impunity for those who attack democracy has always been the rule. This trial breaks that cycle” — Oscar Vilhena Vieira (2025).” Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court...

Two Sides: An Opinion

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

One day in seventh grade homeroom, I was handed a sheet of paper from my teacher. I saw three checkboxes followed by three words. In the moment, I didn't really care about what was happening and...

The United States Must Be Cautious of China’s Influence on the World Stage

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

Over the course of recent world history, few countries have grown quite like China, from an economic, influential and a geopolitical standpoint. However, such a change does not happen overnight....

Is U.S. Democracy Under a State of Attack?

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

U.S. democracy is very clearly in a state of crisis. An NPR poll found that “64% of Americans believe U.S democracy is in crisis and at risk of failing.” These negative feelings about the future of...

Marine Le Pen’s Loss in France Is a Victory over Populism, For Now

Apr 24, 2022 | Boston University

Last week’s presidential election in France saw Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen advance to a run-off, with neither candidate achieving the 50% majority needed to win decisively. Incumbent Macron...

Face-off in the Magic Kingdom: Ron DeSantis vs Mickey Mouse

Apr 24, 2022 | Boston University

Last month in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis passed the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, otherwise known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents. The bill prohibits “non-age appropriate”...

Biden’s Oil Reserve Plan Does Not Bode for the Environment

Apr 24, 2022 | Suffolk University

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, oil and gasoline prices skyrocketed to ludicrous amounts of money, with a barrel of oil costing around $100 per barrel and gasoline prices slowly creeping up past...

Fox News Helped Sensationalize CRT

Apr 23, 2022 | Boston University

In the face of white backlash following the 2020 protests, Fox News' persuasive and broad reach helped Republican party leaders and elected officials mobilize conservative parents and organizations...

Marine Le Pen and the Far Right Threat to Democracy

Apr 23, 2022 | Boston University

On April 10th, 2022, France held the first round of its presidential elections with a surprising result. Emmanuel Macron, the current president of France, emerged in the lead with 27.8% of the...

COVID-19 in the United States: One Nation, Divided with Polarization and Misinformation for All

Apr 23, 2022 | Boston University

Conspiracies during the COVID-19 pandemic directly increased pre-existing polarization, but it also contributed directly to the polarization of the virus - what should have stayed a public health...