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.

First 100 Days, More Like First 100 Hours: How Trump’s First 100 Days Played Out Against Trump’s Second 100 Hours

Indiana Senator Jim Banks, a staunch Trump ally, predicted that President Trump’s return to power would be characterized by “shock and awe.” In many ways, the events of President Trump’s first 100 hours in office during his second term have lived up to that promise....

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...

Political Attitudes, Polarization, and Their Consequences in the United States

May 10, 2024 | William Jewell College

The United States has been facing political polarization since the early 1970s - but the uprise of technology, media, and freedom of expression has demonstrated how a...

A 2024 Rematch: Will it be the Authoritarian or the Genocide-Enabler?

May 10, 2024 | American University

With the grim results of Super Tuesday, we face the catastrophic choice between Trump, espousing authoritarian ideology, and Biden, a now genocide-enabler. “Democracies...

Causes of Democratic Erosion in India

Nov 30, 2021 | University of Georgia

Democratic erosion has become a very prevalent issue in India over the past several decades. They went from number 35 on...

The Termination of the CICIG: How Guatemala’s Democracy is in Danger of Falling to Corruption

Nov 30, 2021 | University of Georgia

Guatemala has quickly become new territory for Latin American drug cartels, specifically the Sinaloa drug cartel. These new cartels have begun to have a considerable impact on the freedom within the...

Chavez’s Era Of Stealth Authoritarianism In Venezuela

Nov 30, 2021 | University of Georgia

In 1958, Venezuelans managed to overthrow their dictator and began hosting free and fair elections(https://www.cfr.org/timeline/venezuelas-chavez-era). Venezuela became one of those countries...

The State and Results of the Brexit Movement

Nov 30, 2021 | University of Georgia

Brexit is the political movement in England to split from the European Union, which is an economic and political conciliation. In June of 2016, a vote was held about whether or not the country...

Democratic Erosion in the Czech Republic

Nov 30, 2021 | Georgia State University

Andrej Babiš lost power as a result of the 2021 elections. The former billionaire Prime Minister experienced many challenges during his term and leading up to the election. Is his leadership tied to...

The Middle East’s Only Democracy Is in Danger

Nov 30, 2021 | University of Georgia

The Middle East's only democracy is beginning to erode. Israel, although a flawed democracy, has maintained the sole title of democracy in the Middle East, which is overrun by authoritarian regimes...

The U.S. Was Added to the List of Countries Who Are Experiencing Democratic Backsliding, But There Is Still Hope

Nov 30, 2021 | University of Georgia

For the first time ever, the U.S. was recently added to the list of backsliding democracies. This event may be surprising to many people, since the U.S. is considered a voice for democratic values....

Hungary’s Democratic Decline

Nov 30, 2021 | University of Georgia

COVID-19 has plagued the world over the past year and a half. The pandemic caused countries to impose border closures and the utilization of mass digital surveillance, moves that may have once been...

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: What the January 6th Committee Reveals about American Democracy

Nov 30, 2021 | Suffolk University

For many Americans, the events of January 6th will serve as a reminder of democracy’s darkest days. When verbal assaults on America’s democratic system turned physical, it marked a significant...