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.

Aspects for Deliberation: Can Democracy Truly Foster Gender Equality and Dismantle Patriarchy’s Structural?

Oct 15, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Introduction Gender equality and the dismantling of the patriarchal system are essential components of social progress. While democracy is often viewed as a system that...

Reflection on Moving Forward: Local Governance Approach to Mitigate Conflict and Elevate Civilian Engagement and Freedom of Expression in Burma/Myanmar

Oct 15, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Many think tanks, ethnic leaders, and some researchers in Myanmar always argue that the concept of federal democracy is suitable to adopt and practice in a country like...

Church & State: Will the Relationship Lead to a Decline in Cuba’s Authoritarian Regime?

Mar 22, 2021 | Georgia State University

After six decades of state-led religious suppression, the post-Castro regime brings hope to religious freedom movements and the prospect of participation of the Church in politics through multiple...

The Challenge of Propaganda in Today’s Social Media

Mar 21, 2021 | American University

The internet has become a net of propaganda with little prospect for change. As social media has an increasing role in everyday life, there is an increase in propaganda to influence public opinion....

White Nationalism and the Role Social Media Companies Play in Its Spread

Mar 18, 2021 | American University

Social media companies are not violating the first amendment by limiting what users can post. Social media has played a role in advancing social movements, but it has also allowed the spread of...

Myanmar: The Coup That Was Meant to Be

Mar 18, 2021 | American University

The Myanmar military took power quietly overnight; yet this coup did not surprise many people. Myanmar has struggled with democracy for many decades under both military and civilian rule. In fact,...

The Case of Marjorie Taylor Greene

Mar 16, 2021 | Northeastern University

In this time of increasing misinformation, polarization, and erosion of democracy in the United States, leaders with populist messages such as Marjorie Taylor Greene have mobilized voters to...

Conflicted Bosnia: Polarization, Backsliding, and Uneven Authoritarianism

Mar 12, 2021 | Northeastern University

The Balkan Wars of the 1990s was a period that saw destruction of institutions, corruption of the media, extreme polarization, and genocide in Bosnia. Following a February 29 referendum, Bosnia...

New Ideas: The Takeover of Salvador’s Establishment

Mar 12, 2021 | Northeastern University

After months of being accused as an authoritarian, President Nayib Bukele has now established a supermajority in legislative seats. This unprecedented power has allowed his party and a small allied...

France Has Dipped Two Toes Into Authoritarianism – Will It Dive In?

Mar 12, 2021 | American University

A pair of controversial bills coming to the French Senate this month have many worried about the authoritarian pandering of the current administration, leading up to the elections next year. Some...

Can Independent Electoral Commissions Save American Democracy?

Mar 11, 2021 | Northeastern University

Can independent electoral commissions save American democracy from its gridlocked legislature? Based on its international implementation, no! Independent electoral commissions in this post will be...