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.

Authoritarian Reinforcement: Another 5 Years in Belarus

Feb 12, 2025 | Boston University

On January 26th, the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Belarus announced that President Alexander Lukashenko had secured a seventh term in office, extending his...

The Rise of Right-Wing Populism in Former Satellite States

Feb 12, 2025 | Boston University

Former Soviet satellite states that were once poster children for democratization following the decline of European communism have been making drastic pivots towards...

Democrat’s Dangerous Cost-Benefit Analysis: Will Abandoning Binding Primaries to Defeat Trump Hurt or Help American Democracy in the Long-Term?

Sep 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Today, it is likely that anyone driving through a particularly “liberal” American neighborhood will notice yard signs that beg “Vote Harris! Save Democracy.” With the 2024 presidential election less...

The Future of The E.U.: What The Recent Parliamentary Elections Tell Us by Frankie Vascellaro

Sep 10, 2024 | University of Denver

In recent years, the world has shifted towards more right-wing, populist-centered politics. While this may take many different forms, in Europe specifically, there is a trend in the proliferation of...

The Threat of Misinformation and Disinformation to American Democracy in the Digital Age by Cecilia Cooley

Aug 13, 2024 | University of Denver

Social media is a relatively new, yet threatening phenomenon. While it has provided many benefits, such as opportunities for the world to become more connected and make news and information more...

Bolivia’s Decline in Democracy: The Failure to Uphold Constitutional Integrity by Danielle Schmitz

Aug 7, 2024 | University of Denver

A modern political democracy is a system where rules are held accountable by citizens through their elected representatives, either through competition or cooperation. Democracies can be categorized...

Bolivia’s Decline in Democracy: The Failure to Uphold Constitutional Integrity

Aug 7, 2024 | University of Denver

How Does Taiwan Weather the Storm of Democratic Erosion? by Michael Cowden

Aug 6, 2024 | University of Denver

Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is a small autonomous island that lies southeast of the People’s Republic of China. Recent global headlines have positioned Taiwan as a possible target for an...

Populism, Popularity, and Prabowo’s Rise to Power

Jul 9, 2024 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Political campaigns are just like the movies. Politicians comprise a cast of characters who play their respective roles within a well-conceived made-up narrative complete with surprising plot twists...

The Miss Universe Win: A Call to Action for International Support for the Nicaraguan People

Jun 26, 2024 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Running for over 70 years, the Miss Universe has always been one of the most iconic and renowned international beauty pageant. It is easily the most widely viewed pageant in the world having been...

The Imminence of a Second Trump Presidency?

Jun 25, 2024 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Donald Trump seems to defy all reason. Despite his persona that was uncharacteristic of a world leader, he won the US presidential elections in 2016. Despite the notoriety of his presidential term,...