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.

Democracy for Sale: How a Chinese National Briefly Became a Mayor in the Philippines

In 2024, the integrity of Philippine democracy was called into question as evidence revealed that a local municipality had unknowingly elected a Chinese national as Mayor, following reports of illegal activities in her jurisdiction.

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The fire from within: American Democracy is dying? 

     ” There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide” - James Adams. If the average empire fails at 250 years and America is 248 years old, could we say that the death of democracy was something foreseeable and the uprise in authoritarian form of...
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Enemies of the People: Matteo Salvini’s Politics of Delegitimation in Italy

In recent years, Matteo Salvini has built a political identity not around policies, but around enemies. From AI-generated images targeting migrants to online attacks against judges, NGOs, and political opponents, his strategy reveals a deeper challenge to democratic norms. This blog explores how Salvini’s populist rhetoric—rooted in delegitimation and division—echoes broader patterns of democratic erosion seen across the globe.

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Dissing Democracy

Apr 8, 2021 |

Nations known for defending and promoting liberal ideals are now dissing democracy. The latest Freedom House figures are shocking. From our perch in the West, we are witnessing a train smash in the...

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