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.

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...

From Stardom to Senate: The Alarming Trend of Celebrity Politics in the Philippines

The intersection of celebrity and politics in the Philippines is nothing new. The phenomenon of celebrity politicians—actors, athletes, and other public figures who go from the big screen or stage to the corridors of power—has become a defining aspect of the country's...

Reserve Building Area Law in the Autocratic Presidential System Türkiye

Dec 26, 2023 | Sabanci University

After the constitutional referendum in 2017 Turkey, the state started a new era of its democratic history. In 2017 Turkey held a referendum and according to that referendum...

Suspicions of Speeches

Dec 8, 2023 | University of Memphis

Speeches are a political tool commonly used worldwide, but when they are used in a manner that distinctively promotes one's agenda and avoids accountability, it becomes...

The Leaning Tower of Bosnia

Mar 26, 2021 | Georgia State University

Among the rolling hills and open plains of the Balkans lies a nation, young, and fragile. Bosnia sits, safe, for now, guarded from...

Don’t Trust the Mass Media! Don’t Trust Misinformation! Don’t Trust?

Mar 25, 2021 | Georgia State University

The specter of the mainstream media is worrisome and even more so when hearing about the growing concentration of media under a few corporations[1]. There are also issues of misinformation and...

Myanmar’s Fight for Democracy Won’t End Easily

Mar 25, 2021 | Georgia State University

Myanmar’s military carried out a promissory coup Feb. 1, 2021 ending a brief five year run of democracy that began in 2015. A promissory coup, as described by Nancy Bermeo in On Democratic...

Vladimir Putin, Alexei Navalny, and The Russian State

Mar 25, 2021 | Georgia State University

A headstrong statesman and former KDB operative, Vladimir Putin continues to show unwavering strength in the face of recent political protest in the Russian Federation. Within the first month of...

Facebook’s Gradual Assault on Democracy

Mar 24, 2021 | Georgia State University

Communication and social interactions are critical tools that can either solidify polarization or depolarize democracies at risk. Social relations inherently trickle down into the political...

Is Social Media Expediting Democratic Erosion in the US?

Mar 24, 2021 | Georgia State University

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Myanmar: The Illusion of Change

Mar 23, 2021 | American University

The military coup in Myanmar on February 1st signifies a reversal of liberalization that had slowly been developing in the country since the end of the military dictatorship in 2010. However, the...

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....