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.

Checking The Vitals Of Philippine Democracy: Symptoms Of Fatigue Or Frustration?

Are Filipinos truly experiencing democracy fatigue, or are they simply frustrated with a system
that caged their role to the ballot box?

Emerging through the cracks: The Philippine opposition at the height of the Marcos-Duterte Split

In a period of political volatility, the opposition holds the coin to flip things in their favor. Strategically positioning itself as a genuine alternative the opposition has a chance to rebuild and become a stronger political force.

Public Opinion, Polarization, and Pushback on the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte

With months ahead of impeachment trial of Sara Duterte in the Philippine Senate, we can expect more political theatrics to unfold and try to win over public opinion.

Unraveling Russia’s Influence on Brazil’s Democracy: The Nova Resistência

Nov 24, 2023 | Northeastern University

In the landscape of global information manipulation, the New Resistance emerges as a significant player in the erosion of democracy. The New Resistance is a...

Do Competing Foreign Interests Dissuade Democratic Progress?

Nov 24, 2023 | Northeastern University

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the fall of Yugoslavia, many nations abandoned their communist alliances and ideologies, and flocked to Western alliances...

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...

Orbán’s “Will of the Nation” Does Not Include LGBTQ+ Citizens

Mar 11, 2021 | Northeastern University

Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán has passed a series of measures effectively curtailing the civil liberties of the country’s LGBTQ+ citizens. A well-established populist, Orbán seeks...

Populism as a Tool: Positive Aspects of Bolivian Populism That Aided Democratic Representation

Mar 11, 2021 | Northeastern University

Populism is often derided and with good reason. The term as applied in numerous cases offers little to praise. One common perception of populism is that it erodes democracy and often devolves into...

Democratic Subversion by the Cotton King of Benin

Mar 9, 2021 | American University

Sub-Saharan Africa is a continent notorious for recalcitrant dictators, authoritarian tendencies, and extensive patron-client networks. However, since the Third Wave of Democratization, the...

The Continuing Threat of Populism to American Democracy

Mar 8, 2021 | Rollins College

Response to: https://democraticeros.wpengine.com/2020/11/18/how-the-trump-base-represents-the-danger-that-populism-continues-to-pose-to-american-democracy/ Only 4 days after Election Day,...

A Response to “The Aftermath of a Populist Leader in a Democracy”

Mar 8, 2021 | Rollins College

This is a blog post in response to the article by Sarah Penkava titled “The Aftermath of a Populist Leader in a Democracy”, published on the 3rd of December, 2020. She discusses the massive impacts...

Why Far Right Propaganda Became a Threat to Democracy

Mar 7, 2021 | Rollins College

Burke is correct in claiming that the issues of far-right political beliefs have been an unfortunate constant in the United States for decades. Donald Trump’s presidency (and the use of the agencies...