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.

Examining the Resurgence and Dangers of White Christian Nationalism in America

May 1, 2023 | University of Utah

On January 6th, 2021, millions around the world had their eyes glued to the T.V. as thousands of insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol. This attempted coup—as many call...

Plan B: The Erosion of the Mexican Electoral System

May 1, 2023 | University of Utah

Last February, Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) received massive criticism for recently approved electoral reforms that seek to undermine Mexico’s most...

America’s Acceptance of Populism

Nov 25, 2020 | Northeastern University

On June 16, 2015, the landscape of American politics and democratic norms would drastically change when former reality TV star, and soon to be 45th President, Donald Trump formally announced his run...

Trump (Kind of) Concedes: Now What?

Nov 24, 2020 | Northeastern University

Cries of “fraud” and “stop the count” have echoed throughout the country ever since Joe Biden took the lead over President Donald Trump in both the popular and electoral counts. Fervent Trump...

The Forum of São Paulo: Latin America’s Nightmare?

Nov 24, 2020 | Northeastern University

Latin America faces a wave of challenges since the start of the 21st century, rising inequality, lack of economic growth amongst other issues. However, right-wing politicians have attributed the...

Proposition 22: Corporate Manipulation at its Worst

Nov 24, 2020 | Northeastern University

In California, proposition 22 seemed innocuous. It was a simple ballot measure, should drivers that use apps like Uber and Lyft be considered employees, or independent contractors? The vote passed...

3 Presidents, 7 Days: What’s the Impact on Peruvian Politicians and Voters?

Nov 24, 2020 | Northeastern University

It seems Peruvians hate corrupt politicians, but love voting for them. Although corruption investigations and reform are normally seen as a positive democratic mechanism, they can also cause voters...

#EndSARS: The Power of the People

Nov 24, 2020 | Suffolk University

The #ENDSARS movement highlighted upon the incompetence of the Nigerian government and the power of the Nigerian people.. Nigeria has been a severe victim of democratic backsliding. Recently the...

Shattered State: Bosnia and Ethnic Division

Nov 24, 2020 | Suffolk University

Photo by Nancy Hann on Unsplash 25 years later, the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, better known as the Dayton Accords has continued to be at the core of national...

COVID-19 in El Salvador: How the World’s “First Millennial Dictator” Tried To Control the Virus

Nov 23, 2020 | Suffolk University

When COVID-19-related lockdowns just started sweeping across countries around the globe, it was apparent that this pandemic will highlight all intra- and intergovernmental issues. Some speculated...

How Increasing Partisanship Is Destroying One of the Oldest Democracies

Nov 23, 2020 | Suffolk University

By Nasra Mohamed Democracy is both intrinsically and instrumentally valuable for many reasons. It is inherently valuable, as it is a necessary part of freedom, self-realization, and it is essential...