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...

Gridlock From Polarization: The Current State of the United States Government

Nov 22, 2023 | Northeastern University

What is gridlock and polarization? Political theorist, Jennifer McCoy, defines polarization as, “a process whereby the normal multiplicity of differences in a society...

A Violent Election in the Central African Republic

Nov 22, 2023 | Northeastern University

Since the Central African Republic gained independence back in 1960, from France, it has been prone to instability and bursts of violence. The last decade of its existence...

Deep-Rooted Social Cleavages Present a Threat to Nepali Democracy

Dec 16, 2020 | James Madison University

Deep social cleavages polarize society into antagonistic identity groups. These groups have become so deeply rooted that politicians are appealing to the base group. Citizens usually vote for...

Fighting for Democracy: Thailand Protests in 2020

Dec 16, 2020 | James Madison University

Throughout 2020, Thailand has experienced mass protests over the dissatisfaction with the monarch and constitution. Many of these protestors include demands for the monarch of the resignation of the...

Georgia’s Representation Problem: Will This Democratic Success Story Soon Crumble?

Dec 16, 2020 | James Madison University

Georgia is heralded by the European Union as one of the successes of democratic transition among the post-Soviet states during the late 20th century, but is this success overestimated? Not only has...

Democracy for the Indigenous People of Chile

Dec 16, 2020 | James Madison University

The Mapuche Indians were once one of the biggest indigenous groups in South America. Today, there are around 1 million Mapuche people living in Chile, and a smaller amount in Argentina. They...

Not So Fast: Student-Led Protests Stop Coup in its Tracks

Dec 16, 2020 | Northeastern University

On Monday, November 9th, Peruvian congress voted to impeach President Martín Vizcarra and remove him from office. Congress accused Vizcarra of accepting bribes from companies during his time as...

Femicides in Mexico: The War on Women

Dec 15, 2020 | James Madison University

What is a Femicide? The intentional murder of women, because they are women.- The World Health Organization I do not want them to kill me According to an official report, at least 10 women are...

China’s Uyghur Gulag

Dec 15, 2020 | James Madison University

Ethnic Injustice in China The injustice plaguing the Uyghur minority in China is not new, China’s efforts to keep their repressive actions hidden not just within its borders but across the globe...

Palestinians Further Forgotten in The Wake of a Pandemic

Dec 15, 2020 | Georgia State University

Palestine-Gaza, ever presently occupied by Israel, faces rising cases and concerning limits about their healthcare system. The territory, which has seen a sea, land, and air blockade from Israel and...

Amplify All Voices: The Power of Voter Outreach in Marginalized Communities

Dec 15, 2020 | Suffolk University

Marginalized communities are commonly neglected when it comes to having their needs met by legislators. However, these same legislators also ask the members of these communities for their support...