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...

Is Donald Trump Eroding Democracy?

Nov 22, 2023 | University of Memphis

On November 8, 2023, Republican presidential hopefuls gathered for their third debate, moderated by NBC. One candidate still remained absent, Donald J. Trump. Trump has...

Disinformation Teaches Democracy a Lesson: The 2020 US Election

Nov 22, 2023 | University of Memphis

The 2020 United States presidential election with Democrat Joe Biden running against Republican Donald Trump was a turning point in American politics. This election was full...

Crisis in Cameroon

Dec 14, 2020 | Georgia State University

#EndAnglophone is the current hashtag dominating Cameroon's Social Media after many killings of both children and civilians throughout the country. Over 3000 people have been killed since 2017, due...

Turkey’s Belligerent Foreign Policy Can’t Be Separated From Domestic Repression

Dec 14, 2020 | University of Georgia

Few political phenomena are as well known as the "Rally Around the Flag" effect. Tragic events or instances of conflict can shift public opinion in favor of ruling authorities. Much of the time,...

Autocratic Consolidation and the Fight for Freedom in Cuba

Dec 14, 2020 | Georgia State University

Throughout the 2000’s, the Cuban government has continued to repress expression and deter any opposition. Many brutal tactics implemented during Fidel Castro’s time in power – including...

Teaming Up to Tear the Constitution Down: Pandemics and Institutional Oppression in the United States

Dec 14, 2020 | Georgia State University

As the United States faces a national reckoning over race relations and gears up for a presidential election this month, Black Americans still encounter systemic barriers to equally exercising their...

“Locking Down and Loaded: The Philippine Government’s Dogmatic Response to Coronavirus”

Dec 14, 2020 | James Madison University

With the coronavirus spreading across the globe, three interrelated issues have challenged President Duterte’s administration. First, the Philippines has had one of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks in...

Alexei Navalny: The Kremlin Treatment

Dec 14, 2020 | Georgia State University

Alexei Navalny is a name not dared to be spoken by sitting president, Vladimir Putin. The opposing force to Putin’s United Party proved to be a force despite many, some partially successful,...

Delay of Elections in Haiti are Contributing to Haitian Democratic Erosion

Dec 14, 2020 | James Madison University

Jovenel Moïse, Haiti’s current head of government, was supposed to hold presidential elections back in October of 2019. They have been continuously postponed. How are Haitians reacting to this and...

#EndSARS Resistance and Nigeria’s Reluctance

Dec 14, 2020 | Georgia State University

Bridled with unemployment, inflation and corruption, Nigeria is presently one of the world’s most impoverished countries. It is further plagued with insecurity in the forms of terrorism, kidnapping,...

COVID in Belarus: How Inaction Brought Opposition

Dec 14, 2020 | Georgia State University

Drink vodka and visit the sauna -- that’s what Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recommended for those who have contracted coronavirus. With an economic crisis already pending leading up to...