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...

Viktor Orbán: Prime Minister or Authoritarian Ruler?

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

Democracy was rocky in Hungary in its early post-communist years. Several of the political parties in power were riddled with corruption and economic inequality plagued the...

Is Thailand a Democracy? Its 2023 Election Suggest Not

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

Despite not winning Thailand’s most recent election in May 2023, Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) became the nation’s prime minister in August. How could...

“Sovereign Internet” Risks Internet Freedom in Russia and Globally

Dec 14, 2020 | James Madison University

Can Vladimir Putin revolutionize the way autocrats censor the internet? It is no secret that the press and journalists have experienced ever-increasing challenges in Russia since President Vladimir...

Coronavouchers: Bolsonaro’s Foray into Social Welfare Programs

Dec 14, 2020 | Brown University

Brazil has been one of the hardest-hit countries this year by the global coronavirus pandemic with a death toll of 176,628 (December 2020) and more fatalities per capita than nearly any other...

What is the Future of the Republican Party?

Dec 14, 2020 | Georgia State University

For the past five years, Donald Trump has dominated the Republican party, and even after his loss in November to President-elect Biden, he continues to set the agenda for the party that every other...

Democratic Erosion Disguised as COVID-19 Measures in Turkey

Dec 13, 2020 | Sabanci University

Turkey is apparently a country with declining democratic performance. The elections, the consolidation of unchecked power in the hands of President Erdogan, widespread corruption among the political...

President Macron’s Tendency to Implement an Authoritarian Political Agenda

Dec 13, 2020 | Sabanci University

French street movements occupy the international media since Yellow vests Movements began in 2018. As already known, the movements began over a public discontentment derived from general economic...

Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel for Turkey?

Dec 13, 2020 | Sabanci University

Turkey has long been dealing with populism, presenting itself as a perfect case study where scholars can work on how populism and democratic backsliding can go hand in hand. President Erdoğan’s...

Autumn Winds of the Hungarian Democracy

Dec 13, 2020 | Sabanci University

Eurus, God of the East Wind and Autumn Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary In many parts of the world, rivers of humanity are drying, fruits of globalization perishing, and dictators coming down...

A Shift or Continuation in Tactics on Democratic Backsliding: Hungary under the Populist Rule of Orbán

Dec 13, 2020 | Sabanci University

With a reference to the transition paradigm, most democratic transitions have been analyzed within the context of a movement towards democratic transition. It is argued that liberal democracy has...

The Practical Power of the Secret Police in Democratic Erosion

Dec 13, 2020 | Sabanci University

Erosions of democracy under authoritarian rulers happen through numerous channels, with an important channel being institutions. Institutions structuralize governance according to the vision of the...