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.

You Are Never Supposed to Matter: How Philippine Democracy Excludes You by Design

The Philippine democracy is a broken system dominated by political dynasties, weak party structures, and flawed electoral rules—leaving voters disempowered and meaningful change nearly impossible.

The Price of Press: Exposing the Fragility of Philippine Media In the 2025 Senatorial Elections

Lights, Camera, Action—A line that we usually hear in show business and filmmaking. In this industry, actors desperately compete to get their much-desired “screen time,” show their potential, and eventually get to the top. However, in the Philippines, this is not just...

There’s no Greater Riches than (Extended Political) Families: Filipinos’ Pakikisama and the Perpetuation of Political Dynasties in the Philippines

Filipinos place utmost importance on their families, the foundation of our nation. Hence, despite not having a working party system, the Philippines have perdurable political dynasties, turning Philippine politics into a sempiternal family affair.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Rise of Right-Wing Populism: Democratic Erosion in Spain, Italy, and Sweden

Oct 17, 2023 | Boston University

The COVID-19 pandemic has globally affected many things, one of which is the powers that hold congressional power in many countries. Many countries with democracies or core...

Democratic Erosion Causes In Israel

Oct 17, 2023 | Boston University

An analysis of democratic backsliding in Israel that have led to today This post analyzes the structures from both a societal standpoint and a structural standpoint in...

Colombia: A Repressive State in the making

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

Former President and current Colombian Senator, Alvaro Uribe, was revered by the Bush administration as he cooperated with the US in its demands of fighting guerilla movements in the country and...

Abiy Ahmed: Yet Another Nobel Peace Prize Winner Falls from Grace

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

A Nobel Peace Prize cannot be revoked; however, The Norwegian Nobel committee should add a measure to it's statute to allow for the removal of this ultimate prize from its fallen angels, namely...

The Rise (and Fall) of the AfD: Germany’s Identity Crisis

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

Since World War II, defining what it means to be German has been a taboo subject. Celebrating national identity is seen by many Germans as a step towards the type of nationalism that led to the rise...

Social Media Spreading Misinformation and Disinformation in American Society

Dec 2, 2020 | University of Georgia

As the technological 21st century continues to advance, social media platforms become more numerous and more influential in American society. Though the Constitution grants freedom of the press, the...

Viktor Orbán’s Emergency Powers Push Hungary Further Towards Autocracy

Dec 2, 2020 | University of Georgia

A lurking dictator in the making, Viktor Orbán and his right-wing nationalist Fidesz party are dismantling Hungarian democracy. Through the obstruction of checks and balances, election interference,...

Misdiagnosed: Why We Can’t Blame COVID-19 for Autocratic Consolidation

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

Many news outlets and humanitarian organizations have reported that the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting new and unparalleled levels of decline in freedom in countries around the world. Freedom House...

Democracy or Oligarchy?

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

As the election results in favor of Joe Biden are becoming officially certified, and the courts are consistently denying credence to Trump’s frivolous claims of election fraud, many Americans...

Kaczyński Causes Decline of Polish Democracy

Dec 1, 2020 | University of Georgia

After the fall of the communist Soviet Union in 1991, Poland was left to be a free country. Poland was at peace with their neighbors and had the opportunity to build a country off of democratic...

Anti-Immigration Rhetoric and Its Threat to Dutch Democracy

Dec 1, 2020 | University of Georgia

Some threats to democratic health might not be as blatant as one might think. Rather they could accompany regular developments such as a country’s immigration status. In recent years the Netherlands...