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...

Czechia: Is Democratic Erosion Covertly at an All Time High?

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

In the heart of Central Europe, Czechia, formerly known as the Czech Republic, has long been celebrated for its rich history and democratic evolution post the Velvet...

The Dangerous Potential of Speaker Mike Johnson

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

The month of October 2023 was full of turmoil for the United States House of Representatives after the Republican majority elected to remove the speaker, Kevin McCarthy,...

The Right Way of Combatting Democratic Erosion

Dec 13, 2020 | Sabanci University

DEVA | How to fight against a Populist. Deva is a newly formed organization lead by Ali Babacan. A well-experienced politician but also can be defined as a Technocrat who was formerly a Founding...

Moon Jae-In’s Attack on Democracy in South Korea

Dec 12, 2020 | Georgia State University, Georgia State University Perimeter College

Among experts, the notion of democratic backsliding sounds many alarms, given events taking place in South Korea’s current government. As the country gradually phases out the previous authoritarian...

The Fall of Democracy

Dec 11, 2020 | Georgia State University, Georgia State University Perimeter College

Democracy is an ideology that has long endured dating back since the B.C. era and even though it has existed for a long period of time not everyone has had the chance to experience democracy. In...

Democracy and Democratic Erosion in Brazil

Dec 11, 2020 | Georgia State University, Georgia State University Perimeter College

Although a Democracy is a well-structured form of government it’s not always the best system for all countries. Some countries...

Israel and the U.S.

Dec 11, 2020 | Georgia State University

For a long time now, the world has kept up with the democratic backsliding happening in Israel. Now the United States is following in their footsteps. Not only are the people of Israel in an ongoing...

Populism and Democratic Erosion of Italy

Dec 11, 2020 | Georgia State University Perimeter College

Populism is on the rise in many democratic countries globally including many European countries, such as Italy. Democracies of the Cold War era often went by the way of military coups. There are...

Threats from the Arctic

Dec 11, 2020 | Suffolk University

USCGC Polar Sea at Iceberg B-15A on Jan. 29, 2001 (wikimedia; NSF/Josh Landis )USCGC Polar Star backs and rams through dense ice off the Antarctic coast, Jan. 15, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by...

The Largest Democracy on the brink of becoming an Authoritarian regime: India’s Democratice Erosion.

Dec 11, 2020 | Georgia State University, Georgia State University Perimeter College

BY Cindy Martinez India currently has one of the largest populations, with over 1.3 billion citizens. The country has over 900 million registered voters, making India the largest democracy. However,...

Guinea’s Election Violence: Threats to West African Democracy

Dec 11, 2020 | University of Georgia

The October election that took place in Guinea gave rise to a wave of polarized electorate who have been engaging in a variety of protests, riots, and other forms of civil disobedience in light of...