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...

Zimbabwe: A Democracy in Crisis?

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

BLOG POST When it comes to democracy in the modern world, Zimbabawe’s democratic system finds itself in a precariously unique position where it seeks to find a balance...

Poland’s Decline: How a Lack of Pluralism Led to the Erosion of One of Eastern Europe’s Strongest Democracies

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

After almost 50 years of communist rule, Poland solidified itself as a stable European power with bright outlooks in terms of promoting and instilling a strong democracy in...

Combatting Corruption in Jamaica

Dec 10, 2020 | Williams College

During a televised debate against Dr. Peter Phillips (former president and leader of the People’s National Party) , Prime Minister Holness (leader of the Jamaican Labour Party) defended...

Moldova’s Voters Didn’t Choose West Over East. They Chose Reform Over Corruption

Dec 10, 2020 | Williams College

Moldova's presidential election has been declared for Maia Sandu, who unseated incumbent Igor Dodon in a historic victory. Against a backdrop of longstanding geopolitical tension, the election has...

Algeria’s 2020 Constitutional Referendum: A Democratic Façade

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the hegemony of the international liberal order was solidified. Although the number of democracies had been steadily increasing since Post-World War II, the...

Why Did Vizcarra Vanish? The “Legislative Coup” in Peru

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

We’ve all experienced the agonizingly slow process of democratic bureaucracy; we lament the lines, the paperwork, and the drudgery that is required to get anything done. But every now and then, a...

Ethnic Nationalism and Democratic Erosion in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

In 1995, the Dayton Agreement ended the Bosnian War, establishing modern-day Bosnia and Herzegovina, a state explicitly structured by ethnic group. 25 years later, a strained peace persists, but...

Dynasty Politics in Democracy: Kenyattas, Odingas, and Democratic Erosion in Kenya

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

A key component of democratic politics is the ability for a singular person to convince others they can speak for the populace. However, there are moments when this relationship inverts and the...

The Rise of the Sweden Democrats: Democratic Erosion and Support for the Far-Right in Sweden

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

Sweden is commonly touted as one of the strongest democracies in the world; in Freedom House’s democratic assessment, they boast a 100 out of 100 score in a holistic assessment of democracy through...

Democracy vs. Disease: Rwanda’s Effective Response to COVID-19

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

Above the streets of Rwanda’s capital Kigali, police drones blare reminders to socially distance and wear masks. At intersections, citizens are randomly tested and placed into a government-run...

How Asymmetric Polarization in the Media Ecosystem Drives Democratic Erosion

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

A grandfather, estranged from his family and relatives, unable to visit his grandchildren because their parents worry about his growing vitriol. A daughter who rarely visits home any longer, save...