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...

India Silenced: A Threat to Freedom of Expression

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

With a population of almost 1.4 billion citizens, the 5th largest economy in the world, and know to be one of the largest democracies in the world; it is evident that there...

US Gun Control and Democratic Erosion

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

The very tumultuous and vibrant discourse that is Gun Control in the United States is something that has been contributing to the downfall of our country's democracy for...

Social Media and Mass Mobilization in Algeria

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

In February 2019, Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika declared his intention to run for a fifth term. This message was released through state media as Bouteflika could no longer make public...

What Makes Canadian Democracy So Resilient?

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

For some Americans, Canada appears to be a liberal—albeit slightly cold—utopia. While at the national level U.S. politics has fallen into dysfunction at best and downright authoritarianism at worst,...

Future of the Republic of China

Dec 9, 2020 | Suffolk University

The sign slogan reads "Three Principles of the People Will Unite China" and is located on Dadan Island, facing towards Mainland China. On the 10th of October, 2020, the Republic of China, commonly...

Analyzing the Media’s Role in President Trump’s Victory and Era

Dec 9, 2020 | University of Chicago

Mass Media were active participants, not simply unwilling instruments, to the rise and reign of United States President Donald Trump.Mylon Shalom Patton We as a nation are about to turn the page...

The Media as an Institution of Manipulation: From Direct and Legal Control to Indirect and Extralegal Manipulation

Dec 9, 2020 | Sabanci University

There are several discussions on the existing regime type of Turkey, but the recent literature and several democracy indicators treat Turkey as a competitive authoritarian regime. Like all...

Ethnic Oppression of Bulgarian Roma

Dec 9, 2020 | Williams College

Bulgaria, named an European Union (EU) member state in 2007, has been witnessing signs of democratic backsliding consistently since then. A strong democracy is one that respects all its people...

The Demise of Democracy: Threat of Autocracy in El Salvador

Dec 8, 2020 | Williams College

The scene in El Salvador’s legislature in February 2020 appeared to come straight out of a dictatorship: Armed Forces and National Civil Police troops armed with rifles and gear were ordered to...

America’s Two-Party Political System is Leading to Democratic Erosion

Dec 3, 2020 | University of Georgia

The United States of America needs a multi-party for the survival of its democracy, or it will continue its escalation of democratic erosion. The past two presidential elections in 2016 and 2020...

A 21st Century Threat: How Social Media Censorship Is Impacting Democracy in America

Dec 3, 2020 | University of Georgia

From the conception of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, freedom of speech has been a pillar of democracy in the United States. The rise of social media as a source of news information has...