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...

Nigerian Elections Represent Threats to Democracy

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

Nigeria has experienced severe electoral flaws in recent elections, and this represents why poor electoral processes are one of the biggest threats to any democratic nation....

Partisanship and it’s Problematic Implications

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

We seem to see partisanship growing more and more around us and in turn, mutual understanding seems to be regressing. After all, why would one trust and try to act in good...

Polarization: Does It Have to End Badly?

Dec 3, 2020 | University of Georgia

The Case of Chile North and south. Black and white. Up and down. Opposites do not always attract, and this is especially true in politics. Polar opposites typically leave no room to budge. Yet when...

Terrorism and Democracy in Burkina Faso

Dec 3, 2020 | University of Georgia

Rising terrorist attacks are continuing to threaten the fledgling Burkinabè democracy. After Burkina Faso overthrew its authoritarian leader Blaise Compaoré in 2014 and elected Roch Marc Christian...

The Failures of First Past the Post and Why Ranked Choice Voting is Not Necessarily Better

Dec 3, 2020 | University of Georgia

One of the more recent trends of modern politics has been calling to have the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system abolished. If you happened to see my previous blog post, (thank you for...

How the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 Strips Filipinos of Their Freedom of Speech

Dec 3, 2020 | University of Georgia

President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration enforce the CPA and continue to arrest and endanger the lives of Filipinos all over a battle of free speech. The freedom of speech is a right that is...

The Aftermath of a Populist Leader in a Democracy

Dec 3, 2020 | University of Georgia

Populist leaders have had great success in democracies around the world throughout the past decade, including in the United States, where Donald Trump had great success in defining himself to his...

Labels Like “Correista” and “Trump Supporter” Increase Polarization Because They Enhance Populist Rhetoric

Dec 3, 2020 | Brown University

Increasing polarization in Ecuador As the Ecuadorian election draws closer, it is unclear who will become the next president. Incumbent President Lenin Moreno will not be seeking reelection, facing...

The Impact of Technology on U.S. Democracy: Beneficial, Harmful, or Neutral?

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

Many historic political events that occurred in the United States in 2020, such as the video of George Floyd’s arrest that sparked Black Lives Matter protests, the malfunctioning reporting app at...

The Power and Limitation of Civil Resistance in Uganda

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

Civil protests broke out in Uganda after the arrest of Bobi Wine, a 38-year-old singer turned politician, who is challenging the longtime leader President Yoweri Museveni in the presidential...

A Game of Tug of War Over Democracy

Dec 2, 2020 | Brown University

The European Union is failing to maintain democracy in their member states. Not only are they failing to threaten these countries into cooperating, they may also be creating an...