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.

Israel’s Judicial Reforms: A Potential Danger to Democracy?

Israel’s suggested judicial reforms pose a risk to democratic checks and balances by undermining the independence of the judiciary, centralizing executive authority, and potentially weakening democratic principles, similar to what has been observed in countries like Poland.

Arresting Opposition and Squashing Protests: Democratic Backsliding in Turkey Under Erdoğan

Turkey has been inching towards autocracy under Erdoğan and the AKP for the last 22 years.

2025 Romanian Elections: An Election Redo and a Barred Candidate

Only two weeks out from Presidential Elections, Romanian voters face a tough decision in deciding on the next leader of their country. The latest opinion polls show that nearly 40% of voters are still undecided on who to vote for. After all, most voters already cast...

Institutional Chess: How Institutional Arrangements Propel Junta Leader Min Aung Hlaing

Oct 12, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

In the world of authoritarian regimes, the longevity of autocratic leaders often hinges on the institutions they establish and control. Myanmar has been a prime example of...

Tunisia’s Democratic Backslide: The Kais Saied Era and the Perilous Road to Electoral Autocracy

Oct 12, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Tunisia emerged as a beacon of hope for democracy in the Middle East. It was hailed as the success story, the nation where popular...

Jammu and Kashmir as an Example of Extreme Populism in India

Nov 19, 2020 | University of Chicago

In 2014, Narendra Modi ran as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and won the position of Prime Minister. The major theme of the BJP is Hindutva, which is an ideology that seeks to...

Organized Crime and Stealth Authoritarianism in Albania

Nov 19, 2020 | University of Chicago

Like many European nations that have seen the erosion of democratic norms and institutions, Albania faces a majority party that has curtailed media independence and horizontal...

Presidential Upheaval in Peru: How the Public Can Protect Democracy

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing US presidential transition grabbing daily headlines, it can be difficult for the American audience to focus on the political events of any other country....

Examining the 2020 U.S. Elections Through the Public’s Eyes

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

The 2020 election year has seen many twists and turns that have impacted the usual ways we see U.S. elections performed, especially in how debates were conducted. We have seen the second planned...

William Barr’s Role in Eroding U.S. Democracy.

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

When William Barr was first touted as the likely replacement for previous United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, many onlookers breathed a sigh of relief. Almost two years later, it is...

Wondering Why Democratic Norms Eroded in the 2020 Election? It’s More Than Just Trumpism

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

In the wake of the 2020 election, political pundits have been shocked by the complicity of Republican voters in one of the most glaring instances of democratic erosion in American politics. Half of...

What the 2020 Election Results Say About the Future of American Democracy

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

After the 2020 election and, presumably, the end of the Trump presidency, the United States is left facing both a polarized electorate and a polarized legislature. Republican lawmakers have been...

Advisory Commission 1776: Patriotism or Populism?

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

On November 2nd, 2020, just one day prior to the United States’ general elections, President Trump established the “1776 Commission” through an executive order. The commission is tasked with...

Stop the Steal: The Age of Conspiracy Theories and Disinformation

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

“As for the lack of evidence that is the mantra of all you flying monkeys. It’s like denying the Holocaust. The evidence is overwhelming and compelling, despite the framing of your question.” This...