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.

Lawful Erosion: Is it Legal or No? Maybe…

Recent reports by The New York Times share a growing consensus within the judiciary of an impending crisis, with a lack of clarity creating foreseeable conflict and confusion. The article noted a survey that went to over 400 federal judges; 65 of them responded. These...

Pulling the Alarm: From Washington to Rome, Experts Warn of Rapid Democratic Decline

The United States has long upheld an international reputation as the sword and shield of democracy, championing liberal ideals and warning other nations against the rise of authoritarianism. To such an extent, the U.S. has arguably played the role of a democratic...

Who are supplying Guns for Haiti’s Escalating Violence?

Although steps have been taken to restore democracy in Haiti with the appointment of a governing Transitional Presidential Council, violence continues to escalate in the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding regions. Therefore, many may ask where...

A Win for Democracy in Poland: How the Opposition Overcame the Authoritarian PiS Party in October Elections

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

In their past eight years of control, the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has eroded judicial and constitution checks and balances while centralizing media ownership....

The Danger of Political Disinformation Within the United States

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

Political Disinformation is one of the greatest threats facing the United States today. It not only...

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...

The Boycotting Dilemma

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

On September 2, prominent Venezuelan opposition figure Henrique Capriles announced his support for opposition candidates in the upcoming December legislative elections. The announcement garnered...

Is Lindsey Graham the Biggest Threat to American Democracy?

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

In the last two weeks, South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s vocal support for President Trump has reached new heights. Graham has perpetuated Trump’s claims that the election was...

How the Trump Base Represents the Danger that Populism Continues To Pose to American Democracy

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

On November 7th, 4 days after Election Day, Joe Biden was projected to have defeated President Donald Trump and declared to be the 46th President of the United States by all major news sources,...

Media Independence? Lessons From Putin

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

The 2020 election has brought to light the vast extent of misinformation, doubt of the validity of electoral outcomes, and divisions on even the role of facts within the United States media coverage...

Georgia: Unintended Runoff Consequences

Nov 18, 2020 | University of Chicago

The two Georgia runoff elections for senate positions are key events contributing to the ongoing democratic erosion going on in the United States with regards to the discrediting of the national...