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.

Tempering Potential Post-Election Expectations in Hungary

Hungary’s 21st century shift from liberal democracy into a “hybrid regime” – or a competitive authoritarianist state, as the phenomenon is also sometimes known – has been well-studied and quite heavily maligned by political science thinkers while it has been...

Due Process Violation and Democratic Erosion in El Salvador

In March 2022, El Salvador declared a state of emergency that would reshape not only the country's political landscape but also their legal foundation. Under the current President Nayib Bukele, the government launched an extreme and shocking crackdown on gang...

How weak institutions led to the fall of Afghanistan’s democracy.

From 2004 through 2021, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was established after the invasion by the U.S. This invasion was a response to the September 11 attacks, and to prevent any further international terrorists from replicating. The Afghan government heavily...

Is Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Actually Keeping Us Safe?

Mar 31, 2026 | Suffolk University

Voter fraud in the United States is almost nonexistent, with very little evidence suggesting that noncitizens are the ones committing it, if it does happen. Audits and...

Modern Gerrymandering and Its Damaging Effects on U.S. Electoral Democracy

Mar 30, 2026 | University of Houston

Introduction Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing electoral maps to favor one political party over another. When redrawing maps, the party in power will use two...

The United States’ War on Public Education

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

While the country shifts their focus to the newly erupting war in the Middle East they begin to turn their backs on the war happening on US soil. This war may not involve heavy weaponry and mass...

The DHS Shutdown is Led by Populist Politicians

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University, Universities

An “anti-compromise” mindset from populist politicians continues to hinder negotiation between Democrats and the White House. On February 14, 2026 a partial government shutdown centered on the...

When Courts Become Political

Mar 29, 2026 | University of Houston

In an ideal world, the judiciary is like the referees in a democracy. Their job is to make sure that all the players are playing by the rules, that our rights are protected, and that our politicians...

Do Economic Factors Really Affect the Durability of Authoritarian Regimes?

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

Oftentimes to an outside, democratically minded observer, the durability of authoritarian rule seems perplexing. After all, why would anyone not rise up against a tyrant or dictator when their...

American Intervention in Venezuela: An Erosion of Democratic Norms

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

American Intervention in Venezuela: An Erosion of Democratic Norms In the early hours of January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces conducted an “intervention” in Venezuela’s sovereign territory,...

American Intervention in Venezuela: An Erosion of Democratic Norms

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

American Intervention in Venezuela: An Erosion of Democratic Norms In the early hours of January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces conducted an “intervention” in Venezuela’s sovereign territory,...

Fragmenting the United States Post Dobbs Decision

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

In 1973, the United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision in Roe v. Wade to legalize abortion prior to fetal viability, prohibiting any state bans. At the beginning of the 1900s, abortion...

What Syria’s Attempted Political Transition Means For Democracy

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

Syria is not transitioning to democracy. It is stuck in a political system that prevents democracy from taking hold. That may sound obvious. But it isn't. Many discussions concerning Syria's future...

Control Over Media Narratives and Global Support for Ukraine

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

Control Over Media Narratives and Global Support for Ukraine The Russian Ukrainian Conflict is a prime example of the modern decline in democracy globally, though not in the ways one might expect....