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.

Public Opinion, Polarization, and Pushback on the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte

With months ahead of impeachment trial of Sara Duterte in the Philippine Senate, we can expect more political theatrics to unfold and try to win over public opinion.

Forced Conscription in Eritrea: No Opportunities for the Youth of Eritrea

Eritrea’s forced conscription into national service has resulted in a struggling education sector and thousands of people fleeing the country.

The Politics of Shame: How Bobotante Narrative Poses Threats to Philippine Democracy

In democratic countries, elections are seen as a great equalizer for each individual, as they are entitled to free expression, regardless of their background. However, this is not the case in the Philippines, as the 2022 election has turned into a battlefield of shame...

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

Apr 19, 2025 | Boston University

On March 19, Ekrem Imamoğlu, mayor of Istanbul, was arrested on charges of corruption and terrorism. His arrest took place days before he was expected to be selected by the...

2025 Romanian Elections: An Election Redo and a Barred Candidate

Apr 18, 2025 | Boston University

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...

City Council: A Perfect Storm for Democratic Erosion

Oct 16, 2024 | Ohio State University

When it comes to the city council, how much do they do? What are the inner workings of a city’s council? What are the positions of the members of the city council? Are city councils even important?...

Redrawing the Lines: Issue 1, Political Polarization between Ohio Voters

Oct 14, 2024 | Ohio State University

Through the Franklin County Democratic party, I had the opportunity to participate in several canvasing events this past month. On October 11th and 12th I canvased the Clintonville and...

Duking-it-Out: How an Ohio Group Promotes Dialogue in their Polarized Community

Oct 14, 2024 | Ohio State University

The League of Women Voters of Northern Portage County (LWVNPC), a small, hyperlocal voting rights and civic engagement group, operates at the edge of the Cleveland suburbs, where cul-de-sacs bleed...

How Changes To Columbus’s LEAP Program Demonstrate the Strength’s Of Our Democratic System

Oct 13, 2024 | Ohio State University

Lead exposure is an urgent issue in Ohio. These last two weeks I had the opportunity to watch the Columbus City Council meeting discussing Columbus’ initiative to replace all lead pipes in the city...

City Council and Solving Politics

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Efficiency. Responsiveness. Order. They were all perfectly present in the 48th regular meeting of the Columbus City Council, an affair where proceedings were dominated by ordinance after...

Calling for Local Engagement: The Ohio Democratic Party Phone Bank

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

For the last two weeks, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have volunteered for the Ohio Democratic Party’s phone bank, speaking with local candidates across the state and interacting with potential...

Rallying for Democracy: Ohio’s 2024 Senate Race

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

I was eager to attend the rally in Columbus, Ohio, where Senator Sherrod Brown and his Republican opponent, Bernie Moreno, looked to mobilize voters on the first day of early voting for the 2024...

Polarization is Here, and You Can Find It on Your College Campus

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Signs of polarization are everywhere, including in your classroom and student organizations. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of Ohio State University’s College Democrats...

A Local Stage For Big Issues

Oct 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Ohio’s state government is one of the most radically and staunch conservative enclaves in the United States. Yet their constituents do not quite align with this message and stance. Over the past 10...