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.

Robert Fico’s media law: a populist attack on public broadcasting

In April 2024, Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia introduced the new law which restricted the functioning of the critical broadcaster RTVS. The given blog emphasizes how is the populist nature of Fico demonstrated in this law and how does it fuel the democratic backsliding of Slovakia.

Demagogues: Turning America into the Child Left Behind

The emergence of technofascist demagogues in American politics pose a significant threat to democracy and education, highlighting the urgent need for critical thinking and informed choices to protect the nation’s future.

Germany’s Defense of Democracy

Populism is rising in Germany, with the far-right political party, Alternative for Germany, gaining more and more popularity that echo dangerous anti-democratic trends from Germany, raising concerns about the future of Germany’s democracy.

The Russia-Ukraine War Bodes Poorly for Democracy, But Not in the Way You Think

Mar 3, 2025 | The University of Alabama

The growing unpopularity for America providing foreign aid to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia signals a troubling shift towards isolationism. The United States, the...

The Trump Administration’s Attack on USAID

Feb 17, 2025 | Boston University

When President Trump campaigned for a second term in office, he promised to cut what he referred to as government waste, fraud and abuse. He tasked Elon Musk, shortly after...

Caution: Trump! The “Break Biden’s and Harris’s Regime” Plan is REAL!

Sep 13, 2024 | Ohio State University

Project 2025? If you think there is nothing more anti-democratic than Project 2025, YOU ARE WRONG! If Trump wins the 2024 election and, therefore, enacts his plan to Break Biden’s and Harris’s...

Words of Warning: How Trump’s Rhetoric Reveals Potential Authoritarianism

Sep 13, 2024 | Ohio State University

For years now, former President Donald Trump has been enamored with claims of fraud in the 2020 election and unruly insulting his opponents. The 2024 election season has been no different. As a main...

Foreign Interference: Is Iran Running the 2024 Election, What does this mean for America’s Democracy?

Sep 13, 2024 | Ohio State University

As America reaches election day in November, the 2024 presidential race has been found to be a topic of the utmost importance to not only Americans but foreign actors. As influence of U.S Policy...

Does the State of US Media Mean We Are in Democratic Free-fall? No, Not Really.

Sep 12, 2024 | Ohio State University

The environment around US media has shifted dramatically over the last decade. Independence in US journalism has been a source of pride and confidence to the US people, but is this still true? The...

What Is Happening In Venezuela? And What Can We Expect Moving Forward?

Sep 12, 2024 | University of Notre Dame

Laura Gamboa is an Assistant Professor of Democracy and Global Affairs at the Keough School at the University of Notre Dame. She is an Affiliated Faculty of the Democratic Erosion Consortium and...

Dictator Loading: How Trump’s Reaction to the 2020 Election Predicts the Future

Sep 12, 2024 | Ohio State University

Donald Trump showed his autocratic desires in 2020 when he claimed that the election had been rigged against him before it had even been called. On the night of November 5th, 2020 President Trump...

Democrat’s Dangerous Cost-Benefit Analysis: Will Abandoning Binding Primaries to Defeat Trump Hurt or Help American Democracy in the Long-Term?

Sep 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Today, it is likely that anyone driving through a particularly “liberal” American neighborhood will notice yard signs that beg “Vote Harris! Save Democracy.” With the 2024 presidential election less...

The Future of The E.U.: What The Recent Parliamentary Elections Tell Us by Frankie Vascellaro

Sep 10, 2024 | University of Denver

In recent years, the world has shifted towards more right-wing, populist-centered politics. While this may take many different forms, in Europe specifically, there is a trend in the proliferation of...

The Threat of Misinformation and Disinformation to American Democracy in the Digital Age by Cecilia Cooley

Aug 13, 2024 | University of Denver

Social media is a relatively new, yet threatening phenomenon. While it has provided many benefits, such as opportunities for the world to become more connected and make news and information more...