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.

First 100 Days, More Like First 100 Hours: How Trump’s First 100 Days Played Out Against Trump’s Second 100 Hours

Indiana Senator Jim Banks, a staunch Trump ally, predicted that President Trump’s return to power would be characterized by “shock and awe.” In many ways, the events of President Trump’s first 100 hours in office during his second term have lived up to that promise....

History Repeats: Why Strong Global Defense is Key to Preventing Autocracy

A strong and consistent global defense by democratic nations is crucial to preventing the rise of autocratic regimes, as history shows—from the Cold War doctrines to the failed democratization of Afghanistan—that without committed follow-through and structural reform, authoritarian forces will exploit weaknesses and reclaim power.

Women in Political Dynasties: The Illusion of Choice and Democratic Erosion in the Philippines

Political dynasties have long controlled Philippine politics, with powerful families passing down leadership positions across generations. Despite the imposition of term limits discouraging dynastic rule, these families have found their way around the constitutional...

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro: Petty, or a Danger to Democracy?

May 1, 2023 | University of Utah

In October 2021, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil’s run-off presidential election. Months later, thousands of pro-Bolsonaro...

Examining the Resurgence and Dangers of White Christian Nationalism in America

May 1, 2023 | University of Utah

On January 6th, 2021, millions around the world had their eyes glued to the T.V. as thousands of insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol. This attempted coup—as many call...

Paranoid Politics in the US Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Apr 11, 2020 | Boston University

With the global pandemic of COVID-19 virtually shutting down the entire country and disrupting our way of life, the United States, and in particular President Donald Trump, have evoked the paranoid...

The UK’s Coronavirus Failure

Apr 11, 2020 | Boston University

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has thrown the entire world for a loop, no country has been unaffected by its strength and ability to spread. The virus has shown no mercy in who it affects- the wealthy...

As the Coronavirus Spreads—So Does Democratic Erosion

Apr 11, 2020 | American University

Amidst the onset of an economic recession in 2008, the Wall Street Journal quoted former Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emmanual with his now-infamous phrase, “You never want a serious crisis to go to...

Gnashing of Teeth: Abandonment and Insecurity in American Prisons

Apr 10, 2020 | American University

Theorists use a range of scales to identify the turning points of democratization and de-democratization. Some prefer to focus on political rights, as in the difference between citizens in a...

Echoes of 1933: Viktor Orban takes advantage of the Coronavirus crisis to declare absolute power in Hungary

Apr 9, 2020 | Boston University

The handling of the current COVID-19 global pandemic has had varying effects on nations across the globe, but in Hungary, it could spell the end of democracy. The current ruling party in Hungary is...

Viktor Orban’s Pandemic Power Grab: Exploring How Populists Exploit Disasters to Edge Out Democracy

Apr 9, 2020 | Boston University

The COVID-19 pandemic is holding up a magnifying glass to the fragility of not only Hungary’s healthcare system but its already besieged democracy. In 2008, far-right populist Viktor Orban captured...

The Wisconsin Primary Election: The Choice Between Health and Democracy

Apr 9, 2020 | Boston University

We have all heard the phrase “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” This time probably more than ever. But even more popular these days is a version of, “This is an unprecedented...

Coronavirus: The Threat of Democratic Erosion in A Global Pandemic

Apr 8, 2020 | Boston University

The current global pandemic has undoubtedly wreaked havoc on democracies throughout the world, as governments attempt to balance legislative powers with mitigation policies. As the death rate in...

Russia Coronavirus Measures and Their Effect On Its Shaky Democracy

Apr 8, 2020 | Boston University

The human rights situation in modern Russia has been extremely rocky since Putin first took power as president. Today, the coronavirus pandemic has given Putin and his administration a new weapon to...