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.

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...

From Stardom to Senate: The Alarming Trend of Celebrity Politics in the Philippines

The intersection of celebrity and politics in the Philippines is nothing new. The phenomenon of celebrity politicians—actors, athletes, and other public figures who go from the big screen or stage to the corridors of power—has become a defining aspect of the country's...

Independent State Legislature Theory and its Effects on Democracy in the United States

Apr 21, 2023 | University of Utah

After the 2020 census, North Carolina gained a 14th seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. This meant the Republican-led state legislature was able to redraw the House...

How the NRA Contributes to America’s Democratic Erosion

Apr 19, 2023 | University of Utah

In a recent poll, 1 in 5 Americans has experienced gun violence in the past 5 years. The same poll revealed that 75% of Americans are in favor of raising the legal age of...

Death Sentence: Wisconsin’s Democratic Primary Spells Trouble for American Democracy

Apr 8, 2020 | Boston University

As the 2020 Democratic Primary season ramped up, the bloated field of candidates quickly collapsed to two as frontrunners Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders ran away with the race. After Biden’s...

The Latest Battle Over Voting: Vote By Mail

Apr 8, 2020 | Boston University

Earlier in the year and in late 2019, the Republican party in the US has been suppressing voters and voter turnouts through voter roll purges and the passage of voter ID laws. Since then, attempts...

Federal Judges as Trump’s Political Agents: What Does this Mean for the Future of American Democracy?

Apr 8, 2020 | Boston University

The Trump Presidency, over the last three years, has continuously attempted to destroy democratic norms that have existed for much of the country’s existence. Some of these attempts may have already...

Emerging Technology and Eroding Democracy?

Apr 8, 2020 | Utah State University

The rapid expansion of technology has, generally, been viewed as a positive development for global communication. Technological growth is expected to increase public accessibility and help citizens...

A Dangerous Game: Campaigning for The Expansion of Executive Power

Apr 8, 2020 | Utah State University

The United States democracy has been upheld by the Constitution and within it the separation of powers. Those powers were created by the Framers to uphold the Constitution and to bring forth a more...

How Religious Representation Erodes Democracy in Lebanon

Apr 7, 2020 | Utah State University

After decades of sectarian rule, the people of Lebanon have had enough. Since the end of the First World War, and the beginning of the French presence in the country, they have been living in a...

Trump’s Authoritarian Tendencies and its Relation to Covid-19

Apr 7, 2020 | Boston University

With 330,891 current cases of Covid-19, this virus has affected people in every aspect of life from elections to employment. Trump has engaged in various activities that can be considered...

Democracy’s enemy within

Apr 7, 2020 | Rollins College

The Economist August 31st 2019 Democracy’s enemy within Cynicism is gnawing at Western democracies Democracies are generally thought to die at the barrel of a gun, in coups and revolutions. These...

Combatting Cynicism: The Great Threat to American Democracy

Apr 7, 2020 | Rollins College

The United States has always been characterized by optimism and progress, embedded in our unalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Unfortunately, negativity has been slowly...