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.

Donald Trump the Nazi Reincarnate?: Godwin’s Law and How This Phenomenon is Counterproductive to Understanding Democratic Erosion

What do we hope to accomplish when comparing President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, a tyrannical perpetrator of genocide?

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

The Russia-Ukraine War is a serious threat to global democracy through the growing wave of isolationism in the United States, an entity that has typically been at the forefront of fighting authoritarianism across the world.

The Trump Administration’s Attack on USAID

The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, increase concerns about democratic backsliding as it could result in a trend with the executive undermining institutional legitimacy.

Media Freedom in Poland Is Deteriorating

Nov 25, 2022 | Boston University

In May this year, Reporters Without Borders, also known as RSF released its annual Press Freedom Index. This report evaluates various indicators to give countries a score...

Unprecedented Democratic Backsliding in Hungary: Is it Too Late to Turn Around?

Nov 25, 2022 | Boston University

When Russia launched its barbaric invasion on Ukraine, many expected a silver lining to emerge in which the Russian aggressor would become a catalyst for European states to...

Democratic Backsliding in Egypt

Dec 19, 2019 | Georgia State University

Recently, in Egypt, a breakout of anti-government protests resulted in the arrests of innocent people, including both bystanders and peaceful protesters. Young citizens took to the streets chanting,...

Democracy is Fighting for its Life

Dec 17, 2019 | Georgia State University

When it comes to America’s democracy, we can say that it is most likely free, and that being free is welcomed in the country. However, that is not the case because America’s democracy is falling...

Activism is Under Attack in the Philippines

Dec 16, 2019 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Activists in the Philippines are under siege. The country is now the most dangerous place for environmental activists, with 30 killed in 2018 – more than anywhere else in the world. And...

Democratic Erosion in Israel

Dec 16, 2019 | Georgia State University

Democratic Erosion in Israel Democratic erosion is defined as the gradual decline in the quality of democracy. This is caused by the state weakening political institutions that sustain the...

U.S is caught in Democratic Erosion Wave by Kamya Rogers

Dec 16, 2019 | Georgia State University

Democratic backsliding, also known as democratic erosion or democratization is a gradual decline in the quality of democracy. The decline is caused by weakening of political institutions that...

Instances of Democratic Backsliding in Bolivia Paint a Grim Outlook for the Future of the Country’s Democracy by Amanda Stewart

Dec 15, 2019 | Georgia State University

Evo Morales has taken great strides in improving Bolivia’s economy, dismantling poverty, and improving the lives of many indigenous Bolivians. Why, then, has Morales become the latest victim of a...