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...

The Future of Labor: Immigration or Automation?

Apr 11, 2023 | Rollins College

An article titled "People Over Robots (The Global Economy Needs Immigration Before Automation)," [1] written by Lant Pritchett and published in the March/April 2023 issue of...

Trump, Narrative, and Public Perception: How to Erode Democratic Guardrails

Apr 11, 2023 | Rollins College

Narrative is reality and the recent arraignment of President Trump shows just how powerful populists' use of it can be. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)...

Protecting Democracy Through Technological Regulation

Apr 5, 2020 | Rollins College

The Economist published an article titled "Policing Propaganda" on November 28th, 2019. Its persuasive nature aims to convince the reader that "lawmakers, not tech bosses, should regulate digital...

Shelby County Needs More Experience in Local Positions by Alexander Robertson

Apr 5, 2020 | University of Memphis

The debate stage was set on a Tuesday night, it came down to three people to handle the criminal records and other data for Shelby County. The Shelby County Republican General Sessions Court Clerk...

What Really Happens At a City Council Meeting? by Ethan Shutes

Apr 5, 2020 | University of Memphis

Memphis City Council This past month I attended my first Memphis city council meeting, and not only was this my first Memphis city council meeting, but it was my city council meeting that I have...

“POLICE BRUTALITY. DO YOUR LEADERS TRULY CARE ABOUT PUNISHING THOSE WHO ABUSE POWER?” by Dane D. Norvell II

Apr 5, 2020 | University of Memphis

Serve and Protect. The words that have for years echoed into the form of reassurance of safety, have for many, manifested itself into nothing but a hollow shell. But does your city, our city, The...

“State Legislative Issues Briefing by the Family Action Council of Tennessee” by LaDarius Tatum

Apr 5, 2020 | University of Memphis

During the initial opening of the event, FACT President David Fowler explained some basic conservative principles. As he led us through a moment of prayer the next speaker to talk was Todd Payne...

COVID-19 Enables Netanyahu’s Continued Deterioration of Israeli Democracy

Apr 5, 2020 | Boston University

Israel has made international headlines over the past year, following three consecutive inconclusive elections and increasing fears of prime minister Netanyahu's autocratic tendencies. The state of...

The Death of the World’s Largest Democracy

Apr 5, 2020 | Rollins College

On the world stage, Islamophobia came to prominence after the United States of America declared the War on Terror in 2001. In spite of the popular perception that this was where Islamophobia in fact...

Money in Politics: The Effort to Revitalize the Mid-South Coliseum and Fairgrounds by Hanna McCarthy

Apr 4, 2020 | University of Memphis

*Photo by Toby Sells, Creative Commons Zero License On February 18, 2020 the Memphis City Council held a public meeting in which one significant agenda item was to discuss development plans for the...

The Populist Parties

Apr 4, 2020 | University of Memphis

The Recent Democratic Primary Debate in South Carolina and the success of Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden are showing signs that the Democratic Party is beginning to split between moderates and...