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...

Learning From Silvio Berlusconi’s Reign Over Media

Dec 21, 2022 | Boston University

Precursors In Italian journalism, clearly defined political stances take precedence over objective reporting. Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI), the country’s state-owned...

Covertly Culpable: The Role of Political Norms, Parties, and Legal Institutions in Democratic Erosion

Dec 20, 2022 | University of Denver

It is difficult to understand why a country’s leader would erode the same system that elected him or her to power. One would assume a person would have great respect for and...

Will International Trade Affect the United States Democracy?

Oct 26, 2019 | University of Memphis

International Trade regarding United States Democracy There is nothing new that China plays a huge role with the United States when it comes to World Trade. There is still struggle when it comes to...

Definitely No Deal for Brexit?

Oct 26, 2019 | Salem State University

Finally, the deadline for Brexit is approaching, and time is running out for the UK and the European Union to come to terms with a deal to smoothly transition. The probability of such a deal...

Playing Nice

Oct 24, 2019 | University of Memphis

Show Me What Democracy Looks Like Republicans and Democrats are gravitating away from the center, but Republicans are moving farther faster. It is hard to point a finger like this and still come...

The Democratic and Geopolitical Repercussions of US Withdrawal from Syria

Oct 23, 2019 | Salem State University

The departure of US forces from Syria serves as a capitulation to authoritarian forces and as a death knell to any hope of democratic peace brokering. President Trump’s decision to withdraw US...

Why Is Hong Kong More Important than Jakarta?

Oct 18, 2019 | Salem State University

Does America's political position in the world alter US media? Do current events have to serve a particular political agenda in order to be reported in the U.S? The coverage or lack there of,...

Democratically Wrong: Examining the Authority of Democratic Decisions

Oct 17, 2019 | Salem State University

The pressing political issues of today raise important political questions regarding the value of democratic decisions. Following the most recent Democratic Party debate, the right-side of the...

Trade Disputes Weaken More than Alliances

Oct 17, 2019 | Salem State University

Can a weakened market weaken the foundation of democracy? The strength of democracy is in the people, but if the people loose faith in democracy what could happen? The trade war between the US and...

The Trouble in North Carolina

Oct 17, 2019 | Salem State University

How anti-democratic measures are eroding democratic norms in North Carolina In the book How Democracies Die, Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky argue that backsliding governments may reject the...

The World’s Biggest Democracy in an Undemocratic Light

Oct 16, 2019 | Salem State University

India, the world’s biggest democratic government, is facing serious challenges to its democracy. To the North, in Kashmir, civil strife is rampant. China, Pakistan, and India all lay claim to parts...