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.

Are you MAGA, even? How Polarization Ties Into Democratic Erosion

By definition, democracy requires multiple parties to function, but the proudest democracy of the modern age is facing issues as a direct result. The United States is currently experiencing one of its most politically polarizing climates in history, resulting in...

How Recent Discriminatory Kansas Legislation is Accelerating Democratic Backsliding in the U.S.

As Kansas’s discriminatory SB 244 becomes law, America is closer than ever to abandoning democracy and becoming a competitive oligarchy.

Fear Wins Votes: Trump’s Violations and Consistent Support

This blog evaluates how Donald Trump’s political success stems from his use of fear-based rhetoric and polarization, which reshape voter priorities, weaken democratic accountability, and allow violations of democratic norms to occur without consequence.

A Win for Democracy in Poland: How the Opposition Overcame the Authoritarian PiS Party in October Elections

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

In their past eight years of control, the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has eroded judicial and constitution checks and balances while centralizing media ownership....

The Danger of Political Disinformation Within the United States

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

Political Disinformation is one of the greatest threats facing the United States today. It not only...

Bernie Sanders: Modern Day Robin Hood

Mar 10, 2020 | Suffolk University

Recently, Bernie Sanders held a rally in the Boston Commons to promote his presidential campaign in which he addressed issues such as affordable housing, healthcare, and childcare. Yet how can the...

Feeling the Bern

Mar 6, 2020 | Suffolk University

Drawing crowds over thirteen thousand people, Bernie Sanders entertained a lot of people. This was very first experience at a rally for a presidential candidate and I will never forget it. I felt...

Are Americans okay with a lack of universal healthcare? The ones that are not are getting out and voting.

Mar 5, 2020 | Suffolk University

A lack of universal healthcare looks different to every American. For some, it means skipping doctor appointments routine check-ups. For others, it means ignoring medical help when its an urgency,...

Ever Been to a Political Rally? Me Neither, Until Now.

Mar 5, 2020 | Suffolk University

Senator Bernie Sanders held a local stop on his campaign trail in Boston, at the Boston Commons. Attracting over 13,000 people, old and young, to show their support for the leading Democratic...

Here’s how Greenovate is taking on Climate Change in the City of Boston

Mar 5, 2020 | Suffolk University

The City of Boston is dealing with a plethora of issues and one of them is climate change. How does the city intend to fight the prospects of climate change that will harm our most vulnerable...

Bernie Sanders: Is Youth Support Enough to Win the Democratic Nomination?

Mar 5, 2020 | Suffolk University

Democratic Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders recently hosted a rally in Boston, Massachusetts this past Saturday, in which a significant crowd of over 13,000 people showed up to support. Known...

“Bern Baby Bern:” the Fires of a Political Revolution

Mar 5, 2020 | Suffolk University

This election cycle is easily the most politically charged and polarizing candidate run that our country has seen in recent history. Compared to the fierce and nail biting conclusion of the 2016...

Is Human Trafficking a Big Problem in the U.S.? It depends on who you ask.

Mar 5, 2020 | Suffolk University

There are many different crimes than fall under the Human Trafficking umbrella that most people wouldn’t even consider. One of the most common misconceptions about trafficking is that the majority...