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.

The Migrant Crisis in New York: Why Populism Brought Us to Such a Partisan Divide

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Earlier this month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in his city due to the massive influx of migrants arriving by bus. As a result, New York...

Political Polarization and Economic Inequality: How the United States is Democratically Eroding

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

An analysis of American democratic erosion is conducted leveraging findings from political science professors Sheri Berman and Ozan Varol. Particular attention is paid to...

A Fine Day to Lobby by Cherish Dunk

Apr 25, 2019 | Georgia State University

On a cold Thursday, I went to the City Capitol building in downtown Atlanta, wanting to contribute not knowing what to expect I was a bit nervous, however after meeting with the Georgia Shift...

Reflections at McDonough City Hall by Zachary Thomas

Apr 25, 2019 | Georgia State University

On Monday, March 18, 2019, I had the opportunity to attend the McDonough City Council Meeting at McDonough City Hall in McDonough, Georgia. While there, I was able to learn about the issues that...

“Behind the Scenes” of my Town (City Council Meeting) by Sommer Garmon

Apr 25, 2019 | Georgia State University

I sat in my town’s City Hall building, not really sure what to expect, as I had never attended any sort of political event. I was the first to show up, so I questioned if I was even in the right...

The Great Emptying by Alex Kendrick

Apr 24, 2019 | Georgia State University

Wednesday, April 17th, 2019: the mayor opens the City Council meeting in Conyers, Georgia with a prayer and the pledge. This is not an unusual practice for a town like Conyers: rural, firmly...

Rockdale Republicans by Doran Johnson

Apr 24, 2019 | Georgia State University

Rockdale Republicans On March 7, 2019, I attended a monthly meeting of the Rockdale Republicans GOP. At this meeting, I was able to observe and learn about how local government functions. People...

A Democracy Battle: China and Hong Kong

Apr 24, 2019 | Georgia State University

Prior to the year 1997, Hong Kong was a British territory in Southeastern China. However, after 1997, China gained Hong Kong and has since eroded and demolished democracy in Hong Kong. China’s...

Religious Ideology Threatens the Popular Vote in Utah by Keli Lalicker

Apr 24, 2019 | Utah State University

On November 5th of 2018, 52.75% of Utah voters decided to vote “yes” on Proposition 2, the Medical Marijuana Initiative supporting the legalization of marijuana exclusively for medicinal use. Less...

The Arc GA for Democracy by Rose Shine

Apr 23, 2019 | Georgia State University

On March 13th of 2019, I went to the Georgia State Capitol for “The Arc Georgia Day at the Capitol”. The purpose of the event is to advocate for the issue that is important to the communities of...

Impeachment Doesn’t Always Mean the End for Democracy

Apr 23, 2019 | Utah State University

Jennifer Varela There have been many democracies in the past that have backslid. Naturally, impeachment can leave a lot of people uneasy due to the sudden change in the regime. However, is that...