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...

Conspiracy Theories and the 2020 United States Elections

Dec 4, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

On January 6, 2021, the American public received a startling reminder of the effects of conspiracy theories. As a direct result of President Trump’s conspiratorial rhetoric,...

Ortega’s Obstruction of Fair Process in Nicaragua

Dec 4, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

Nicaragua is a coastal country in Central America founded in 1821 after gaining independence from Spain,...

Engaging With The Community By Kenya Shaw

Apr 28, 2019 | Georgia State University

Over my spring break, I went to a political event called “How Journalists and The Public Shape our Democracy.” This political event was held in Gwinnett County at their public library. For those who...

Donald Trump Called the Mueller Investigation a “Coup.” Here’s Why that Rhetoric is so Dangerous by Emily Morrison

Apr 28, 2019 | University of Chicago

In an appearance on Fox New's Hannity, Donald Trump continued to escalate his attacks on any attempts at oversight of his administration. Trump, in a lengthy rant about the Mueller Investigation,...

An “Unusual” Type of Left Wing Member by Loredana Iacovelli

Apr 27, 2019 | Georgia State University

Throughout a diverse crowd full of women, my eyes were brought to focus on one particular person who you would think was there with the opposite intention than the reason for the gathering. If you...

Women’s Equality by Brieana Burke

Apr 27, 2019 | Georgia State University

On March 9, 2019, I attended a democratic meeting for Cobb county called Donuts with Democrats, at the Smyrna Community Center. I was very excited to go because I had never been to any type of...

The American Media: Friend or Foe?

Apr 27, 2019 | University of Chicago

Cable News: War of Ideology By Lukus Berber The University of Chicago American democracy has never been easy. Americans today have evolved since the days of duels and outright assaults on the House...

A Tradition of Empowerment: The Georgia League of Women Voters by Sara Rosendorf

Apr 27, 2019 | Georgia State University

For this blog post, I will be covering a “digital event” while currently residing in Utrecht, the Netherlands. I will explore the works done by the League of Women Voters, with an emphasis to the...

The Core of Democracy in a Community by Baylee Gunnells

Apr 27, 2019 | Georgia State University

The Core of Democracy in a Community The input that a community has in programs and services that are offered by the county presents the ideologies of democratic norms. Thus, stated in...

Day at the Georgia Capitol by Zyion Butts

Apr 27, 2019 | Georgia State University

Remember the song about Bills? From Schoolhouse rock? That’s exactly what I was thinking while walking through the Georgia Capitol on Crossover day. Since taking my Global Issues course this Spring...

Can America’s Bipartisan Framework Guard Against Populism? By Noa Levin

Apr 27, 2019 | University of Chicago

Despite a few close calls, the United States has never truly succumbed to populism. Now, the election of Donald Trump has challenged the American democratic framework’s resilience to populism. Many...