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...

How Twitter’s Free Speech Policy for Populists Hurts American Democracy

Nov 29, 2022 | Boston University

On Thursday, October 27, 2022, Elon Musk officially closed his $44 billion deal to purchase the social media site Twitter. In the following weeks, he fired several of...

Vox, Populism, and Polarization: A Potential Threat to Spanish Democracy

Nov 28, 2022 | Boston University

The rise of populist far-right parties in Europe threatens the continent’s democracies. These parties are dangerous not only because they threaten the political status quo...

Acting Titles and Erosion of Norms by Jorge Garrigo

Apr 22, 2019 | University of Chicago

The Trump administration is no stranger to turnover. From the very start of the administration, personnel has been shuffled in and out of key positions, some like Anthony Scaramucci lasting only six...

Can Sudan be a Fertile Breeding Ground for a Stable Democracy? By Omar Battisha

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

As political observers intently watch the situation between the Sudanese protesters and the Transitional Military Council continue to unfold, waiting to see if a democratic future is in store for...

Stealth Authoritarianism and Trump’s Constant War with the Free Press by Marcos Dymond

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

President Trump has a well-documented, antagonistichistory with many of the country’s most prominent and respected news authorities. In an October 2018 article Vox’s Ezra Klein wrote a piece on...

Nicolas Maduro and the Venezuelan Presidency By Luis Sierra

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

In Venezuela, President Nicholas Maduro has managed to remain in power even as the country continues through protests and a worsening economic crisis. Even after Juan Guiado the opposition leader...

How Disinformation is Threatening the 2019 Indian Election by Jenny W. Xiao

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

As the world’s largest democracy heads to the ballot box this week, political observers are worried that propaganda and “fake news” pose a threat to the country’s parliamentary elections. Earlier...

Is Reforming the Supreme Court Possible? by Emily Morrison

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

Since his election in 2016, President Trump has had the opportunity to appoint not one, but two Supreme Court justices. If re-elected in 2020, the probability of another vacancy on the Court is very...

The Anti-Federalists’ prediction: The Founding Fathers’ Fears of Executive Encroachment on Checks and Balances may have been Warranted. By Joseph Libertin

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

Anti-Federalist Concerns A country still wrought with polarization and disagreement was unsurprisingly born out a similar form of disagreement. This dispute arose from contemplation over the makeup...

The Varying Difficulties of Constitutional Modification: A Threat or Benefit to Democracy? By Ian Henson

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

Constitutions are widely recognized as a critical or essential component to a well-functioning democracy. Although many would agree that the U.S. Constitution is not a perfect document, it has...

American Authoritarian Populism Analysis by Anjali Nahata

Apr 21, 2019 | University of Chicago

Americans are constantly hearing phrases such as “Drain the Swamp” from right-wing politicians and concerns about “the rise of populism” in our country from leftist political scientists. Is...