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...

Election-Deniers as Political Officials, American Democracy in Peril

Nov 27, 2022 | Boston University

The democratic institutions of the United States of America are in a highly precarious position. In the 2020 presidential election Donald Trump tested the guardrails of...

Sign of the Times: Viktor Orban’s Anti-Democratic and Xenophobic Anti-Immigration Campaign

Nov 27, 2022 | Boston University

Across the bucolic Hungarian countryside, in cities and villages both large and small, massive billboards and signs dot the landscape. Upon closer inspection, these signs...

Democratic Erosion: Propaganda Has Failed Us

Apr 14, 2019 | Georgia State University

Once a month, the Newton County, Georgia Republican Committee hold meetings to discuss two-year plans, new tactics on propaganda, and how the party can spread their ideas and policies throughout the...

The United States of Acting Officials – Samantha Rip

Apr 13, 2019 | American University

On Sunday, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen resigned after overseeing one of the most controversial immigration policies in recent history. That same day, it was revealed that Kevin...

Donald Trump’s Negative Example is Trending with Jair Bolsonaro by Austin Anderson

Apr 13, 2019 | Utah State University

Denouncing reporter's statements as “fake news”, moving the embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, pulling out of the Paris Accords, a political battle against Venezuela’s president Nicolas...

Local Democracy in Action

Apr 13, 2019 | Rollins College

Planning and Zoning Board: Winter Park, FL Emily Curran This past week I went to a Planning and Zoning Board meeting at the City Hall for the town of Winter Park, where Rollins College is located....

The Ripple Effect by EJ Broker

Apr 13, 2019 | Rollins College

This post is written in response to two articles in the April 13 print edition of The Economist, both under the Leaders section: ‘Israel’s election, Bibi the conjuror’ and ‘Elections in Indonesia,...

Analysis of “Tech Is Splitting The US Work Force in Two”

Apr 13, 2019 | Rollins College

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/business/economy/productivity-inequality-wages.html This article explains that automation is replacing thousands of jobs while providing only an infinitesimal...

The US Democracy is Like My Old F-150 by Sam Hanna

Apr 13, 2019 | Rollins College

My family has a 2001 Ford F-150 with over 160,000 miles on the odometer. It runs like a champ once you get it...

Shizno Abe Rewriting Japan by Alexander Holt

Apr 12, 2019 | Utah State University

Is Prime Minister Shizno Abe leading Japan towards a more authoritarian identity? This might seem like a strange question, as Japan has been considered a democracy since US occupation of the islands...

Same Battle, Different Ground – Sustainability and Civic Engagement in Taiwan and the US

Apr 12, 2019 | Suffolk University

Borders, democracy, nothing will matter once the planet is dead, so citizens across the world start their battle for sustainability. Unlikely allies US and Taiwan have very similar ways of action...