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...

Will South Korea Become the Next Victim of Democratic Erosion?

Nov 26, 2022 | Boston University

South Korea is still extremely young in its democracy compared to the rest of the developed world, becoming a democracy post Korean War around 1950. Nonetheless, the...

South Korea’s 2022 Presidential Election and the Future of South Korean Democracy

Nov 26, 2022 | Boston University

The two main candidates for March's election: Democratic former governor Lee Jae-myung on the left, Conservative former prosecutor Yoon Suk-yeol on the right.Image source:...

Robot Trucks and Their Threat to a Peaceful Democracy by Eli Kramer

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

The robot takeover has already begun. Look around: more and more of our lives are being run by increasingly helpful machines. Our schools use complex registration systems, our computers have access...

The Current State of Brexit and the Coinciding Rise of Populism in Britain and Demise of Democracy by Adelyn Davidson

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

The establishment of third-party political groups in the UK helped the pass Brexit referendum by a 1.9% lead in 2016, almost three years later, the future of Britain's democracy is at stake due to...

How PR deals with polarization and populism

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

The elections in Sweden indicate that populism in Europe is continually rising and such trend is not good for maintaining democracy because the voice from minority groups are neglected from the...

Stealth Authoritarianism and the Rise of Hungary’s Hybrid Regime by Brady Mokrzycki

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

Since being elected prime minister of Hungary in 2010, Viktor Orban and his regime have implemented stealth authoritarian tactics to protect and consolidate power. Although Hungary is considered to...

Will Trump’s Latest Executive Order Come Back to Haunt Him? By Chad Krys

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

On March 21st President Trump signed into action an executive order protecting the freedom of speech on college campuses. This comes following a buzz recently where conservative activists have...

Mongolian President seizes control of judiciary, leaves country in peril by Ryan Stolz

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

Recently, Mongolia has seen its Democracy in peril, posing a great risk for backsliding. Currently, Freedom House has categorized Mongolia as a “free nation.” But, as The Washington Post and...

Democratic Threats Exist in Current Status of Brexit Negotiations by Nicholas Cook

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

Since David Cameron’s proposal for an European Union referendum for Britain in 2013, the British people and now the parliament have been deeply divided over the extent to which Britain should be...

The Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Polarization of the U.S. by Amber Chan

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

The political climate of today is more than just a little tense. Even before the 2016 presidential election, the liberal and conservative sides of the American political realm were strong opposers...

The Turkish Devolution by Aram Martirosyan @ Boston University

Apr 8, 2019 | Boston University

The concept of democratic erosion implies a former, more democratic state of affairs that is giving way to its corruptions. For this reason, the Turkish case is of much import, as the high rate of...