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.

The house is burning from the inside out: American democracy is dying

” There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide” - James Adams. If the average empire fails at 250 years and America is 248 years old, could we say that the death of democracy was something foreseeable and the uprise in authoritarian form of government...

Demagogues: Turning America into the Child Left Behind

The emergence of technofascist demagogues in American politics pose a significant threat to democracy and education, highlighting the urgent need for critical thinking and informed choices to protect the nation’s future.

Germany’s Defense of Democracy

Populism is rising in Germany, with the far-right political party, Alternative for Germany, gaining more and more popularity that echo dangerous anti-democratic trends from Germany, raising concerns about the future of Germany’s democracy.

Democratic Backsliding in the Philippines

https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/the-son-also-rises/

Feb 14, 2025 | Boston University

Rodrigo Duterte's presidency from 2016 to 2022 launched the Philippines into political turmoil and democratic backsliding, taking similar actions to the authoritarian ruler...

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: How Does This Affect Democracy?

Feb 14, 2025 | Boston University

Now more than ever we can see that our “democracy,” initiatives and plans are under siege and fire. Currently, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives are under...

Why Iranian Elections Don’t Matter Anymore

Jan 31, 2024 | Sabanci University

Elections in Iran used to be quite competitive and consequential. However, the democratic elements of the regime were successively weakened and even moderate former President Rouhani is prevented...

Will Slovakia follow Hungary’s path?

Jan 7, 2024 | Sabanci University

In recent years, the Slovak political situation has been characterized by instability, polarization, corruption, and a resurgence of populist forces. The political scene has become more...

Similar ways of Autocratization by Erdogan and Orban

Jan 7, 2024 | Sabanci University

Both leaders have faced criticism for actions that limit the indolence of the media, thereby constraining the free flow of salt information. Orban’s government has been accused of exerting control...

Resistance Against Digital Authoritarianism: The Case of Venezuela

Jan 6, 2024 | Sabanci University

Almost every country uses digital surveillance to some extent, whether it is for crime prevention and security, healthcare, or identity verification. But in some countries that have regimes with...

The Overlooked Backsliding of Malagasy Democracy

Jan 4, 2024 | Sabanci University

Malagasy politics are often overlooked by the international civil society, despite its long history of tumultuous instability. Yet, the Madagascan political atmosphere offers valuable insights into...

Legitimating Authority Through Elections: Orbán’s Hungary

Jan 3, 2024 | Sabanci University

Hungary, a country which transitioned to democracy fairly peacefully after years of Soviet pressure and communist rule, now struggles with authoritarianism and its effects. Viktor Orbán and his...

From Populism to Restoration: Ecuador’s Political (R)evolution

Jan 2, 2024 | University of Pennsylvania

In recent years, Ecuador has witnessed a complex interplay between democracy and the rise of populism, a phenomenon that has captured the attention of political analysts and scholars alike. As a...

Reserve Building Area Law in the Autocratic Presidential System Türkiye

Dec 26, 2023 | Sabanci University

After the constitutional referendum in 2017 Turkey, the state started a new era of its democratic history. In 2017 Turkey held a referendum and according to that referendum the parliamentary system...

Suspicions of Speeches

Dec 8, 2023 | University of Memphis

Speeches are a political tool commonly used worldwide, but when they are used in a manner that distinctively promotes one's agenda and avoids accountability, it becomes weaponized communication. The...