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.

Donald Trump the Nazi Reincarnate?: Godwin’s Law and How This Phenomenon is Counterproductive to Understanding Democratic Erosion

What do we hope to accomplish when comparing President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, a tyrannical perpetrator of genocide?

The Russia-Ukraine War Bodes Poorly for Democracy, But Not in the Way You Think

The Russia-Ukraine War is a serious threat to global democracy through the growing wave of isolationism in the United States, an entity that has typically been at the forefront of fighting authoritarianism across the world.

The Trump Administration’s Attack on USAID

The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, increase concerns about democratic backsliding as it could result in a trend with the executive undermining institutional legitimacy.

How Florida Governor DeSantis’ New “Stop Woke” Relates to an Illiberal Threat to American Democracy

Jul 24, 2022 | Dartmouth College

In American politics across both parties increased polarization and feelings of elite domination have caused concerns over an erosion of democracy and a move away from...

5 reasons to lower the voting age by Yanebi Blanco @Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

Last Saturday, March 24, 2018, I experienced first hand what I am convinced will be a defining event in United States history: the 'March for our lives' rally in Washington DC. As I was standing...

“Each ‘End’ of Phil Murphy’s Gubernatorial Campaign” by Dylan Quinn @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

On a hot June day in Newark, just under twenty individuals huddled around a conference speaker. Unconstructed cubicles, boxes filled with office supplies, and Keurig coffees cups littered the stuffy...

Polarization And Propaganda For A New Age by Wesley Brock @ University of Memphis

Mar 30, 2018 | University of Memphis

It is likely that everyone reading this will have heard of the Cambridge Analytica incident by this point. For those who have not the quick version of the story is that an app designed for Facebook...

“Non-Violent Protestors Must Find Solace in the Small Victories” by Jack Galardi @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

Saturday, March 24th, 2018 represented an important day in our nation’s history, as hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered in 800 cities around the United States to join the “March for Our...

March for Our Lives has the Hallmarks of a Successful Protest, by: Izzi Bertolozzi @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

On Saturday, March 24th I attended the March for Our Lives in Albany, NY. Since the election in 2016 there seem to be more marches than usual, whether they be for science, women or equality. There...

Community Conversation on Wealth Inequality in Saratoga Springs by Austin Albertson @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

As a student at Skidmore, I have never felt particularly connected to the community, other than frequenting my favorite bars, restaurants, and movie theater. Thus, in attending a conversation on...

More Than Ever We Need to Focus on Grassroots by Jane Huber @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

For my “do something” event I attended a wealth inequality talk in downtown Saratoga Springs. The event was held at the famed Café Lena and called Conversations to Build an Inclusive Community: What...

WILL MASS PROTESTS HELP OR HURT OUR DEMOCRACY? by Wyeth Taylor @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

The most central and important part of a healthy democracy is the engagement of its citizens, especially when those in power make decisions contrary to what citizen’s believe is in their best...

A New Face in Massachusetts Will Cure a Newly Polarized Community by Jake Hempel @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

Today's political spectrum is riddled with divisive issues, ignorance, inaction, and polarization. A diminishing face in government, even in the most popular states, opens doors for challengers to...