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 Judicial Branch’s Downfall

By ruling with bias, the Judicial Branch is overstepping its constitutional role and threatening the integrity of our separation of powers and system of checks and balances.

Israel’s Judicial Reforms: A Potential Danger to Democracy?

Israel’s suggested judicial reforms pose a risk to democratic checks and balances by undermining the independence of the judiciary, centralizing executive authority, and potentially weakening democratic principles, similar to what has been observed in countries like Poland.

Arresting Opposition and Squashing Protests: Democratic Backsliding in Turkey Under Erdoğan

Turkey has been inching towards autocracy under Erdoğan and the AKP for the last 22 years.

U.S. Prisons’ Overcrowding Pandemic Failures

Oct 12, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

The issue of prison system failures that stem from pandemic regulations (or lack thereof) is a pervasive one across the globe. While pre-pandemic systems were already...

When Will Sudan’s Promissory Coup End? Interview with Ruling General Provides Little Clarity for the Country’s Future

Oct 12, 2022 | Ohio State University

In the past three years, Sudan has experienced two promissory coups, plunging the country into ongoing political turmoil. Although outwardly intended to foster...

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...

What had been normalized is finally being confronted head on by Jillian Seigel @ Skidmore College

Mar 30, 2018 | Skidmore College

On March 24th, thousands of people across the country and around the world took to the streets and protested American gun laws. With the United States being one of the most powerful countries in the...

Stagnation as Erosion: Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party’s Monopoly by Ginger Li @ Yale University

Mar 29, 2018 | Yale University

Since 1955, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan has enjoyed near complete control of the Japanese government. It has only failed to hold a majority for four of the past sixty-three years.[1]...

President Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius Resigns in the Face of Scandal: A Lesson in Accountability By: Bailey Markowski @ The Ohio State University

Mar 29, 2018 | Ohio State University

One of the most important aspects of a functioning democracy is its ability to hold its leaders accountable. A lack of checks and balances or of electoral accountability can lead to democratic...

Democratic Erosion University Course Student Blog

The Judicial Branch’s Downfall

Israel’s Judicial Reforms: A Potential Danger to Democracy?

Arresting Opposition and Squashing Protests: Democratic Backsliding in Turkey Under Erdoğan

U.S. Prisons’ Overcrowding Pandemic Failures

When Will Sudan’s Promissory Coup End? Interview with Ruling General Provides Little Clarity for the Country’s Future

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

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

What had been normalized is finally being confronted head on by Jillian Seigel @ Skidmore College

Stagnation as Erosion: Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party’s Monopoly by Ginger Li @ Yale University

President Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius Resigns in the Face of Scandal: A Lesson in Accountability By: Bailey Markowski @ The Ohio State University

Moreno’s Transition to Power: Ecuador’s Uncertain Political Future by Valeria Menendez @ Yale University

How President Trump Lies and Fires His Way Towards Authoritarianism by Dominique Kren @American University

Ian Khama’s Abuse of the Executive in Botswana by Seth Bartlett @ Yale University

A Well Regulated Resistance by Jake Farris @ American University

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