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.

Trump’s Evolved Form of Populism Works… and Hurts.

President Donald Trump’s second term in office has brought forth a more evolved form of populism; by incorporating authoritarian methods of governing with populist tactics, Trump is doing significant damage to America’s democracy.

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.

Argentine Populism and Its Threat to Liberal Democracy: What Executive Manipulation of Human Rights Can Tell Us about the Health of Argentine Civil Society

Jul 25, 2022 | Dartmouth College

For nearly a century, Argentina has faced off with a unique brand of populism. Argentine populism, while originally celebrated for its mobilization of genuine people power,...

Winter Falls on the Arab Spring: Newly Proposed Constitution is a Threat to Tunisian Democracy

Jul 24, 2022 | Dartmouth College

Tunisia, once a beacon of democracy in the Arab world, is on the brink of losing their democratic government that inspired millions. In late June, Tunisian President Kais...

Enrique Pena Nieto corrupts Mexico’s Democracy by Jason Ballejo @ University of California, Los Angeles

Mar 15, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

Enrique Pena Nieto's vote into office on June 1st, 2012 will forever leave a mark in Mexico's path to a desired democracy. To begin with, lets summarize briefly who Enrique Pena Nieto is and what he...

The Holocaust Law: A Case in Point of Democratic Backsliding in Poland by Nam Sik Yoo @ University of California, Los Angeles

Mar 15, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

Democracy has certainly been on the rise throughout the world during the past four decades. According to the Pew Research Center, 97 out of 167 countries (58%) with populations of at least 500,000...

Hungary’s Erosion from Liberal to Illiberal Democracy by Christine Wiley @ UCLA

Mar 15, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

“Many observers both here and abroad fear Hungary will become the first EU member state to abandon liberal democracy, and nobody really knows what to do about it.” This quote from a Politico article...

A Bleak Future for Democracy in Venezuela by Katherine Clement @ University of California, Los Angeles

Mar 14, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

In March of 2017, the Supreme Court of Venezuela made a decision that served to highlight the bleak future of Democracy for the nation. In their decision, the Supreme Court took over the...

France’s 2017 Election- Fighting Populism and Backsliding by Mona Farzan @ UCLA

Mar 14, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

Democratic ideals were first introduced to France during the time of the French Revolution, in 1789. Since then, France has come a long way, and is currently referred to as an example of a strong...

Populism in Kenyan Presidential Elections as a Threat to Democracy by Mackenzi Elias @ UCLA

Mar 14, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

Since gaining its independence from British Colonial rule in 1963, Kenya has evolved into a stable, economically sound nation with an exemplary democratic system. Its government has adopted a...

How Much Longer Does Turkey Have Before it Erupts? by Nefthaly Rivera @ University of California, Los Angeles

Mar 14, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

As seen in several cases of democratic erosion, cunning politicians get publicly elected on a popular platform, and as soon as their shoes hit the floor of their shiny new office they change their...

Is Italy Flirting with Fascism Once Again? by Kelsey Holmes @ UCLA

Mar 14, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

The recent general election in Italy that occurred on March 4, 2018, showed that the state is moving away from its democratic ties. Democratic backsliding can be defined as the breaking down of,...

Is South Korea heading away from democratic form of government?

Mar 14, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

Economic success and economic allocation under authoritarian political suppression began to be overturned in South Korea during the late 1980’s. Democratic policies gradually substituted autarchy...