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.

Hungary’s Orban Suspicious of EU Ban on Russian Crude Oil

Jun 11, 2022 | Koç University

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (Photo by: The Russian Presidential Press and Information Office) Viktor Orban should be taken...

Possible Effects of Russia’s Recognition of Kosovo on Serbia’s Democracy

Jun 11, 2022 | Koç University

International relations have always reminded me of dominoes. When we consider the bigger picture, a seemingly insignificant event or policy can have a significant influence....

Jokes about Treason are Not a Joke by John Ganger @ Ohio State University

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

Six days after giving his State of the Union address in front of Congress, President Donald Trump complained publicly that Congressional Democrats did not clap for his speech, lamenting that “Even...

Concern That the U.S. Is Close to Authoritarianism Is Probably Premature by Ricky Cutlip @ Ohio State University

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

There has been much speculation as to whether the most recent election in the United States highlights and enhances both democratic backslide and a new stealth authoritarian regime. In order to...

The Federal Bureau of Instigation by Joseph Glandorf @ The Ohio State University

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

When such a firmly established American institution of justice as the FBI falls under attack by prominent members of the “law and order” party, it should be clear to everyone that something is...

How Trump is using the Nunes Memo to Consolidate Power and Weaken His Opposition By Jackson Schumacher @ The Ohio State University

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

Following a protracted political maelstrom in late January, House republicans voted along party lines to release the controversial Nunes memo and not a counter memo composed by the Democratic Party....

Donald Trump’s Rhetoric Does Not Threaten the United States Media by Ethan Gruber @ The Ohio State University

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

After a relative silence on the topic, President Trump vowed to re-examine libel laws in the United States. This pledge, coming on the heels of Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury, surely comes with an...

The Case for Democratic Elections by Evelyn Kennedy @ The Ohio State University

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

President Trump may no longer be on The Apprentice, but his infamous “You’re fired!” line may still come in handy. Of the many difficult and important decisions that President Trump has to make, one...

Gerrymandering, And Those Who Fight to Protect it, is A Threat To American Democracy by Drew Flanagan @ The Ohio State University

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

Creed's Seafood Steaks in King of Prussia: classy seafood joint, or embodiment of democratic erosion? According to political scientist John Kennedy, it's essentially both. Dr. Kennedy is a professor...

IS POPULISM THE BEGINNING OF THE END? MELISSA MA @ OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

The formula for democratic erosion in the modern era is lethal: clear, public and incremental changes to the legal framework of a democracy in the name of a national interest. President Donald...

“Capitalism versus Populism – A Break in Logic” by “Gabrielle Minotti” @ “Ohio State University”

Feb 23, 2018 | Ohio State University

Going along with most of the decisions the federal government has produced since the 2016 election, the newly minted tax reform is very pro business and capitalist oriented. Giving major tax cuts to...