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.

These blogs reflect the views of the student authors, and not those of the Democratic Erosion Consortium.

History Repeats: Why Strong Global Defense is Key to Preventing Autocracy

A strong and consistent global defense by democratic nations is crucial to preventing the rise of autocratic regimes, as history shows—from the Cold War doctrines to the failed democratization of Afghanistan—that without committed follow-through and structural reform, authoritarian forces will exploit weaknesses and reclaim power.

Women in Political Dynasties: The Illusion of Choice and Democratic Erosion in the Philippines

Political dynasties have long controlled Philippine politics, with powerful families passing down leadership positions across generations. Despite the imposition of term limits discouraging dynastic rule, these families have found their way around the constitutional...

From Stardom to Senate: The Alarming Trend of Celebrity Politics in the Philippines

The intersection of celebrity and politics in the Philippines is nothing new. The phenomenon of celebrity politicians—actors, athletes, and other public figures who go from the big screen or stage to the corridors of power—has become a defining aspect of the country's...

Democratic Backsliding in the Ukraine Conflict and Renewed Prospects of Re-Democratization in Europe

Oct 13, 2022 | Boston University

The barbaric war in Ukraine seems to have a silver lining - the Russian aggressor has become a catalyst for European states to reevaluate their democratic standing and...

2020 Tanzanian Election: A Disaster in Democracy

Oct 13, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

The 2020 Tanzanian presidential election has forever had its reputation tainted by fraud allegations and the use of voter suppression tactics. Journalists and politicians of...

Who is Fighting Democratic Erosion at the Local Level? By Jackson Schumacher @ The Ohio State University

Mar 10, 2018 | Ohio State University

I arrived at the city council chambers as the zoning and planning meeting was getting to head. Spirited debates over the choice to re-zone area A09-17-42 from low density residential to low density...

On Campus Abortion Protests: A Study in Polarization by William Weber @ The Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

Last week, pro-life activists came to the Ohio State University to campaign, bringing graphic images, divisive rhetoric, and a potential case study of democratic erosion with them. After watching...

The Unsung Victories for Planned Parenthood and Democracy By: Bailey Markowski @ The Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

Planned Parenthood usually brings to mind debates about abortion, Roe v. Wade, the Women’s March vs. The March for Life, and plenty of other controversial topics, mostly on a national scale. But the...

It’s not all about the money…right, guys? by Marissa Kelly

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

$250 to attend. $1,000 to be a host. $1,500—sometimes more—for a picture with the famous senator or celebrity or whomever the campaign managed to get for this particular event. If you’ve ever worked...

Planned Parenthood, Location Sharing, and Morality by John Ganger @Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

At Planned Parenthood meetings they tell you not to share your location on social media. While the leaders at the meeting I went to at the Columbus City Library in downtown Columbus, Ohio on...

Women’s March Ohio 2018, Marching to Resist Democratic Erosion by Lei Guo @ Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

I see a girl, about 5 years old, in a blue “Girl Power” shirt. Her blue and red flower crown, echoes the tiny American flag which she is waving in her hand. The girl is there, in the Greater...

It is Not About Us by Mohamed Farah @ Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

The room seemed so empty yet was so full. I saw four bodies, yet I heard twelve voices. It was a cold February evening, when I walked to meet some of the bravest and hardworking people I know. Part...

Reproductive Rights, Civil Disobedience, and the Role of Civic Engagement in Protecting Democratic Institutions by Cierra Carafice @ The Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

Clad in pink “I Stand with Planned Parenthood” t-shirts and the attitude of women who plan to get things done, the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio began their action forum to fight for women’s...

Hearing History: an Evening with Jim Obergefell by Gabrielle Minotti @ Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

Of all the political events that have happened in my lifetime, and there have been some pretty significant ones in the past two decades, the one that I will go down in history as one of the biggest...