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.

First 100 Days, More Like First 100 Hours: How Trump’s First 100 Days Played Out Against Trump’s Second 100 Hours

Indiana Senator Jim Banks, a staunch Trump ally, predicted that President Trump’s return to power would be characterized by “shock and awe.” In many ways, the events of President Trump’s first 100 hours in office during his second term have lived up to that promise....

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...

South Korea’s Candlelit Revolution and a New President – A Case in Democratic Backsliding

Oct 13, 2022 | Ohio State University

When considering democratic backsliding, South Korea’s case is not necessarily the one with the most backsliding, but it is important to consider. While the Candlelit...

Nepal’s New “Press Office” Is Pressing Democracy

Oct 13, 2022 | Ohio State University

By now we’re all familiar with the term “fake news”. While perceptions of its magnitude and implications vary, any champion of democracy recognizes the importance of free...

How the Recent Election in Italy is a Threat to Democracy by Brittany Rose Demogenes @ University of California, Los Angeles

Mar 9, 2018 | University of California, Los Angeles

Concerns about democratic backsliding are especially pertinent when considering the recent Parliamentary election in Italy. Democratic backsliding is defined as a “decline in the quality of...

A State of the State not just for the State by Evelyn Kennedy @ The Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

On Tuesday, March 6th, I had the unique opportunity and privilege of attending the 2018 Ohio State of the State Address given by Governor John R. Kasich. This State of the State was Kasich’s...

“The Loyal Opposition in the United States” by Ethan Gruber @ The Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

He takes the stage with a youthful exuberance. By the age of 36, he has already served in the United States military, as a state representative of Missouri, as the Secretary of State of Missouri,...

The Power of Grassroots Activism: how civilian movements contribute to both the vitality and demise of American democracy by Drew Flanagan @ Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

Grassroots movements are a dime a dozen these days. Energized by the dynamic capabilities of social media, civilian activism is proliferating throughout the modern world. It has never been easier to...

The Working People’s Day of Action by Jamie O’Neill at Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

I attended the 2018 Working People’s Day of Action. It is a national event that takes place in about 15 cities in the U.S. and is a day committed to the goal of “standing up for the freedom of...

Planned Parenthood’s Continued Resistance is Encouragingly Strategic by Madeleine Haas @ Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

The success of our democracy is predicated upon the civil debate and civic engagement of our people. Thus, the existence of organizations that challenge the parties and politicians in power is a...

Opening Democratic Discourse: Socialist Activism as an Antidote to Alienation in a Two-Party System by Sarah Stradling @ Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

What started out as a few young students setting up a ring of church folding chairs slowly turned into a crowded circle of Columbus community members. They were all there to attend a weekly...

Civic Engagement as a Building Block for a Greater Resistance Movement by Abby Nutter @ Ohio State University

Mar 8, 2018 | Ohio State University

In light of the election of President Trump there has been an increase in participation in civil society groups that resist the president’s agenda. This expansion of participation has been met with...

The Parkland Youth Are Succeeding. So Can Black Lives Matter. By Thomas Baumgarten @ Ohio State University

Mar 8, 2018 | Ohio State University

Protests and social movements are centerpieces of American democracy. In the past, certain rights for women, blacks, and gays and lesbians were all attained through the process of successful...