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.

You Are Never Supposed to Matter: How Philippine Democracy Excludes You by Design

The Philippine democracy is a broken system dominated by political dynasties, weak party structures, and flawed electoral rules—leaving voters disempowered and meaningful change nearly impossible.

The Price of Press: Exposing the Fragility of Philippine Media In the 2025 Senatorial Elections

Lights, Camera, Action—A line that we usually hear in show business and filmmaking. In this industry, actors desperately compete to get their much-desired “screen time,” show their potential, and eventually get to the top. However, in the Philippines, this is not just...

There’s no Greater Riches than (Extended Political) Families: Filipinos’ Pakikisama and the Perpetuation of Political Dynasties in the Philippines

Filipinos place utmost importance on their families, the foundation of our nation. Hence, despite not having a working party system, the Philippines have perdurable political dynasties, turning Philippine politics into a sempiternal family affair.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: How Does This Affect Democracy?

Feb 14, 2025 | Boston University

Now more than ever we can see that our “democracy,” initiatives and plans are under siege and fire. Currently, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives are under...

Power to the People: Art and the Absence of Democracy

https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/power-of-the-people-art-and-democracy

Feb 14, 2025 | Boston University

From October 26, 2024-February 17th 2025 the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts premiered the exhibit Power to the people: Art and Democracy in hopes of showing...

Democratic Destruction Around The World

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

How often has it been publicized that a government leader takes their powers to the next level? More than likely every leader that even ran a country at some point has used their powers to do some...

Can Workplace Democracy Save American Democracy?

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

United States work stoppages and organized labor activity in 2023 are reaching a level not seen in decades, as hundreds of thousands of workers across the country take to the picket line. Meanwhile,...

The Erosion Threat of the Venezuelan Crisis

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

The shape of the Venezuelan nation has been suffering for decades now. What was once a booming country has been on a rapid decline. The petrostate quality of the nation has switched from a saving...

A Win for Democracy in Poland: How the Opposition Overcame the Authoritarian PiS Party in October Elections

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

In their past eight years of control, the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has eroded judicial and constitution checks and balances while centralizing media ownership. These attacks on democratic...

The Danger of Political Disinformation Within the United States

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

Political Disinformation is one of the greatest threats facing the United States today. It not only makes some question their...

Here is One Turkey That Needs to be Saved This Thanksgiving

Nov 20, 2023 | University of Memphis

Recep Erdogan has just won his third consecutive term as Turkey's president, so what does this mean for Turkey's democracy? What was once a thriving example of a steady democracy to its neighboring...

Death of Journalists in Mexico Sign of Democratic Backsliding

Nov 20, 2023 | Northeastern University

Journalists are being killed in Mexico and they’re taking the country’s democracy with them. The increasing assassination of journalists in Mexico is a sign of liberal democracy backsliding in the...

Social Media and the Spreading of Disinformation. The Influence of the Digital Age and How Media is Aiding the Spread of Disinformation.

Nov 20, 2023 | University of Memphis

What is social media truly for? Is it a free place for a political candidate to promote their ideas on social media freely? A platform for tyrants to spread disinformation? Is it simply a place for...

The Consequences of McCarthy’s Ousting on American Democracy

Nov 20, 2023 | Northeastern University

On January 7th 2023, Representative Kevin McCarthy was elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives after a record-breaking 15 rounds of voting. To achieve this, McCarthy had to make...