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...

How Florida’s Don’t Say Gay Bill is Accelerating American Democratic Backsliding

Sep 29, 2022 | Ohio State University

In many ways, Florida has become the voice for conservative America. Under the governorship of Republican Ron DeSantis since 2019, himself seen as a possible nominee for...

The January 6th Insurrection: Culmination of Democratic Backsliding

Sep 29, 2022 | Ohio State University

A prime example of the US democracy being in danger of falling apart was the attack on the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021. This was a result of Donald Trump, the President...

Beat them into Submission: Catalan Protest and the Move Towards Declaring Independence By Shemaiah J. Moss @ University of Memphis

Nov 20, 2017 | University of Memphis

The resurgence of political protests in the United States seemed to be an anomaly to the less politically engaged citizens, but they along with the rest of the world began to realize that political...

Iceland: A Fumbling Government by Jordan Aulfinger @ University of Memphis

Nov 19, 2017 | University of Memphis

Iceland's government is in disarray. A month after its most recent election it is struggling to do basic things like decide which members of parliament will hold the various minister positions,...

Rohingya Refugee Crisis and the Impact on Bangladeshi Democracy by Cayna Sharp @ University of Memphis

Nov 19, 2017 | University of Memphis

On August 25th it is reported that a small militant group called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa) attacked police and government soldiers. Since this attack, the Myanmar military has...

Threats against the Media in Bulgaria: The Beginning of the End of Democracy? by Victoria Potts @ University of Memphis

Nov 18, 2017 | University of Memphis

The journalists of Bulgaria regularly experience pressure from politicians to censor their questions and their stories. High-ranking officials openly threaten journalists' jobs to ensure their...

“Recalibrating” African Militaries: A new democratic hope for Burkina Faso after all? by Bradly Knox @ University of Memphis

Nov 17, 2017 | University of Memphis

From Enigma to a Stigma A column written for Foreign Policy magazine asks, ever so frankly, Why Are Africa’s Militaries So Disappointingly Bad? A variety of explanations could be drafted to explain...