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.

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...

Strong Parental Guidance?: How Film Censorship in the Philippines Affects Democracy

While cinema is often dismissed as mere entertainment, censoring it poses significant threats to information accessibility and, by extension, to democracy.

Texas Republicans’ Party Platform May Be More Harmful Than You Think

Jul 24, 2022 | Dartmouth College

Texas has long been considered the pinnacle of conservatism in the United States. This reputation isn’t undeserved, but it does lead to a dangerous notion that Texas will...

How Florida Governor DeSantis’ New “Stop Woke” Relates to an Illiberal Threat to American Democracy

Jul 24, 2022 | Dartmouth College

In American politics across both parties increased polarization and feelings of elite domination have caused concerns over an erosion of democracy and a move away from...

American Exceptionalism and Partisanship: An Evening With Dinesh D’Souza by Grant Beatty @ University of Memphis

Oct 17, 2017 | University of Memphis

The room was abuzz and nearly filled to capacity when I arrived to see Dinesh D’Souza speak. The notorious conservative author and filmmaker is an Ivy League-educated Indian American who has been a...

Indivisible or Already Divided? The Indivisible Memphis Rally against the Graham-Cassidy Healthcare Repeal Effort by Hunter Irons @ University of Memphis

Oct 14, 2017 | University of Memphis

It is no secret that many of us feel we are facing extreme division in this country. Some believe we (Americans) are truly homogenous and our politicians, media, celebrities, and others are behind...

Protests Against Graham-Cassidy Bill Meaningful or Meaningless? By DH @ the University of Memphis

Oct 14, 2017 | University of Memphis

In Memphis, the Kill the Bill protest against the Graham-Cassidy bill took place downtown on a quiet, sunny Monday afternoon on September 25, 2017, in between city hall and the federal building....

If We Do Not Support Opposition Groups’ Right to Freely Exercise Their Rights, Then We Are Supporting the Infringement of Our Own By Shemaiah J. Moss @ University of Memphis

Oct 13, 2017 | University of Memphis

psa screenshot On October 4, 2017, the Progressive Student Alliance held a meeting at the University of Memphis. I was surprised to see that few people were there, but this could be attributed to...

Run, Hide, Fight: The Misunderstandings behind the War on Terror by Jordan Aulfinger @ University of Memphis

Oct 13, 2017 | University of Memphis

Recently I attended a talk hosted by a candidate for local sheriff who, as both a candidate for that office and a veteran law enforcement officer, talked about security on a personal level and local...

US Voter Suppression, Stealth Authoritarianism, and its Consequences (Or Lack Thereof) By John Iacovino @ Boston University

Oct 13, 2017 | Boston University

Donald Trump is implementing actions that appear to undermine democracy, and he is doing it through legal means. Unfortunately, even if the legality of his means becomes more questionable, there...