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 are student blog posts written by student participants in the Democratic Erosion Course. These posts were not written by nor represent the views of the Democratic Erosion Consortium.

A Green Card Once Meant Protection: Now it is Fear

A Green Card Once Meant Protection: Now it is Fear By Fotios E. Meimeteas Imagine you are a single mother in the United States, raising four children who depend on you. You have established a new life, built a home, paid taxes, and lived in the United States for...

Food Security is Rooted Abroad

Global fertilizer supply chains connect geopolitical events abroad to food production at home in ways most consumers don’t see.

The Meaning of Silence : What the moment of silence for Melissa Hortman says about American democracy

On June 14, 2025, the lives of Melissa Hortman who was a House speaker in Minnesota and her husband Mark were taken in what authorities believe to be a politically motivated act of violence. The same day Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and...

The Role of NGOs and CSOs in Democracy

Oct 4, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) are exercising vital roles in promoting and encouraging democracy. They act as a third party...

Federalism as A Tool for Conflict Resolution in Myanmar’s Democracy

Oct 4, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Historical Background Myanmar is a country of diversity in terms of ethnicities, languages, and religions. There are an estimated 135 indigenous ethnic groups, or more...

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...

Buckeyes and Bearcats Day at the Statehouse by Sunder Sai @ The Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

I rolled up to the Ohio Statehouse wearing a suit and tie. Entering through the giant glass doors, I met other students in the same professional attire. After being corralled into a large event...

Are We Losing Federal Checks in the Midst of Polarization? By Melissa Ma @ Ohio State University

Mar 9, 2018 | Ohio State University

I, along with hundreds of thousands of elementary school kids, habitually stood in front of the American flag and recited the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Moving into middle school, we were taught that...

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...