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.

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...

Buying Injustice: The Hidden Harms of this Act.

Are we looking to create a thriving society, or are we allowing fear into the lives of immigrant families? As new immigration policies appear, the question become, how do we prevent the changes that involve separating families and dismantling the place that...

Crackdown of the Civil Society in Belarus

Jul 24, 2023 | Arizona State University

By Carly Chabrier and Veera Tyhtilä On 23 July 2021, the Ministry of Justice of Belarus forced 43 non-governmental organizations to close and terminate all their...

May 4, 2023 | University of Utah

On a seemingly normal day, America witnessed a threat to democracy. As Joe Biden was gearing up to take office after a turbulent election period, a group of Trump supporters...

“A Certain Sort of Political Justice”: An Interview with Zack Space by Joseph Glandorf @ The Ohio State University

Mar 7, 2018 | Ohio State University

Zack Space wants to help restore American democracy from one of the last places you’d expect: the desk of the Ohio State Auditor. I'm an intern on Space’s campaign this semester. In lieu of...

Undemocratic America: How Gerrymandering is Diminishing the US Democracy by Ra’Shad Johnson @Georgia State University

Mar 7, 2018 | Georgia State University

The democratic gem, the United States, is undergoing extensive backsliding due in part to gerrymandering. Gerrymandering by definition means to divide - to divide a state into districts as to...

To the Viktor go the Spoils: Orbán’s Campaign Against Democracy by Judson Elsholz @ Georgia State University

Mar 6, 2018 | Georgia State University

Hungary has become a threat to democracy in Europe. Under the rule of Viktor Orbán, Hungary slid from a somewhat stable democracy to what can now be considered a full-blown authoritarian regime....

Civil Resistance Gives me Hope for America by Jillian Newman @ Ohio State University

Mar 5, 2018 | Ohio State University

“Fight for freedom” was the mantra of the night. As I heard this phrase said all night, I felt hope and pride for the United States. Earlier this year, I attended an open mic night at a local café....

When America Forgets Itself: How the GOP is Destroying Traditional Democratic Norms by Trey Robinson @ Georgia State University

Mar 4, 2018 | Georgia State University

Much of what the media addresses surrounding the Trump administration is over possible misconduct that is neither actually proven, nor serious enough to force any true backlash against them. This...

Lobbying, the NRA, and Democratic Erosion: What Would Marco Rubio Do For a Million Dollars? by Max Mapes @ Skidmore College

Mar 2, 2018 | Skidmore College

Two weeks ago, on February 14th, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida joined the list of schools who terrorized by gun violence. While appalling, the shooting is not surprising,...

Women against “Trumpism” by Yanebi Blanco @ Skidmore College

Mar 2, 2018 | Skidmore College

Undoubtedly, Donald Trump's victory constitutes a turning point in the history of the United States. What many have labeled as the "Trump effect" can have a long lasting impact in the state of...

If Trump Is a Threat to Democracy, Is the GOP Becoming a Semi-Loyal Opposition? by Jack Galardi @ Skidmore College

Mar 2, 2018 | Skidmore College

Donald Trump and the Republican Party have shared a largely turbulent relationship throughout Trump’s stint in the White House and his 2016 presidential campaign. He made very few friends during the...

The “Neighborhood Conversations”: A Positive Sign for Democratic Revitalization by Kasey Powers @ The Ohio State University

Mar 2, 2018 | Ohio State University

On January 31, 2018, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther held the first installment of his “Neighborhood Conversations” sessions at a community center on the city’s south side. The conversations were...