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...

The Brandmauer and its Recent Deterioration

Apr 17, 2025 | Boston University

Firewalls and regional equivalents to it have recently come under heavy strain as nationalist far-right parties have found themselves relative electoral success in the past...

Populism and Authoritarianism in Venezuela

Apr 17, 2025 | Boston University

Cyrus Sadr Democratic Erosion Professor Steven Rosenzweig 4/9/25 Populism and Authoritarianism in Venezuela The 2024 election of Nicolas Maduro is widely...

The Dangerous Potential of Speaker Mike Johnson

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

The month of October 2023 was full of turmoil for the United States House of Representatives after the Republican majority elected to remove the speaker, Kevin McCarthy, from his leadership...

Trump’s Weaponized Communication during the Pandemic

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

The global epidemic in 2020 was disastrous, costing the globe dearly. The United States, in particular, struggled. President Trump was in office during Covid-19. His reaction to assisting his...

Did the USA Patriot Act Cause Democratic Backsliding in the US?

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States’ World Trade Center in New York City, New York, the American...

Zimbabwe: A Democracy in Crisis?

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

BLOG POST When it comes to democracy in the modern world, Zimbabawe’s democratic system finds itself in a precariously unique position where it seeks to find a balance between survival and stability...

Poland’s Decline: How a Lack of Pluralism Led to the Erosion of One of Eastern Europe’s Strongest Democracies

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

After almost 50 years of communist rule, Poland solidified itself as a stable European power with bright outlooks in terms of promoting and instilling a strong democracy in the country. In one of...

India Silenced: A Threat to Freedom of Expression

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

With a population of almost 1.4 billion citizens, the 5th largest economy in the world, and know to be one of the largest democracies in the world; it is evident that there will be multiple...

US Gun Control and Democratic Erosion

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

The very tumultuous and vibrant discourse that is Gun Control in the United States is something that has been contributing to the downfall of our country's democracy for quite some time. This is a...

Nigerian Elections Represent Threats to Democracy

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

Nigeria has experienced severe electoral flaws in recent elections, and this represents why poor electoral processes are one of the biggest threats to any democratic nation. Electoral irregularities...

Partisanship and it’s Problematic Implications

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

We seem to see partisanship growing more and more around us and in turn, mutual understanding seems to be regressing. After all, why would one trust and try to act in good faith with a perceived...