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.

Democracy in Exchange for Security; What is Left When the Concert Ends?

Shakira’s sold-out El Salvador residency exemplifies how Bukele uses high-profile events to showcase his dramatic security transformation while obscuring the democratic erosion, economic decline, and human rights abuses that made it possible.

Counter-Gerrymandering and What it Means for American Democracy

Gerrymandering is a word well known to most with even a passing interest in politics, but to many who don’t pay attention, it’s a word they’ve just recently started hearing. Gerrymandering is the process by which elected officials are able to engineer their own...

Long Term Effects of the “Secret Club” Scandal

The "Secret Club” Scandal, often referred to as the "Slovenska" affair, shocked Croatian society and uncovered deep seated corruption that goes all the way to the top. During strict COVID-19 lockdowns, when ordinary citizens faced heavy restrictions, prominent...

Syria is not “Stuck Between Systems.” Time is the system.

Apr 25, 2026 | Suffolk University

There's a typical method of talking about Syria that appears reasonable at first. They claim the country is “in transition.” Or it is “not there yet.” Alternatively,...

Democratic erosion in Ecuador

Apr 25, 2026 | Boston University

Second Blog post On March 6, 2026, Ecuador’s electoral courts ordered the suspension of the country's largest left leaning opposition party, Revolucion Ciudadana (Citizen’s...

Is Hungary Still a Democracy? More Than Just Elections

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University, Uncategorized

At first glance, a country that regularly holds elections may appear to function as a stable democracy. However, elections alone do not guarantee that democratic principles are being upheld....

Beneath the Surface: The Political Crisis in Greece

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University, Uncategorized

How did the birthplace of democracy become a system shaped by political dynasties and corruption? Today, Greece still appears to be a democracy, but beneath the surface, its political system tells a...

Is Democracy Enough? Social Hierarchy and the Limits of Democracy in India

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

In most cases, India is described as the largest democracy in the world. Nonetheless, the mere size of the population is not always a criterion for quality. India holds elections regularly, and it...

The Modern Way to Lose Democracy .What’s Happening in Hungary Right Now?

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University, Universities

Hungary is a good example of breakdown countries. The most people think that countries in Europe have democracies that are stable, but Hungary is completely different. During the time, Hungary has...

Why Is Democracy Failing? South Africa’s Long-Term Rule Dilemma

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

After decades of dominance, South Africa’s ruling party has lost its majority and that might be exactly what the country needs. For nearly 30 years, the African National Congress (ANC) has dominated...

Democracy Under Elites: The Political Influence of Monarchy in Thailand

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

Although monarchies were once among the most dominant and widely accepted political systems in history, they are now less common yet often remain powerful and untouchable political institutions that...

Why Democracy Declined in Turkey: The Role of Polarization

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

Hook In the early 2000s, Turkey looked like a promising case of democracy. Many people believed it could become a stable liberal democracy, even in a Muslim-majority country. However, today, Turkey...

A Democracy in Costume

Apr 20, 2026 | American University, Universities

What do you do when your own country tries to fool you? If elections are the heart of democracy, then Venezuela should be heartless. It still holds elections. People still line up to vote....

The Zambian Plot Twist: Citizens who beat dictatorship in the mask of law

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

Forget the tanks! In the 21st century, the most dangerous weapon against democracy isn’t a gun. It’s a law. In a democracy, a "coup" is not the only dangerous thing when armed soldiers show up one...