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.

Civil Society vs. Populism: Israel’s Fight Over Democracy

“Democracy can collapse in silence, but in Israel it spilled into the streets.”  On July 24, 2023, the Knesset passed what became known as the “reasonableness law,” eliminating the Supreme Court’s ability to strike down government actions on the grounds of...
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Can Poland Rebuild Its Democratic Institutions Without Breaking Them Further?

Poland’s 2023 election was noted as a critical turning point. After eight years, the Law and Justice Party (PiS), a coalition led by Donald Tusk gained enough seats to attempt a democratic course correction. For many Poles, and outside watchers, the outcome of this...
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Daniel Ortega, and his Patient, Lifelong Quest for Unchecked Power in Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s experience with true, liberal democracy is limited. Their battle to end United States backed regimes went well into the 1970s. Free, fair, competitive elections were not seen until 1990. However, this success was temporary, as Nicaragua’s liberal democracy...
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