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.

The United States’ War on Public Education

While the country shifts their focus to the newly erupting war in the Middle East they begin to turn their backs on the war happening on US soil. This war may not involve heavy weaponry and mass casualties but it is crippling an essential institution for a functioning...

The DHS Shutdown is Led by Populist Politicians

An “anti-compromise” mindset from populist politicians continues to hinder negotiation between Democrats and the White House. On February 14, 2026 a partial government shutdown centered on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began, surrounding the Trump...

When Courts Become Political

In an ideal world, the judiciary is like the referees in a democracy. Their job is to make sure that all the players are playing by the rules, that our rights are protected, and that our politicians aren’t getting too out of control, right? But what if the...

El Salvador Chose Bukele, Not Democracy

Nov 21, 2025 | University of Pittsburgh

On July 31, 2025, the El Salvadoran congress passed significant changes to the El Salvadoran constitution. By a vote of 57 to 3, they passed notable changes including the...

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

Nov 20, 2025 | University of Pittsburgh

“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,”...

Democratic Destruction Around The World

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

How often has it been publicized that a government leader takes their powers to the next level? More than likely every leader that even ran a country at some point has used their powers to do some...

Can Workplace Democracy Save American Democracy?

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

United States work stoppages and organized labor activity in 2023 are reaching a level not seen in decades, as hundreds of thousands of workers across the country take to the picket line. Meanwhile,...

The Erosion Threat of the Venezuelan Crisis

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

The shape of the Venezuelan nation has been suffering for decades now. What was once a booming country has been on a rapid decline. The petrostate quality of the nation has switched from a saving...

A Win for Democracy in Poland: How the Opposition Overcame the Authoritarian PiS Party in October Elections

Nov 21, 2023 | Northeastern University

In their past eight years of control, the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has eroded judicial and constitution checks and balances while centralizing media ownership. These attacks on democratic...

The Danger of Political Disinformation Within the United States

Nov 21, 2023 | University of Memphis

Political Disinformation is one of the greatest threats facing the United States today. It not only makes some question their...

Here is One Turkey That Needs to be Saved This Thanksgiving

Nov 20, 2023 | University of Memphis

Recep Erdogan has just won his third consecutive term as Turkey's president, so what does this mean for Turkey's democracy? What was once a thriving example of a steady democracy to its neighboring...

Death of Journalists in Mexico Sign of Democratic Backsliding

Nov 20, 2023 | Northeastern University

Journalists are being killed in Mexico and they’re taking the country’s democracy with them. The increasing assassination of journalists in Mexico is a sign of liberal democracy backsliding in the...

Social Media and the Spreading of Disinformation. The Influence of the Digital Age and How Media is Aiding the Spread of Disinformation.

Nov 20, 2023 | University of Memphis

What is social media truly for? Is it a free place for a political candidate to promote their ideas on social media freely? A platform for tyrants to spread disinformation? Is it simply a place for...

The Consequences of McCarthy’s Ousting on American Democracy

Nov 20, 2023 | Northeastern University

On January 7th 2023, Representative Kevin McCarthy was elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives after a record-breaking 15 rounds of voting. To achieve this, McCarthy had to make...