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.

How far is too far for South Korea’s presidential pardons?

South Korea’s presidential pardons raise questions on accountability, especially in the aftermath of Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law.

How tolerating and encouraging violence fuels democratic backsliding in Georgia

During the past demonstrations, the ruling party of Georgia – Georgian Dream – made violence their primary weapon in overcoming protest. This blog emphasizes how violence used by the state implies democratic backsliding in light of the theoretical framework by Levistsky and Ziblatt.

Repression on Repeat: From Kyiv to Minsk to Tbilisi

Repression on Repeat: From Kyiv to Minsk to Tbilisi Last October, parliamentary elections were held in Georgia. Many considered them as important as a referendum because Georgian citizens were asked to choose between the ruling Georgian Dream, a Euroskeptic...

La Ultraderecha: Is Spain’s Vox an Example of Right-Wing Populism?

Oct 9, 2024 | Brown University

On December 17, 2013, Santiago Abascal established the Spanish political organization Vox, which the New York Times describes as “nationalism at its finest” (Source). The...

Unions and Their Importance in the 2024 U.S. Election

Oct 8, 2024 | Ohio State University

It was inspiring to see a group of people come together to learn more about unions and the important role they play in the United States. Ohio State College Democrats hosted...

Democratic Backsliding in Hungary

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Since the founding of the European Union in 1993, the institution’s focus has centered around the principles of a full, representative democracy. Member states of the EU are required to maintain a...

The Erosion of the Democratic Facade

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

The ratification of the Charter of the United Nations in 1945 ushered in a new era of international relations, worldwide cooperation, and the international prioritization of democracy. The United...

The Consequences of Populism: Evo Morales and the 2019 Bolivian Crisis

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Bolivia is often overshadowed by its neighboring countries– Brazil to the east, Chile to the west, and Argentina to the south. Similar to these countries, Bolivia transitioned its government from a...

Marijuana Decriminalization as a Method of Democratization

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

On October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden announced a mass presidential pardon of all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. In his statement, he emphasized the importance of doing so...

Colorado Election Mistake Fuels Election Lies and Emboldens Populist Ideology

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Colorado's secretary of state sent 30,000 non-citizens postcards that encouraged them to register to vote. Shortly after, the secretary of state's office released a statement saying it was a mistake...

How the Issue of Crime Has Reshaped the 2022 Midterm Elections

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

How the Issue of Crime has Reshaped the 2022 Midterm Elections As the Midterm Elections rapidly approach, a number of policy issues have taken the forefront of political debate such as...

The Migrant Crisis in New York: Why Populism Brought Us to Such a Partisan Divide

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

Earlier this month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in his city due to the massive influx of migrants arriving by bus. As a result, New York City is currently facing...

Political Polarization and Economic Inequality: How the United States is Democratically Eroding

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

An analysis of American democratic erosion is conducted leveraging findings from political science professors Sheri Berman and Ozan Varol. Particular attention is paid to the populist Trump...

Democratic Backsliding in the Massachusetts State House

Oct 17, 2022 | Boston University

As we well know, democracy is not a stable thing. It is fragile and easily threatened, yet idealized and strived for all around the world. In one moment it can be strong as ever, and in the next, it...