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.

The house is burning from the inside out: American democracy is dying

” There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide” - James Adams. If the average empire fails at 250 years and America is 248 years old, could we say that the death of democracy was something foreseeable and the uprise in authoritarian form of government...

Demagogues: Turning America into the Child Left Behind

The emergence of technofascist demagogues in American politics pose a significant threat to democracy and education, highlighting the urgent need for critical thinking and informed choices to protect the nation’s future.

Germany’s Defense of Democracy

Populism is rising in Germany, with the far-right political party, Alternative for Germany, gaining more and more popularity that echo dangerous anti-democratic trends from Germany, raising concerns about the future of Germany’s democracy.

Senate Removals and Executive Power: How the Philippines Continues to Backslide on Democracy

Nov 4, 2024 | Ohio State University

Recent events in the Philippines demonstrate how democratic backsliding can be very slow and quiet, but still impactful. In particular, it shows how power and...

Censorship and Deception: How Social Media Controls Fuel Misinformation in Turkey

Nov 4, 2024 | Ohio State University

In August of this year Turkey’s Information and Communication Technologies Authority blocked the social media platform Instagram as an effort to regulate access to the...

Poland’s Fall to Autocracy Brings Warning Signs to The United States

Nov 21, 2022 | Boston University

In 2020 Andrzej Duda won Poland's presidential election with 51.2 percent of the vote. This very narrow margin unveiled the clear divide of polarization throughout their country. In addition, there...

Youth Stimulates Youth: The Importance of Youth Leadership

Nov 21, 2022 | Suffolk University

How often do you feel disengaged and confused by the current political sphere and agenda within the country? Many may even feel disgusted by the word politics itself. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone...

Why Iran’s Women Are Key to the Undoing of Democratic Erosion

Nov 20, 2022 | Skidmore College

The degradation of civil rights and freedoms within Iran has fallen primarily on women and is responsible for the recent unrest. A protest based on women’s grievances is likely to be more effective...

Will El Salvador Ever Have a Real Democracy?

Nov 18, 2022 | Boston University

Gang members are secured during a police operation at Izalco jail during a 24-hour lockdown ordered by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele in Izalco, El Salvador. Photograph released by the El...

Has Hiring a Security Detail Become a Prerequisite for Elected Officials?

Nov 13, 2022 | Skidmore College

It has become commonplace to hear about the growing daily threats of violence to U.S. elected officials since the now infamous January 6th, 2021 Insurrection at the Capitol. On that day, millions of...

Is There a Place For Anymore Growth In Argentina’s Democracy?

Nov 13, 2022 | Skidmore College

While the Vice president of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is awaiting her trials for corruption, it is her attempted assassination that has garnered the attention of the world....

Youth Civic Engagement and The Future of Democracy

Nov 10, 2022 | Suffolk University

The importance of youth engagement in the democratic system, and ways that those who are not yet able to vote can still engage in civics. Our Issues, Our Voices, Our Votes: Youth Civic Participation...

Arrested, Dead, or with Victory

Nov 10, 2022 | Skidmore College

"Só saio, preso, morto ou com vitória" Originally in Portuguese, Brazil’s presidential incumbent promises what will occur after the election. President Jair Bolsonaro told his supporters in a speech...

1922 in 2022: The Return of the Far Right in Italy

Nov 10, 2022 | Skidmore College

The polls have closed; the votes have been tallied; the election is over -- Giorgia Meloni, head of the far-right Brothers of Italy Party is the country’s next prime minister. Meloni, who is the...