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.

Misinformation: The Role it Plays in the Persistence of the 2020 Election

The stability of democracy does not only rely on the security of elections but on the people’s trust of their legitimacy, and the aftermath of the 2020 United States presidential election shows how misinformation, elite influence, and repetition can erode that trust even when systems run properly.

Syria’s “transition” Is Creating a New Authoritarianism-Not Democracy.

Syria is often referred to as a country in transition. That is deceiving A transition implies progress toward something better—usually democracy. However, Syria's present political trajectory points in a completely different direction. My point is that Syria's...

What Peter Magyar’s Win Means for Democracy in Hungary

“We have liberated Hungary and have taken back our country,” said Peter Magyar, announcing his landmark victory against strongman Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán’s striking defeat marks a new era for Hungary as it seeks to rebuild its eroded democracy, strengthen...

Democracy in Name, Fear in Reality: Mexico

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University, Universities

What if a country is called a democracy, but many people are too afraid to vote? Mexico is seen as a democratic country. It has elections, political parties and a...

Thailand’s Hybrid Regime: Democracy Shaped by Military and Monarchy by Ashleigh Sodee

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

Thailand’s political system is also shaped by the continued influence of the monarchy, particularly under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which makes it distinct from many of its...

Why Peaceful Protesting Won’t Save American Democracy Anytime Soon

Apr 18, 2026 | Boston University

On March 28, 2026, hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets under the “No Kings” banner in protest of the current Trump Administration. The crowds were incredibly peaceful, and the...

Italy’s Nationalism: A History of Italian Populism

Apr 18, 2026 | Boston University, Uncategorized

The rise of populism is not a new topic. Across the world, populist leaders are being elected as right-wing parties are taking control in some of the most powerful countries in the world: United...

Disabling the Judiciary: How Tension Between Israel’s Judiciary and Governing Coalition Threatens Democracy

Apr 18, 2026 | Boston University

As of today, dozens of federal judicial positions in Israel, including 4 Supreme Court positions, remain vacant. This comes as a result of Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s continued refusal to convene...

Collapsing Democratic Norms in Peru

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University

In an article published April 9, 2026, Diana Roy titles Peru, “South America’s most politically unstable country.” (Roy, 2026) In the past ten years, Peru has had 8 different presidents and will...

Hungary’s Opportunity

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University

Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party, Hungary faced years of gradual erosion of its democracy. By rewriting the constitution, a power granted by a ⅔...

All Eyes On You: Democratic Backsliding & Digital Surveillance by I.C.E in the U.S

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University

BackgroundDemocratic backsliding is often portrayed as being the result of solely or primarily an executive using their executive power and influence to consolidate power and weaken institutions as...

How January 6th Emphasized the Importance of Strong Democratic Institutions

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University, Uncategorized

The certification of President Biden’s electoral victory in 2021 stands as one of the most politically contentious moments in US history. Notably, on January 6th, 2021, a mob of supporters of...

The Erosion of Democracy Through the Epstein Files: Protection of the Elites

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University

One of the most important cases of our current time is the discourse surrounding the Epstein files. Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier, was a convicted sex offender who ran a sex trafficking...

Breakdown without a Villain: Loss of Government Function in Kosovar Democracy

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University

On March 6, 2026, Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani called for the dissolution of parliament and another snap election, after the lawmakers elected last December failed to elect their next president....