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.

Legislative Capture and the Erosion of Democracy in India

After coming into power following the 2014 election, India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated an alarming backsliding of democratic institutions and practices. Having recently become the world’s most populous country, India’s dip in authoritarianism should...

Fujimori or Sánchez – How Peru Loses Either Way

In the April 2026 presidential elections in Peru there was a total of 35 candidates. As we approach the runoff vote on the top two candidates, Peruvians are going to be choosing between Keiko Fujimori and her opponent Roberto Sánchez. Both politicians are...

When Will It End? Stealth Authoritarianism over Female Reproductive Rights

Comparing the modern day struggles of democracy against reproductive rights to stealth authoritarianism.

Presidential Rhetoric and Democratic Backsliding

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University

President Trump’s ongoing comments to both journalists and on social media sites like Truth Social are stark examples of crumbling democratic forbearance and dangerous...

Targeting the Far-Left: Counterterrorism, Paranoia, and Polarization

Apr 17, 2026 | Boston University

Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, the United States shifted its counterterrorism focus to the far-left. This included the designation of ANTIFA as a domestic...

Democrat’s Dangerous Cost-Benefit Analysis: Will Abandoning Binding Primaries to Defeat Trump Hurt or Help American Democracy in the Long-Term?

Sep 11, 2024 | Ohio State University

Today, it is likely that anyone driving through a particularly “liberal” American neighborhood will notice yard signs that beg “Vote Harris! Save Democracy.” With the 2024 presidential election less...

The Future of The E.U.: What The Recent Parliamentary Elections Tell Us by Frankie Vascellaro

Sep 10, 2024 | University of Denver

In recent years, the world has shifted towards more right-wing, populist-centered politics. While this may take many different forms, in Europe specifically, there is a trend in the proliferation of...

The Threat of Misinformation and Disinformation to American Democracy in the Digital Age by Cecilia Cooley

Aug 13, 2024 | University of Denver

Social media is a relatively new, yet threatening phenomenon. While it has provided many benefits, such as opportunities for the world to become more connected and make news and information more...

Bolivia’s Decline in Democracy: The Failure to Uphold Constitutional Integrity by Danielle Schmitz

Aug 7, 2024 | University of Denver

A modern political democracy is a system where rules are held accountable by citizens through their elected representatives, either through competition or cooperation. Democracies can be categorized...

Bolivia’s Decline in Democracy: The Failure to Uphold Constitutional Integrity

Aug 7, 2024 | University of Denver

How Does Taiwan Weather the Storm of Democratic Erosion? by Michael Cowden

Aug 6, 2024 | University of Denver

Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is a small autonomous island that lies southeast of the People’s Republic of China. Recent global headlines have positioned Taiwan as a possible target for an...

Populism, Popularity, and Prabowo’s Rise to Power

Jul 9, 2024 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Political campaigns are just like the movies. Politicians comprise a cast of characters who play their respective roles within a well-conceived made-up narrative complete with surprising plot twists...

The Miss Universe Win: A Call to Action for International Support for the Nicaraguan People

Jun 26, 2024 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Running for over 70 years, the Miss Universe has always been one of the most iconic and renowned international beauty pageant. It is easily the most widely viewed pageant in the world having been...

The Imminence of a Second Trump Presidency?

Jun 25, 2024 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

Donald Trump seems to defy all reason. Despite his persona that was uncharacteristic of a world leader, he won the US presidential elections in 2016. Despite the notoriety of his presidential term,...