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...

Democrats Do Away With Democratic Practices?

Sep 13, 2024 | Ohio State University

The 2024 Presidential Election has taken a form different than any in history, many elements being questionable legitimacy and ethics wise, such as the substitution of...

Trump v. United States: What Could This Mean for Democracy in the United States?

Sep 13, 2024 | Ohio State University

“With fear for our democracy, I dissent.” It is July 1, 2024, and the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on the case Trump v. United States. Liberals, like Justice...

Nepal’s New “Press Office” Is Pressing Democracy

Oct 13, 2022 | Ohio State University

By now we’re all familiar with the term “fake news”. While perceptions of its magnitude and implications vary, any champion of democracy recognizes the importance of free speech and expression. And...

How Much Longer Will Corruption Persist in Honduras?

Oct 13, 2022 | Ohio State University

Honduras continues to fight a never ending battle against corruption. In a country with perpetual stories of corruption from politicians and law enforcement, this type of behavior has become...

Democratic Backsliding in the Ukraine Conflict and Renewed Prospects of Re-Democratization in Europe

Oct 13, 2022 | Boston University

The barbaric war in Ukraine seems to have a silver lining - the Russian aggressor has become a catalyst for European states to reevaluate their democratic standing and commitment to EU values....

2020 Tanzanian Election: A Disaster in Democracy

Oct 13, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

The 2020 Tanzanian presidential election has forever had its reputation tainted by fraud allegations and the use of voter suppression tactics. Journalists and politicians of the opposition parties...

Brexit from Liberal Democracy?

Oct 12, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

Brexit, the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU), has been met with a multitude of criticism. Brexit, which was deemed to damage the United Kingdom’s economy, was voted on by the...

Democratic Erosion and Hardship in Turkey

Oct 12, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

Turkey has seen immense democratic erosion (backsliding) in the last few years of the Justice and Development party’s (AKP) rule in Turkey. Initially, the party brought about great prosperity,...

Trump’s Threat to American Democracy Should Have Been Predictable

Oct 12, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

How did we get here? How did the United States come so close to the overturning of a democratic election that has guaranteed the peaceful transfer of power for almost 250 years? Infamously,...

Democratic Erosion in South Africa

Oct 12, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

https://mg.co.za/opinion/2022-09-16-the-state-of-democracy-in-south-africa-is-cause-for-concern/ Since the beginning of the 21st century to mid-2000s, South Africa has been struggling with a...

Stealth Authoritarianism and Feminist Outcry in Iran

Oct 12, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

In mid-September of this year Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman was taken into police custody and died shortly after. The police stated that Mahsa Amini had a heart attack and that was the cause of...