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.

First 100 Days, More Like First 100 Hours: How Trump’s First 100 Days Played Out Against Trump’s Second 100 Hours

Indiana Senator Jim Banks, a staunch Trump ally, predicted that President Trump’s return to power would be characterized by “shock and awe.” In many ways, the events of President Trump’s first 100 hours in office during his second term have lived up to that promise....

History Repeats: Why Strong Global Defense is Key to Preventing Autocracy

A strong and consistent global defense by democratic nations is crucial to preventing the rise of autocratic regimes, as history shows—from the Cold War doctrines to the failed democratization of Afghanistan—that without committed follow-through and structural reform, authoritarian forces will exploit weaknesses and reclaim power.

Women in Political Dynasties: The Illusion of Choice and Democratic Erosion in the Philippines

Political dynasties have long controlled Philippine politics, with powerful families passing down leadership positions across generations. Despite the imposition of term limits discouraging dynastic rule, these families have found their way around the constitutional...

Threats to American Democracy

Feb 14, 2025 | Boston University

Since the 2024 election and the inauguration of Donald Trump (and dating back to the 2016 election), democracy in the United States, along with its democratic norms and...

Trump’s Challenging of the 14th Amendment: The Question of Birthright Citizenship

Feb 13, 2025 | Boston University

In the mere three weeks following his inauguration, President Donald Trump has ushered in a range of feelings across the nation regarding, what many may consider drastic,...

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...

Exporting Hindutva: The Dangers of Hindu Nationalism’s Transformation into Islamophobia on the Global Stage

Nov 9, 2022 | Skidmore College

The Republic of India has been the most populous democracy in the world since its foundation 75 years ago. Since the meteoric rise of Hindu Nationalism, also known as Hindutva, and subsequent...