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...

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...

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...

Does Bulgaria Really Support Ukraine?

Jun 12, 2022 | Koç University

Following the Russian aggression against Ukraine, it was generally questioned whether Bulgaria really supports Ukraine, but recent developments have solidified the country’s pro-Ukrainian stance,...

Almost Three Decades under ‘Lukashenkism’ Rule and the Consequences for Belarus

Jun 12, 2022 | Koç University

‘‘An authoritarian style of rule is a characteristic of me, and I have always admitted it’’. This brave but problematic statement was made 19 years ago by the Belarusian President Alexandar...

Slovenia’s Return to Democracy

Jun 12, 2022 | Koç University

Though it is true the country faced serious democratic challenges and risk of becoming an autocracy, the newest developments such as the results of elections and the promise of a new coalition...

Mongolia’s Ongi River Movement: A Case of an Active Civil Society

Jun 11, 2022 | Koç University

The Ongi River Movement (ORM) and its successor, the United Movement of Mongolian Rivers and Lakes (UMMRL), later Mongolian Nature Protection Coalition that united 11 movements, is one of the many...

Freedom of Speech and Media in Bangladesh: The Exploitation of Media and Restriction of Free Speech as a Tool to Advance Electoral Autocracy

Jun 11, 2022 | Koç University

“Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets..” Napoleon Bonaparte Freedom of Speech is one of the fundamental pillar stones of international human rights and a...

Democratic Erosion University Course Student Blog

How far is too far for South Korea’s presidential pardons?

How tolerating and encouraging violence fuels democratic backsliding in Georgia

Repression on Repeat: From Kyiv to Minsk to Tbilisi

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

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

Does Bulgaria Really Support Ukraine?

Almost Three Decades under ‘Lukashenkism’ Rule and the Consequences for Belarus

Slovenia’s Return to Democracy

Mongolia’s Ongi River Movement: A Case of an Active Civil Society

Freedom of Speech and Media in Bangladesh: The Exploitation of Media and Restriction of Free Speech as a Tool to Advance Electoral Autocracy

The Rise of Far Right Populism in Spain

The Most Vulnerable of N. Macedonia: Dangers of Two Steps Back from Democratization

Hungary’s Orban Suspicious of EU Ban on Russian Crude Oil

Possible Effects of Russia’s Recognition of Kosovo on Serbia’s Democracy

Join Our Listserv