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.

Public Opinion, Polarization, and Pushback on the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte

With months ahead of impeachment trial of Sara Duterte in the Philippine Senate, we can expect more political theatrics to unfold and try to win over public opinion.

Forced Conscription in Eritrea: No Opportunities for the Youth of Eritrea

Eritrea’s forced conscription into national service has resulted in a struggling education sector and thousands of people fleeing the country.

The Politics of Shame: How Bobotante Narrative Poses Threats to Philippine Democracy

In democratic countries, elections are seen as a great equalizer for each individual, as they are entitled to free expression, regardless of their background. However, this is not the case in the Philippines, as the 2022 election has turned into a battlefield of shame...

Addressing the coup-demic: Why Regime Change Matters for Democratic Erosion

Dec 5, 2024 | Brown University

On the very first day of my “Democratic Erosion” seminar, I voiced my unease about the state of democracy in the Sahel—a region currently experiencing an unprecedented wave...

The Power of the Young: A New Era of Democracy for Bangladesh

Dec 5, 2024 | Brown University

Throughout Bangladesh’s history and into the present, student- and youth-led movements have spearheaded efforts to influence political change. Examples like the 1969 revolt...

Purging Democracy: Voter Roll Purges and the Undermining of US Democracy

Oct 14, 2022 | Boston University

From 2014 to 2016, 16 million voters were removed from voter registration lists. Voter roll purges keep voting rolls accurate by canceling the registration of people who have passed away, moved, or...

Italy’s Populist Experiment

Oct 14, 2022 | Boston University

The election of Italy's Giorgia Meloni brings to light decades old tensions between technocracy and democracy within EU countries. On September 26, 2022, Giorgia Meloni, President and founder of the...

Silenced: Detainment of Opposition Politicians in Benin

Oct 14, 2022 | Ohio State University

Prior to 2016, Benin was considered to be a very stable democracy. Between 1991, when it became a democracy, and 2016, Benin experienced many free and fair elections, following which power...

Continued Threats and Erosion of Democracy in Poland

Oct 14, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

On July 12, 2020 incumbent Polish President Andrzej Duda won the second round of the presidential elections with 51.0% of the popular vote (BBC, 2020). Duda had first been elected to office in 2015...

South Korea’s Candlelit Revolution and a New President – A Case in Democratic Backsliding

Oct 13, 2022 | Ohio State University

When considering democratic backsliding, South Korea’s case is not necessarily the one with the most backsliding, but it is important to consider. While the Candlelit Revolution itself is the people...

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...