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.

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...

From Stardom to Senate: The Alarming Trend of Celebrity Politics in the Philippines

The intersection of celebrity and politics in the Philippines is nothing new. The phenomenon of celebrity politicians—actors, athletes, and other public figures who go from the big screen or stage to the corridors of power—has become a defining aspect of the country's...

Time to Say Au Revoir to Laïcité

Dec 9, 2024 | Brown University

For the past three decades, one article of clothing has captivated the attention of the fashion capital of the world: headscarves. From Marine Le Pen to Emmanuel Macron, no...

The Digital Divide: Social Media’s Role in Polarization and Democratic Backsliding

Dec 5, 2024 | Brown University

It was a week after Donald Trump won the US 2024 Presidential Election. My little sister texted me frantically: “Mom keeps accusing Dad of voting for Trump. She can’t get...

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...

U.S. Prisons’ Overcrowding Pandemic Failures

Oct 12, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

The issue of prison system failures that stem from pandemic regulations (or lack thereof) is a pervasive one across the globe. While pre-pandemic systems were already fraught with rampant human...

When Will Sudan’s Promissory Coup End? Interview with Ruling General Provides Little Clarity for the Country’s Future

Oct 12, 2022 | Ohio State University

In the past three years, Sudan has experienced two promissory coups, plunging the country into ongoing political turmoil. Although outwardly intended to foster democratization, these coups often...

Hostage Situation Shines Spotlight Back on Backsliding Democracy in the Philippines

Oct 12, 2022 | Ohio State University

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? On October 9th, an ex-senator was used in a hostage situation while prisoners were attempting a jailbreak in the Republic of the Philippines. The senator’s name is Leila de...

Felony Disenfranchisement Laws as Stealth Authoritarianism

Oct 1, 2022 | Ohio State University

Electoral laws are a common and necessary component of democratic regimes. However, these laws can undermine the democratic voting process through legal means. Restricting the voting rights of...

Corporate Authoritarianism in Ohio: How a Bribery Scheme Led to Widespread Subversion of Democracy

Sep 30, 2022 | Ohio State University

Within American democracy, politicians incorporate aspects of stealth authoritarianism into every level of politics. Often, the most brazen political stunts are performed when eyes are pointed...

U.S. Democracy Threatened at its Birthplace: Doug Mastriano’s Rise in Pennsylvania

Sep 30, 2022 | Ohio State University

Pennsylvania Statehouse - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania One of the most troubling developments of the 2022 election cycle has been the nomination of Doug Mastriano to be the Republican Party’s candidate...

Mar-a-Lago Raid: How Trump’s Attacks on the Judiciary Spell Disaster

Sep 30, 2022 | Ohio State University

On August 8th, for the first time, law enforcement agents raided the home of a former president on suspicion of criminal activity. The ensuing legal conflict between former president Donald Trump...