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.

South Africa’s Democracy Isn’t Collapsing, It’s Quietly Eroding

South Africa’s democracy remains intact on paper, but corruption, governance failures, and declining public trust reveal how democratic erosion can quietly unfold when both political elites weaken institutions and citizens lose faith in democracy’s ability to deliver real change.

Identity Survival Amongst Democratically Eroded Ethno-Religious Conflicts

When politics between religious governments turn into a contest for identity survival, democracy institutions stop being referees and start becoming weapons.

Poland’s Democratic Decline Was Reversible

In 2015, Poland experienced a significant decrease in democracy. The Law and Justice Party (PiS), under Jaroslaw Kaczyński’s leadership, secured victories in both the presidential and parliamentary elections. In a matter of months, the government acted to diminish the...

When Discretion Replaces Equality: How Immigration Enforcement Threatens Democracy

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

When Discretion Replaces Equality: How Immigration Enforcement Threatens Democracy A democracy cannot survive if the law is enforced differently depending on who you are....

Amnesty, an Age-Old Fix for Spain’s Deep Divide

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

"La Diada," a Catalan holiday, commemorates the surrender of Barcelona to Spanish forces in 1714 and the defeat of Catalan forces. As a result of this unfortunate incident...

Recommendations for Addressing Yemen’s Challenges

Oct 12, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Introduction Yemen has undergone substantial economic, political, and social developments during the last four decades. Notably, there were uprisings in North Yemen in September 1962 against the...

“Vietnam’s Ongoing Battle Against Corruption: Progress, and Challenges”

Oct 12, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Introduction Vietnam introduced the Anti-Corruption Law, which came into effect on July 1, 2019, and forms the basis for the application of the Penal Code in relation to bribery offenses. The law...

Unstable Politics in Myanmar: A Wicked Problem for ASEAN?

Oct 12, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Introduction The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has faced an enormous challenge as a result of the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021. The group has come under criticism for...

Institutional Chess: How Institutional Arrangements Propel Junta Leader Min Aung Hlaing

Oct 12, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

In the world of authoritarian regimes, the longevity of autocratic leaders often hinges on the institutions they establish and control. Myanmar has been a prime example of this dynamic, how...

Tunisia’s Democratic Backslide: The Kais Saied Era and the Perilous Road to Electoral Autocracy

Oct 12, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Tunisia emerged as a beacon of hope for democracy in the Middle East. It was hailed as the success story, the nation where popular protests led to the toppling...

Democratization and Federalism in Myanmar: Shifting Power Dynamics after the 2021 Military Coup

Oct 11, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Introduction Myanmar's struggle for democracy and federalism has spanned 75 years since its independence in 1948, and it remains an ongoing challenge. The country requires an acceptable constitution...

Ongoing Tensions and Ceasefire Efforts in the Israel-Palestine Conflict

Oct 10, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.Credit: Fatima Shbair/AP Recent Condition in the Israel-Palestine Conflict As the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians entered...

Courts and Populism in Poland: Guardians of Democracy or Reinforcing the Status Quo?

Oct 5, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

In recent years, populism has surged onto the global political stage, becoming a formidable political force (Guttieri, 2019). It draws its strength from its appeal to the perceived grievances of...

Shadows Over Paradise: Mauritius’ Democracy at a Crossroads Since 2019

Oct 5, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Mauritius, known for its political stability and vibrant democracy, has long been regarded as a shining example of democratic governance in the African region. Mauritius gained independence from...