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 are student blog posts written by student participants in the Democratic Erosion Course. These posts were not written by nor represent the views of the Democratic Erosion Consortium.

Food Security is Rooted Abroad

Global fertilizer supply chains connect geopolitical events abroad to food production at home in ways most consumers don’t see.

The Meaning of Silence : What the moment of silence for Melissa Hortman says about American democracy

On June 14, 2025, the lives of Melissa Hortman who was a House speaker in Minnesota and her husband Mark were taken in what authorities believe to be a politically motivated act of violence. The same day Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and...

Buying Injustice: The Hidden Harms of this Act.

Are we looking to create a thriving society, or are we allowing fear into the lives of immigrant families? As new immigration policies appear, the question become, how do we prevent the changes that involve separating families and dismantling the place that...

Democratic Erosion in Chile (1963-1975)

May 4, 2026 | Tulane University

Chile between the period of 1964 and 1975 represents a great example of how democracy can be eroded through both internal failure, but mainly through the planned efforts of...

After Orbán: Should the EU be shifting its sights to Bulgaria?

May 4, 2026 | Suffolk University

Victor Orbán, a pain in the European Union’s side, is no longer in office. Although, the EU cannot celebrate just yet, as Rumen Radev might have just taken his place. After...

Is Hungary Still a Democracy? More Than Just Elections

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

At first glance, a country that regularly holds elections may appear to function as a stable democracy. However, elections alone do not guarantee that democratic principles are being upheld....

Beneath the Surface: The Political Crisis in Greece

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

How did the birthplace of democracy become a system shaped by political dynasties and corruption? Today, Greece still appears to be a democracy, but beneath the surface, its political system tells a...

Is Democracy Enough? Social Hierarchy and the Limits of Democracy in India

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

In most cases, India is described as the largest democracy in the world. Nonetheless, the mere size of the population is not always a criterion for quality. India holds elections regularly, and it...

The Modern Way to Lose Democracy .What’s Happening in Hungary Right Now?

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University, Universities

Hungary is a good example of breakdown countries. The most people think that countries in Europe have democracies that are stable, but Hungary is completely different. During the time, Hungary has...

Why Is Democracy Failing? South Africa’s Long-Term Rule Dilemma

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

After decades of dominance, South Africa’s ruling party has lost its majority and that might be exactly what the country needs. For nearly 30 years, the African National Congress (ANC) has dominated...

Democracy Under Elites: The Political Influence of Monarchy in Thailand

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

Although monarchies were once among the most dominant and widely accepted political systems in history, they are now less common yet often remain powerful and untouchable political institutions that...

Why Democracy Declined in Turkey: The Role of Polarization

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

Hook In the early 2000s, Turkey looked like a promising case of democracy. Many people believed it could become a stable liberal democracy, even in a Muslim-majority country. However, today, Turkey...

A Democracy in Costume

Apr 20, 2026 | American University, Universities

What do you do when your own country tries to fool you? If elections are the heart of democracy, then Venezuela should be heartless. It still holds elections. People still line up to vote....

The Zambian Plot Twist: Citizens who beat dictatorship in the mask of law

Apr 20, 2026 | George Mason University

Forget the tanks! In the 21st century, the most dangerous weapon against democracy isn’t a gun. It’s a law. In a democracy, a "coup" is not the only dangerous thing when armed soldiers show up one...