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...

Fragmenting the United States Post Dobbs Decision

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

In 1973, the United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision in Roe v. Wade to legalize abortion prior to fetal viability, prohibiting any state bans. At the beginning...

What Syria’s Attempted Political Transition Means For Democracy

Mar 29, 2026 | Suffolk University

Syria is not transitioning to democracy. It is stuck in a political system that prevents democracy from taking hold. That may sound obvious. But it isn't. Many discussions...

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...

ASEAN’s role in Addressing Myanmar’s crisis

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

Source by : The Star news In February 2021, Myanmar has been facing a transforming a period of political unrest and widespread human rights violations, creating an urgent need for peace. In response...

Is Israel proficient at the breach of democratic values?

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

Photo source by : Spyware & Democratic Values Is the absence of international laws an excuse for the violation of Israel the breach of democratic principles globally? Israel plays a significant...

Timor-Leste’s Firm Stance on Myanmar Driven by Values

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

Photo 1: Source by Myanmar's military placed heavy restrictions on the internet ahead of the protests (BBC News) Timor-Leste's Support for Fairness and Human Rights in Myanmar's Crisis Timor-Leste,...

The Role of NGOs and CSOs in Democracy

Oct 4, 2023 | School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) are exercising vital roles in promoting and encouraging democracy. They act as a third party between the people and the...