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.

Donald Trump the Nazi Reincarnate?: Godwin’s Law and How This Phenomenon is Counterproductive to Understanding Democratic Erosion

What do we hope to accomplish when comparing President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler, a tyrannical perpetrator of genocide?

The Russia-Ukraine War Bodes Poorly for Democracy, But Not in the Way You Think

The Russia-Ukraine War is a serious threat to global democracy through the growing wave of isolationism in the United States, an entity that has typically been at the forefront of fighting authoritarianism across the world.

The Trump Administration’s Attack on USAID

The Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, increase concerns about democratic backsliding as it could result in a trend with the executive undermining institutional legitimacy.

Social Inequality, Polarization, and Jokowi

Apr 30, 2024 | Ursinus College

Indonesia has a complex history of social cleavages which has marked periods of polarization and unity. In recent years, pluralist and Islamic elements across Indonesia have...

How Did Trump’s Presidency Bomb American Democracy?

Apr 30, 2024 | William Jewell College

The United States is one of the world's oldest democracies, being originally founded in 1776. In contrast to nations that have existed for centuries, America is only 247...

COVID Pandemic and Democratic Backsliding in Ethiopia

Apr 22, 2022 | Boston University

Originally thought to be a reformer, Prime Minister Abiya Ahmed has not held up his promise to the people of Ethiopia. When he was elected Prime Minister in 2018, he loosened restrictions on the...

Obama’s Endorsement of Social Media Censorship: An Essential Tool for Preserving Democratic Norms

Apr 22, 2022 | Boston University

Barack Obama made headlines recently for making an urgent warning to the American people, claiming that widespread misinformation over the past few years has led to the “weakening of democratic...

The Violation of Freedom of the Press and Media in the Philippines

Apr 22, 2022 | Boston University

The freedom of the press and media are essential components to democracy and there must be a continuous fight for it in order to protect countries from declining democratically. With free press, it...

Okay But Really, How Is Putin Still in Power?

Apr 22, 2022 | Boston University

Supporters of Alexander Navalny protest in St. Petersburg ahead of Vladimir Putin's "election" to a fourth term as PresidentOlga Maltseva/AFP via Getty Images Through the presidencies of Bill...

Marine Le Pen: A Threat to France’s Democracy

Apr 22, 2022 | Boston University

Marine Le Pen's populist-nationalist tactics, anti-immigration, and xenophobic sentiment could damage French democracy if she were to be elected in the April 24th runoff elections. As...

Voting Suppression: A Spotlight on Texas

Apr 22, 2022 | Boston University

The year is 2022, and two years have passed since President Donald Trump lost his bid for re-election. Across the country, Republicans at all levels of the political totem pole have adamantly...

Sri Lankan Resistance to Rajapaksa’s Authoritarian Regime

Apr 22, 2022 | Boston University

Ever since his election victory in 2019, President Gotabaya Rajapska has been propelling the island nation of Sri Lanka into a repressive and violent authoritarian regime. In truth, Rajapaska’s...

Is France in Danger of Populism?

Apr 21, 2022 | Boston University

What is populism? Is there a clear-concise definition of populism? Scholars have different perceptions of what populism is and the definition differs worldwide. As Jan Mueller in What is Populism?...

Electric Cars: Are They As Safe As The Planet Needs Them To Be?

Apr 21, 2022 | Suffolk University

For car drivers, looking for a low maintenance alternative to their gas-powered car, electric cars offer many advantages. However, if you are worried about not being able to commit to charging your...