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.
Could the 2017 burning of Congress in Paraguay have led to the end years of Colorado Party dominance?
In 2017, protests erupted in Paraguay after President Horacio Cartes attempted to amend the constitution to allow for his re-election. Cartes’ influence over the Colorado Party— which has dominated Paraguayan politics for decades—has faced significant opposition due to corruption, bribery, and drug trafficking scandals, leading to public disillusionment with his party. The Colorado Party held onto power in 2023, but the lasting effects of Cartes’ actions may have provided enough fuel to the political fire to spark change in Paraguay.
The Unpaved Road Of Guatemala’s Democracy
Georgia’s Stolen Election: A Setback for Democracy and European Integration
The Unraveling of Bulgarian Democracy
Bulgaria saw massive protests in 2020 against Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and his administration. These demonstrated the democratic backsliding that had been occurring...
Honduras: How Populism Lead to the Removal of the Extradition Treaty
Honduras has struggled with gang violence and, therefore, drug trafficking since the fall of Dictator-Military Leader Rafael López Gutiérrez from 1924. To this day, Honduras...
Democrat’s Dangerous Cost-Benefit Analysis: Will Abandoning Binding Primaries to Defeat Trump Hurt or Help American Democracy in the Long-Term?
Today, it is likely that anyone driving through a particularly “liberal” American neighborhood will notice yard signs that beg “Vote Harris! Save Democracy.” With the 2024 presidential election less...
The Future of The E.U.: What The Recent Parliamentary Elections Tell Us by Frankie Vascellaro
In recent years, the world has shifted towards more right-wing, populist-centered politics. While this may take many different forms, in Europe specifically, there is a trend in the proliferation of...
The Threat of Misinformation and Disinformation to American Democracy in the Digital Age by Cecilia Cooley
Social media is a relatively new, yet threatening phenomenon. While it has provided many benefits, such as opportunities for the world to become more connected and make news and information more...
Bolivia’s Decline in Democracy: The Failure to Uphold Constitutional Integrity by Danielle Schmitz
A modern political democracy is a system where rules are held accountable by citizens through their elected representatives, either through competition or cooperation. Democracies can be categorized...
Bolivia’s Decline in Democracy: The Failure to Uphold Constitutional Integrity
A modern political democracy is a system where rules are held accountable by citizens through their elected representatives, either through competition or cooperation. Democracies can be categorized...
How Does Taiwan Weather the Storm of Democratic Erosion? by Michael Cowden
Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is a small autonomous island that lies southeast of the People’s Republic of China. Recent global headlines have positioned Taiwan as a possible target for an...
Populism, Popularity, and Prabowo’s Rise to Power
University of the Philippines, Diliman
Political campaigns are just like the movies. Politicians comprise a cast of characters who play their respective roles within a well-conceived made-up narrative complete with surprising plot twists...
The Miss Universe Win: A Call to Action for International Support for the Nicaraguan People
University of the Philippines, Diliman
Running for over 70 years, the Miss Universe has always been one of the most iconic and renowned international beauty pageant. It is easily the most widely viewed pageant in the world having been...
The Imminence of a Second Trump Presidency?
University of the Philippines, Diliman
Donald Trump seems to defy all reason. Despite his persona that was uncharacteristic of a world leader, he won the US presidential elections in 2016. Despite the notoriety of his presidential term,...