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.

Can an Earthquake Threaten the Non-Democratic Reign of Morocco’s King?

Apr 23, 2024 | Ursinus College

The wealthiest man in Morocco has little interest in abdicating his throne. He has barely any interest in spending his time in the land that he rules, either – former...

The Lack of Humanitarian Aid in Haiti

Apr 21, 2024 | Ursinus College

Haiti is currently facing a political and social crisis. The rest of the world has fallen silent in terms of providing necessary aid and military action to help the victims...

Polarization Seen Through Partisanship, Status, and Geographical Location

Apr 19, 2022 | Rollins College

The trucker convoy made its way from Virginia's Interstate Highway into our state’s capital. Over the course of three weeks the convoy camped out, drove through, protested, and threw tailgate...

Europe’s Rotting Peace

Apr 19, 2022 | Boston University

Europe, host to much of the bloodiest fighting during both World Wars, has since experienced decades without a major conflict between member states. Some may point to a pax-Americana- a peace...

Regeme Type’s Effect on Human Rights, Especially Among Queer People

Apr 19, 2022 | University of Georgia

LGBT people have long been an extremely oppressed group in places all over the world. While many nations in the global north currently have stopped criminalizing the existence of queer people, and...

Partisan Divides Obstruct Justice Jackson’s Path to the Supreme Court

Apr 18, 2022 | Rollins College

Portrait of Ketanji Brown Jackson. On July 29, 1994, Justice Stephan Breyer was confirmed to the US Supreme court with an 87-to-9 vote. Nominated by former President Bill Clinton, Justice...

Corruption and Vested Interests: What No One is Saying About Ukraine

Apr 17, 2022 | University of Georgia

The war in Ukraine has awakened international cooperation unlike any event since World War II, as international organizations and states have come together to sanction Russia’s invasion. These...

Partisan Ingroup vs. Outgroup Tensions Boil Over

Apr 11, 2022 | SUNY-Binghamton

Ingroup vs. Outgroup Background Conflict has been stirred up in the United States for several years now. The political parties have an omnipresent hold on American life and real people are fighting...

Decline of Italian Democracy at the Hands of Matteo Salvini

Apr 8, 2022 | Rollins College

The extreme-right party, Lega Nord has gained popularity over the last 10 years and Matteo Salvini is responsible for it. Salvini now is the leader of Lega per Salvini Premier, shortened to Lega. He...

Has Peruvian Democracy Gone Off The Rails?

Apr 5, 2022 | Rollins College

Since the year 2000, Peru has had the longest period of democracy in the country's history. As a Latin American nation, the South American country struggled to achieve a stable democracy for years....

The Impact of Immigration on Democracy

Apr 5, 2022 | Rollins College

The Impact of Immigration on American Democracy: Immigration, a major determinant of political decision As of 2018, the United States was found to be the country with the most immigrants in the...