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...

How Pakistans Government has Backslided Further since Imran Khan’s arrest

Feb 27, 2026 | Boston University

Democratic erosion is a gradual process that has been an ongoing process in Pakistan. While the country still holds elections and operates under the 1973 constitution, the...

Tunisia: A Case Study of Democratic Backsliding and the Impetus call for Civil Democracy

Feb 22, 2026 | Arizona State University

Since the demand for democracy emerged during the Arab Spring across many middle eastern countries, the origin country Tunisia have been countlessly facing many...

Giving a Voice Back to the Silenced

Nov 21, 2022 | Suffolk University

In Iran, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was killed on September 16, 2022, while being detained for "wearing her hijab incorrectly". This sparked a mass of protests throughout the country. This incident...

Poland’s Fall to Autocracy Brings Warning Signs to The United States

Nov 21, 2022 | Boston University

In 2020 Andrzej Duda won Poland's presidential election with 51.2 percent of the vote. This very narrow margin unveiled the clear divide of polarization throughout their country. In addition, there...

Youth Stimulates Youth: The Importance of Youth Leadership

Nov 21, 2022 | Suffolk University

How often do you feel disengaged and confused by the current political sphere and agenda within the country? Many may even feel disgusted by the word politics itself. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone...

Why Iran’s Women Are Key to the Undoing of Democratic Erosion

Nov 20, 2022 | Skidmore College

The degradation of civil rights and freedoms within Iran has fallen primarily on women and is responsible for the recent unrest. A protest based on women’s grievances is likely to be more effective...

Will El Salvador Ever Have a Real Democracy?

Nov 18, 2022 | Boston University

Gang members are secured during a police operation at Izalco jail during a 24-hour lockdown ordered by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele in Izalco, El Salvador. Photograph released by the El...

Has Hiring a Security Detail Become a Prerequisite for Elected Officials?

Nov 13, 2022 | Skidmore College

It has become commonplace to hear about the growing daily threats of violence to U.S. elected officials since the now infamous January 6th, 2021 Insurrection at the Capitol. On that day, millions of...

Is There a Place For Anymore Growth In Argentina’s Democracy?

Nov 13, 2022 | Skidmore College

While the Vice president of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is awaiting her trials for corruption, it is her attempted assassination that has garnered the attention of the world....

Youth Civic Engagement and The Future of Democracy

Nov 10, 2022 | Suffolk University

The importance of youth engagement in the democratic system, and ways that those who are not yet able to vote can still engage in civics. Our Issues, Our Voices, Our Votes: Youth Civic Participation...

Arrested, Dead, or with Victory

Nov 10, 2022 | Skidmore College

"Só saio, preso, morto ou com vitória" Originally in Portuguese, Brazil’s presidential incumbent promises what will occur after the election. President Jair Bolsonaro told his supporters in a speech...