Threats to Academic Freedom in Europe

Abstract

Supported by the ECPR Working Group on Academic Freedom and The Loop There is much media focus on shocking violations of academic freedom in places such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Yet academic freedom is facing growing constraints, even in European democracies. And scholarly freedom is under particular threat in the field of political science and international relations. While in some parts of the world, authoritarian regimes and religious radicalisation are the source of such threat, violations in Europe are often linked to broader social and political trends. We have seen, for example, instances of government interference, and growing pressure on universities to serve the interests of the state or private funders. The result is that in many European countries, scholars face challenges while they research, teach, write, speak in public, or comment on political events. As political scientists, we must raise awareness of the urgent need to safeguard free scholarly enquiry. This Panel seeks transparent discussion on strategies and policy prescriptions to protect and strengthen academic freedom in European democracies.