ECPR statement on the increasing threat to academic freedom from powerful interests and extremist groups

The ECPR is deeply concerned about growing threats to academic freedom in a number of countries.

Academic freedom is a core principle that must be protected at all costs. This is particularly the case in a discipline like political science.

As set out clearly in a recent ECPR House Lecture by David Paternotte and Mieke Verloo, there has been a steady increase in examples of threats to academic freedom in recent years.

Some of these threats are the result of government action (or inaction). Some involve powerful actors or extremist groups who attack or seek to intimidate individual academics.

In line with our mission, it is our duty to speak out for our community when we see challenges.

Thus, in a world where democracy can seem alarmingly fragile, we should not shy away from standing against such acts and condemn them for what they are.

The ECPR Executive Committee, April 2021   

Keywords: Freedom