Neo-Nationalism and Universities

<p>Universities have long been at the forefront of both national development and global integration. But the political and policy world in which they operate is undergoing a transition one that is reflective of a significant change in domestic politics and international relations: a populist turn inward among a key group of nation-states often led by demagogues that includes China and Hong Kong Turkey Hungary Russia Brazil the United Kingdom and the United States. In many parts of the world the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for populists and autocrats to further consolidate their power. Within right-wing political ecosystems universities in effect offer the proverbial canary in the coal mine--a clear window into the extent of civil liberties and the political environment and trajectory of nation-states.</p><p>In <i>Neo-nationalism and Universities</i> John Aubrey Douglass provides the first significant examination of the rise of neo-nationalism and its impact on the missions activities behaviors and productivity of leading national universities. Douglass presents a major comparative exploration of the role of national politics and norms in shaping the role of universities in nation-states--and vice versa. He also explores when universities are societal leaders or followers: When they are agents of social and economic change or simply agents reinforcing and supporting an existing social and political order.</p><p>In a series of case studies Douglass and contributors examine troubling trends that threaten the societal role of universities including attacks on civil liberties free speech and the validity of science; the firing and jailing of academics; anti-immigrant rhetoric; and restrictions on visas with consequences for the mobility of academic talent. The book also offers recommendations to preserve the autonomy and academic freedom of universities and their constituents. <i>Neo-nationalism and Universities</i> is written for a broad public readership interested and concerned about the rise of nationalist movements illiberal democracies and autocratic leaders.</p><p>Contributors: José Augusto Guilhon Albuquerque Elizabeth Balbachevsky Thomas Brunotte Igor Chirikov Igor Fedyukin Karin Fischer Wilhelm Krull Brendan O'Malley Bryan E. Penprase Marijk van der Wende</p>