Education in Illiberal Times

“Education is the most powerful weapon we have to change the world,” proclaimed the legendary Nelson Mandela. But does this ring true in every society? What happens when authoritarian forces reject education and science as valid forms of knowledge? In the latest issue of WZB-Mitteilungen, our quarterly research magazine, WZB researcher Minju Choi analyses a troubling trend: the decline of liberal norms is fundamentally altering the role and authority of academic knowledge.

There is an alarming assault on science as a legitimate source of knowledge. In recent years, academic freedom has been increasingly restricted. From Hungary to Russia and Turkey, authoritarian regimes are reshaping higher education to align with state interests. And we see policies in the United States aiming to limit discussions on race, gender, and other contentious topics in our educational institutions.

The consequences are dire. Minju Choi notes, “Recent studies show that the global illiberal trend and the links between states and illiberal organizations are leading to a decline in student numbers, funding for universities, and thus academic freedom.” Moreover, we risk losing public trust in science itself.

As Minju Choi concluded, it is crucial to observe how our understanding of the world is evolving and to consider what alternate sources of knowledge may emerge in this changing landscape. These shifts will undoubtedly shape the values and objectives of education in a post-liberal world—whether we embrace it or not.

29.04.2025 kes/(MP)