Higher Education, State Repression, and Neoliberal Reform in Nicaragua: Reflections from a University under Fire

This book highlights the liberatory practices undertaken at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Nicaragua to oppose state repression and neoliberal reform. It uses a critical ethnographic approach to showcase the activism present in teaching, research, and administration, emphasizing the importance of critical higher education and international solidarity in maintaining academic freedom and social outreach.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking volume makes a vital contribution to ongoing discussions surrounding the university's role as a space of resistance by shedding light on the liberatory practices employed at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in Nicaragua to counter the dual pressures of state repression and neoliberal reform. Through a critical ethnographic lens, the book presents a series of vignettes and chapters that contextualize and analyze the experiences of faculty and students, highlighting the activism present within teaching, research, and administration. At the same time, it draws attention to the critical importance of higher education and international solidarity in preserving academic freedom, university autonomy, the production of oppositional knowledge, and social outreach in higher education across the globe.

This text will be of immense value to researchers, students, and academics specializing in higher education, educational policy and politics, and international and comparative education. Those with an interest in equality and human rights, Central America, and the broader themes of revolution and protest will also find this volume to be highly informative and engaging.

The book's central argument is that the UCA has emerged as a hub of resistance against the oppressive forces of the state and the market, driven by a commitment to social justice and the pursuit of knowledge for the common good. Through a series of case studies and personal narratives, the authors demonstrate how faculty and students have mobilized to challenge the dominant narratives and power structures, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable education system.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of education in promoting social change and challenging dominant ideologies. The authors argue that education is not just a means of imparting knowledge but also a powerful tool for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility. They highlight how the UCA has used its platform to promote alternative perspectives and challenge the dominant narratives surrounding issues such as poverty, inequality, and political repression.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of international solidarity in supporting academic freedom and resistance. The authors argue that the UCA's success in resisting neoliberal reform is in part due to its connections with other universities and organizations around the world, which have provided support and resources in the face of political pressure and censorship. They emphasize the importance of building networks and alliances between different institutions and movements to promote a global movement for higher education that is committed to social justice and academic freedom.

The book also provides a wealth of insights into the challenges and struggles faced by faculty and students in the context of a repressive state. The authors describe how the UCA has faced political interference, censorship, and the intimidation of students and faculty who have spoken out against the government. They highlight the importance of building a culture of resistance and resilience within the university community, which can withstand the pressures of repression and promote a sense of collective purpose.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking volume makes a vital contribution to our understanding of the university's role as a space of resistance. By highlighting the liberatory practices employed at the Universidad Centroamericana, the book provides a valuable case study for other institutions and movements seeking to promote social justice and academic freedom in the face of oppression. The book's insights into the power of education, international solidarity, and the culture of resistance are essential for building a more inclusive and equitable higher education system that is committed to the pursuit of knowledge for the common good.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032057316