The Challenge to Academic Freedom in Hungary: A Case Study in Authoritarianism, Culture War and Resistance

The book explores how an authoritarian regime in Hungary is seeking to tame academic freedom through a culture war, authoritarian populism, and reforms that give universities autonomy but critics assert will lead to cronyism and pro-government interference.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

The Challenge to Academic Freedom in Hungary: A Case Study in Culture War, Authoritarianism, and Resistance delves into the complex dynamics of an authoritarian regime's efforts to suppress academic freedom. Andrew Ryder conducts an in-depth exploration, employing concepts such as "culture war" and "authoritarian populism," to unravel the underlying ideological conflicts within the academic sphere. Through his research, Ryder uncovers how the Orbán administration has implemented a series of reforms that have resulted in restrictions being imposed on the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the marginalization of Gender Studies by the State, the forced relocation of the Central European University under government pressure, and the introduction of new reforms that, on the surface, grant universities autonomy. However, critics argue that these reforms are merely disguised attempts to promote cronyism and government interference in academic freedom.

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The Challenge to Academic Freedom in Hungary: A Case Study in Culture War, Authoritarianism, and Resistance explores the intricate dynamics of an authoritarian regime's efforts to suppress academic freedom. Andrew Ryder conducts an in-depth exploration, employing concepts such as "culture war" and "authoritarian populism," to unravel the underlying ideological conflicts within the academic sphere. Through his research, Ryder uncovers how the Orbán administration has implemented a series of reforms that have resulted in restrictions being imposed on the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the marginalization of Gender Studies by the State, the forced relocation of the Central European University under government pressure, and the introduction of new reforms that, on the surface, grant universities autonomy. However, critics argue that these reforms are merely disguised attempts to promote cronyism and government interference in academic freedom.

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The book delves into the historical context of Hungary's transition from a democratic to an authoritarian regime, highlighting the political and social factors that have contributed to the erosion of academic freedom. It also examines the role of the media and civil society in resisting these efforts and promoting democratic values. The Challenge to Academic Freedom in Hungary: A Case Study in Culture War, Authoritarianism, and Resistance provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for academic freedom worldwide and offers practical strategies for promoting and protecting academic freedom in contexts where it is under threat.

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The book is a must-read for scholars, researchers, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of authoritarianism, culture war, and academic freedom. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the situation in Hungary and provides a valuable framework for analyzing similar challenges in other regions. The Challenge to Academic Freedom in Hungary: A Case Study in Culture War, Authoritarianism, and Resistance is a timely and important contribution to the field of political science and social studies.

Weight: 489g
Dimension: 230 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110749588