Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Global Populist Attacks on Universities: A Growing Trend
Imagine countries are like families, and some leaders are trying to change the rules.
They're using strong feelings like missing the old days and being angry to get people on their side.
They are targeting universities, like Harvard and others, saying they don't fit the family's values anymore.
In the US, the leaders say universities are letting in 'bad' people.
In India, they call students 'traitors' if they disagree.
Hungary banned certain studies.
These leaders want to make sure everyone feels the same way about their country's history and future.
It's like they want everyone to think and feel the same way.
Populist leaders globally are attacking universities, viewing them as threats to national identity.
These attacks employ 'affective nationalism', using emotions like nostalgia and resentment.
In the US, the Trump administration targeted Harvard, claiming it fostered an unsafe campus environment.
In India, the Modi government labels dissenting students 'anti-national'.
Hungary's Orbán has also waged a culture war on universities, restricting academic freedom.
- Who
- Populist leaders like Trump and Orbán, along with governments and their supporters.
- What
- Populist leaders are attacking universities, using nationalist sentiments.
- When
- Ongoing, with examples from recent years.
- Where
- United States, India, Hungary, and globally.
- Why
- To control narratives of national identity, promote specific cultural values, and suppress dissent.
Academic Freedom Advocates
Nationalist Leaders
Academic Freedom vs. National Unity
Academic Freedom Advocates
Universities should be free from political interference, fostering critical thinking and diversity.
Nationalist Leaders
Universities are perceived by populists as threats to national unity, tradition and values.
- Political Strategy
- Affective Nationalism
- Key Emotions Used
- Nostalgia and Resentment
- US Target
- Harvard University
- Indian Target
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Hungarian Action
- Banning of Gender Studies
- Trump's Slogan
- Make America Great Again
- India's Act
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)