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Canadian Political Science Association2026 Annual Conference Programme
The Politics of Division: Conflict,
Community, Curriculum
Hosted at University of Ottawa, Ottawa, CANADA
June 2 to June 4, 2026
Comparative Politics
B05(b) - Roundtable: The Impact of Democratic Backsliding on Academic Freedom
Date: Jun 2 | Time: 03:30pm to 05:00pm | Location:
Marianne Kneuer (Technical University Dresden)John Ishiyama (University of Northern Texas)
Annika Hinze (Fordham University)
Andre Lecours (University of Ottawa)
Abstract: Democratic backsliding is a phenomenon of the 21st century. It unfolds through a slow and methodical concentration of executive power alongside the dismantling of existing structures of accountability. This process is often gradual, as it unfolds incrementally and systemically as the “substance” of democracy erodes beneath its formal structures. From this lens, the signs are flashing red for the persistence of democracy in countries such as the United States of America, India, Turkey or Hungary. An integral part of democratic backsliding are restrictions to academic freedom. These restrictions may include the defunding or elimination of academic programs, the centralization of university governance and, in more extreme cases, the discreditation and removal of unwanted scholars. How should political scientists react to these developments? Should they speak up against the restriction of democratic rights both inside and outside of academia? Should they acquiesce to avoid becoming under the radar of the autocrat? What are the consequences of these tendencies for international cooperation between scholars and universities? This roundtable will discuss these questions both from a comparative lens and through precise cases such as the United States.