Protecting university autonomy and academic freedom amidst democratic backsliding: a strategic proposal for an IACHR thematic report

Abstract

This policy brief addresses the rising threat to higher education posed by regional democratic backsliding and escalating attacks against scholars, students and universities. A core tactic used to undermine university autonomy and academic freedom is budgetary asphyxiation.

The urgency of this situation is illustrated by key regional cases spanning severe authoritarianism to actions taken by elected anti-pluralist leaders. Examples include the systemic elimination of academic freedom in Nicaragua and the financial strangulation policies in Venezuela, two examples of consolidated authoritarian regimes, alongside budgetary cuts and political interference in backsliding democracies as implemented by the Milei administration in Argentina and the Bolsonaro administration in Brazil.

Despite the milestone adoption of the Inter-American Principles on Academic Freedom and University Autonomy by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in 2021, a significant implementation gap persists. This policy brief will urge the IACHR to intensify its efforts through continuous monitoring, addressing violations and preparing a thematic report to further develop regional standards, focusing specifically on protecting the academic community against these hybrid threats.