The Future of International Exchanges and Academic Freedom for a World in Crisis: A panel discussion

In a world grappling with complex and intersecting crises, ranging from authoritarianism and democratic decline to geopolitical conflict and disinformation, the role of universities and academic institutions as sanctuaries for critical inquiry and global cooperation is under serious threat. Across continents, academic freedom is eroding at an alarming rate. Scholars and students face growing surveillance, political interference, censorship, and even persecution for their thoughts and actions. According to the Academic Freedom Index (2024), more than half of the global population lives in countries where universities cannot operate freely. Even within liberal democracies, such as the United States, the integrity of academic spaces is being compromised. Under the Trump Administration, colleges and universities were frequently targeted, through executive orders, policy rollbacks, and funding threats, as ideological battlegrounds to advance political agendas. Moves to restrict curricula, particularly around race, gender, diversity, and history, and to limit the rights of international students signal a broader attack on critical thinking and global scholarly exchange. Central to international exchange is the principle of solidarity and promoting intellectual diversity and debate on cutting edge research, closure of these opportunities undermines both.

Against this background, this session invites participants to reflect on what is at stake when academic freedom and international exchanges are curtailed. What does it mean for global democracy, knowledge justice, and solidarity? What strategies can we envision to protect these vital spaces in a time of uncertainty? How can we strengthen those already at the frontline of pushing back?

As part of Democracy Week in Kristiansand (2–8 May 2025), this dialogue session brings together students, scholars, and policymakers to examine how universities can be strengthened as sites of democratic resistance and cross-border collaboration. Importantly, it offers the opportunity for students on international exchange to reflect and engage with stakeholders.