What happens when academic freedom stops being a principle and becomes a daily negotiation?

In recent years, discussions about academic freedom have expanded rapidly. And yet, many scholars, especially those early in their careers, continue to navigate increasing pressure without clear tools, support structures, or even a shared language to describe what is happening to them.

This episode brings together Andrea Peto (CEU) and Benoît Josset (Rennes University), contributors to a Pocket Guide for Academics at Risk, developed within OPEN COST Action project mapping attacks on higher education across multiple national contexts - along with support from Democratization at stake? Comparing Anti-Gender Politics in CEE and NME countries (Antigender-Politics) COST Action.

The Pocket Guide comes with an thourhouly thought out platform offering different solutions and support: https://academicresilience.eu/

Drawing on empirical research and lived experience, the conversation moves beyond abstract debates to focus on practice:

• How do attacks on academic freedom actually unfold?

• What are the warning signs, before they become obvious?

• Why is self-censorship one of the most pervasive and least recognized forms of pressure?

• And what can academics realistically do when institutions fail to protect them?

The episode also addresses questions that are often ignored in formal discussions: digital security, mental health, and the material conditions of academic work under increasing political and economic constraints.

Rather than offering a checklist or easy solutions, the pocket guide, and this conversation, insist on something more uncomfortable but more useful: awareness, preparation, and collective thinking.

Because the most dangerous assumption remains the same across contexts: that it cannot happen here.

Produced as part of Protecting Academia at Risk project, with support from the Gerda Henkel Foundation.