In this episode of Protecting Academia at Risk, we explore the evolving landscape of risk in academia. Instead of framing risk only as a threat to individual academics facing persecution, this conversation expands the lens to examine systemic risks to academic institutions, knowledge production, and academic freedom. How do shifting political landscapes, neoliberal policies, and illiberal interventions shape the academic space? How can we rethink academic freedom beyond free speech debates? And what does it mean to foster a thriving academic community in these turbulent times?