Conclusion

Abstract

Globalization has not diminished the threat to academic freedom. Open borders and free markets do not always lead to open minds and freedom of inquiry. People whose work involves intellectual independence and scepticism easily disturb the mental rigidity of governments, authoritarians and ideologues. While cherished insofar as they create wealth and assist the security of the state, for example defence and armaments research, when their work crosses prevailing orthodoxies they will be among the first to be targeted. They cannot always rely on their own institutions for support, since these are usually government-controlled or -financed, while the authorities are often wary of the influence of academics on a new generation, in case younger minds absorb dangerous and subversive ideas.