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<p>Using a&#xa0;sample of qualitative narrative interviews conducted in 2023 with scholars employed at Russian universities, the study examines how working conditions in higher education have changed following the full invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The analysis reveals that the growing politicization of higher education has triggered profound institutional and noninstitutional changes: scholars now work in an atmosphere of deepening mistrust and heightened risk, face arbitrary political pressures, and are forced to take sides within an academic community that has become increasingly polarized. This development affects both urban and provincial scholars from all disciplines, albeit to varying degrees, as universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg seem to retain a&#xa0;certain independence. It extends beyond institutional aspects, as it profoundly affects the interpersonal relations within the academic professional class. Among many, the increasing importance of political loyalty for academic careers has fostered a&#xa0;trend towards political, anti-scientific opportunism. Meanwhile, most university students seem to have maintained their attitude of general indifference toward anything political. These findings may help refining recent works on the professional and institutional realities of scholars working under authoritarian conditions, both in Russia and beyond.</p>

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Working in academia under authoritarian rule: The new reality of professional life at Russian universities

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月1日

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  • Roman Smirnov

摘要

Using a sample of qualitative narrative interviews conducted in 2023 with scholars employed at Russian universities, the study examines how working conditions in higher education have changed following the full invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The analysis reveals that the growing politicization of higher education has triggered profound institutional and noninstitutional changes: scholars now work in an atmosphere of deepening mistrust and heightened risk, face arbitrary political pressures, and are forced to take sides within an academic community that has become increasingly polarized. This development affects both urban and provincial scholars from all disciplines, albeit to varying degrees, as universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg seem to retain a certain independence. It extends beyond institutional aspects, as it profoundly affects the interpersonal relations within the academic professional class. Among many, the increasing importance of political loyalty for academic careers has fostered a trend towards political, anti-scientific opportunism. Meanwhile, most university students seem to have maintained their attitude of general indifference toward anything political. These findings may help refining recent works on the professional and institutional realities of scholars working under authoritarian conditions, both in Russia and beyond.