Uzbekistan: When Academic Autonomy Remains Formal

Uzbekistan: When Academic Autonomy Remains Formal

As long as academic autonomy remains undefined, universities will continue to choose safety over inquiry. Feruza Madaminova   In 2019, Uzbekistan adopted the Concept for the Development of the Higher Education System until 2030, touted as a milestone in...
Academic Death

Academic Death

For Russian scientists, the imposition of “foreign agent” status is tantamount to being banned from work Dmitry Dubrovsky   Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash   The laws on “foreign agents” and “undesirable organizations,” which were adopted over 10 years...
Plagiarism Since the Start of the War

Plagiarism Since the Start of the War

How Russian scientists are working with Asian markets to trade scientific papers. Andrey Rostovtsev   Photo: Russia is being flooded by papers published through purchased co-authorship. Photo by Isa Az on Unsplash   The creation of large language models has...
A Year of Isolationism and Re-Sovietization

A Year of Isolationism and Re-Sovietization

In 2025, the Russian government asserted its ideology, sought enemies in the West, and tried to create an alternative to globalization. Dmitry Dubrovsky   Photo: In 2025, it became clear that the educational and research agenda was increasingly being subordinated...
Sovereign Sociology

Sovereign Sociology

A master framework for a discipline or a language of dependence? Andrea Asina   Photo: The concept of “sovereignty” has become a key meme in state ideology. Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash   At the end of June 2025, St. Petersburg held the first Time of...
Academic Freedom Online

Academic Freedom Online

In Search of Freedom and Knowledge Irina Chudova   Photo: The internet is seen as a place of freedom on an academic, civic, and personal level. Photo by RoonZ nl on Unsplash   Online learning, the prevalence of which grew significantly during the pandemic,...