Economist Podcasts Degrees of freedom? Harvard’s shakedown dilemma
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Aug 4, 2025 
Kenneth Werner, Deputy culture editor at The Economist, and Shashank Joshi, Defense editor at The Economist, dive into Harvard's challenges amid political pressures, addressing anti-Semitism and academic autonomy. They share insights from France's top general on Russia's military resurgence and its implications for Europe. The conversation also explores the evolution of political satire during Trump's era, emphasizing the struggle of humorists to effectively critique the surreal political landscape. Tune in for a blend of education and defense!
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Trump's Harvard Shakedown
- Donald Trump has aggressively targeted Harvard, demanding oversight over coursework, faculty hiring, and admissions. - This campaign included withholding $3 billion in federal funds and attempting to block foreign student enrollment.
Harvard's Settlement Dilemma
- Harvard faces a tough choice: settling would restore lost federal funding but risk precedent over academic freedom. - Its lawsuit success is limited by the Supreme Court's conservative leaning, reducing hope for legal relief.
Impact of Funding Freeze on Harvard
- Harvard’s budget pain caused by frozen federal funds led to hiring freezes and layoffs in research staff. - The university faces increasing congressional and regulatory probes, exhausting its resources.