The Intelligence from The Economist Degrees of freedom? Harvard’s shakedown dilemma
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Aug 4, 2025 
Kenneth Werner, Deputy Culture Editor at The Economist, dives into the complex tensions at Harvard, where rising anti-Semitism clashes with government pressure. He discusses the influence of the Trump administration on academic freedom and the precarious decisions facing the university. The conversation shifts to European security, featuring insights from General Thierry Burghardt on Russia's threats. Finally, they explore the challenges of political satire in an era where humor meets an unprecedented political landscape, testing its boundaries like never before.
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Trump's Overreach at Harvard
- Trump administration's demands for Harvard included oversight on coursework, faculty hiring, and admissions.
- This represents an unprecedented government interference into private academic institutions.
Harvard Feels Sharp Funding Pain
- Harvard has suffered research staff layoffs and hiring freezes due to federal funding cuts.
- The institution faces investigations and threats like loss of tax-exempt status, creating exhausting challenges.
Academic Freedom vs. Funding Pressure
- Harvard's president firmly resists government control over academic freedom despite settlement pressures.
- Faculty in science and medicine increasingly favor settling due to research funding dependency.