Liberal Arts and Academic Freedom in Times of Political Uncertainty: The AUCA Experience

• In Event: Liberal Arts Education: Freedom of Memory and the Memory of Freedom

Abstract

This talk will explore the evolving role of liberal arts education in safeguarding academic freedom in politically uncertain environments across Central Asia. It will examine how institutions like AUCA navigate external pressures, regulatory constraints, and ideological opposition while upholding its core mission. The discussion will also consider broader trends affecting academic independence in the region and propose strategies for resilience, institutional autonomy, and intellectual openness in the face of political challenges.

Author

• Saniia Toktogazieva, American U of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan)