In the height of the Turkish-Russian tensions, after the shooting down by Turkey of a Russian fighter jet on 24 November, it is worth reflecting on how political conflict impacts academia and relationships between academics. Apparently over 40 universities have ended collaboration with Turkey; there is also news that Turkish students are being harassed by police. Meanwhile, there is further discussion that Turkish citizens without a contract will no longer be able to work in Russia.
Russia has also released a statement calling for the suspension of existing legal documents, calling all science and technology agreements into question. Scheduled university and school trips to Turkey have been cancelled by the Russian Education Ministry, and Russian exchange students are also being called back to Russia.
The action of University boycotts have been seen over the decades: for example, during the 1960s, there was international pressure by academic institutions to end the South African apartheid; we also have recently witnessed an academic boycott against Israeli institutions due to the State’s treatment of Palestinians.
What is different in this context is the question of whether this academic boycott in Russia is supported by Russian academics, or whether it is state-imposed. Academic Dr. Trenin from Russia suggests that both sides will suffer from the severed ties; Russia potentially more. The reality, however, is that not only will the two countries lose out from these tensions, but the entire academic community around the world. As we rely more on international efforts, collaboration, shared experiences, mobility, and exchanges, the drive towards a more cohesive global society is seemingly being pulled apart by an increasing rise in fear and fragmentation. How academics can help counter-act these events is a critical questions which needs to be addressed sooner than later.