AlpinLuke

Thinking in a historical perspective, during the Cold War, how do you evaluate, generally in Western societies, the influence of political movements on the environment of the universities?

Guaporense

Universities were always the nests of the left. Specialy before the fall of the USSR.

AlpinLuke

That's also my perception here in Italy. In 70's and 80's, the "political degree" was not rare: it was the case when a student got a degree, and with acceptable results [may be not excellent] not because of merit, but because of political orientation.

McGrunt

I remember a certain romanticised view of the Paris Commune of 1871 . Certain elements wished to build barraciades in the streets in the U.S. of A. A small, decent university where the idea of " revolution " was not received well .

AlpinLuke

The basic trouble is that during the Cold War, the "political education" of the young generations was considered essential by politicians [of any side, I would say], at least in European continent.

So that human sciences like history knew a period of political influence which left visible signs.

A curious "son" of that period, which suggests me the argument for a different thread, is the conception that history is better when it's "politically correct".

History is history.

Mohammed the Persian

Though I don't want to derail the thread, I have my own question.

Why is it that some laws (such as in Greece, or in Pre-Revolutionary Cuba) prohibit the armed forces/police from entering universities ?

I know that Cuban gangs took advantage of this.

AlpinLuke

The question is interesting and I wasn't aware of this. I will check if I can find more information regarding the reason behind those laws.

maharbbal

it may be due to the old privileges of universities which in Europe basically meant that they were self-standing institutions, a bit like cities once were. Besides, the buildings are also privately owned so the police cannot barge in.

In France, the Sorbonne has managed to keep this rule alive and neither the German police during the WWII nor the French police in 1968 were allowed entry.

Besides, I guess there is also an element of guaranty for the freedom of research which needs to be safe from direct state intervention (in theory).

Solidaire

Regarding Greece, the law granting the Athens' Polytechnic its 'asylum' was a tribute to honour the Polytechnic uprising against the junta regime in 1973.

Athens Polytechnic Uprising 17 November 1973 - Athens Info Guide



Polytechnic uprising 17 November 1973


This is a child at the annual celebrations in Polytechneio, in front of the statue commemorating the killed students. Lovely, isn't she?



PS: The Polytechnic 'asylum' was abolished a few months ago, ending a decades old tradition. Another victim of the financial crisis and the political changes it brought about.

Athens Polytechnic comes to UC Davis — Crooked Timber

Mohammed the Persian

^ It's pretty sad that it came to an end. It was a fitting tribute