“Universities are more important than ever, even in times of conflict.” Dr. Robert Egnell on why Truth Matters at the Swedish Defence University

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Amid conflicts and political tensions around the world, the Swedish Defence University sees its role as a source of research and education that contributes to a “robust and democratic society.” That is the contention of Vice Chancellor Dr. Robert Egnell, who highlights SDU’s unique role in educating officers and civilians, as well as helping the broader public make sense of complicated times. SDU furthers that mission by also hosting displaced academics—including Ukrainian scholars—with Dr. Egnell noting that maintaining higher education during war serves as a vital act of hope, societal continuity, and resistance against authoritarian trends.

Episode highlight:

Rob Quinn: Do you think that your university has a unique role in that mission of creating a robust and democratic society, or do you think all universities should be doing that?

Robert Egnell: I think it’s something that we all should do. We are part of society, and what we do should promote that robustness of a democratic society by also being one of those voices that provides truth.

But I also think that, as a military university that educates both officers and civilians, I think we have a particular role in thinking about how this can be done also in a strategic way, supporting government in actually promoting these values on the ground. And that’s where our research comes in. Learning lessons from conflict zones, from democratization processes, but also the authoritarian sort of processes that we are currently witnessing. Gathering data, and supporting our leaders in making sound decisions, and preparing our societies for the worst. […]

Universities are more important than ever, even in times of conflict, [for] providing knowledge, providing competence for society, but also providing a symbol of hope and a belief in the future. . .

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