Petcharamesree S.Mahidol University2023-06-222023-06-222022-01-01Local Responses to Global Challenges in Southeast Asia: A Transregional Studies Reader (2022) , 67-88https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/87595This chapter aims to critically examine the state of academic freedom in Southeast Asia (SEA). It argues that while the exercise of academic freedom should be contextualised, the universal nature of the concept remains unchanged. On top of a review of the relevant literature and official documents, data were drawn from research about the state of human rights and peace education and research carried out in 2019 in 11 countries in Southeast Asia. This chapter finds that despite acertain level of academic freedom enjoyed by academics and students in some countries in the region, on the whole, institutions of higher education in SEA are facing difficulties because of shrinking political space. As such, their academic freedom has been constrained by the political predicament of their respective countries. In addition, several states have implemented restrictive laws and policies. The practice of governmental censorship leads to selfcensorship among academics. Some issues perceived as contentious are left undiscussed. Moreover, the current commercialisation of higher education, with itsincreased precariousness for academics, also contributes to the marginalisation of their voices. This study concludes that even though academic freedom is not explicitly recognised by international human rights treaties and, in many instances, isactually regulated by domestic law and regulations, the universal values of such rights remains.Social SciencesBook ChapterSCOPUS10.1142/9789811256462_00052-s2.0-85149084949