We’re excited to share the release of a powerful new resource for academics and anyone concerned about the future of democracy: The Anti-Autocracy Handbook that Perycles researcher Ulrike Hahn contributed to. This timely book offers practical guidance for scholars facing growing threats to academic freedom, truth, and democratic values.

As authoritarianism rises around the world, this handbook helps readers understand how autocratic leaders often follow a familiar pattern. They claim to represent “the people,” stir up division, and spread misinformation to avoid accountability. These tactics can lead to censorship, funding cuts, and even threats to the safety of researchers.

The book uses recent examples, to show how science and open inquiry can be undermined—especially in areas like climate change, public health, and social justice. Because academic work relies on free thinking and questioning, it’s often one of the first targets of authoritarian regimes.

To help scholars respond, the handbook offers a risk-based action plan, digital safety tips, and advice on preserving important data. It also encourages academics to share their stories—publicly or anonymously—to inspire others and keep a record of what’s happening.

Alongside the book is a living wiki that will continue to grow with updates and global examples of resistance. Together, they form a toolkit for defending the values that make academic work—and democracy—possible.

You can download the book here.