What Political Scientists Owe Democracy

Issue Date October 2025
Volume 36
Issue 4
Page Numbers 65–74
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This essay explores the distinctive role of political scientists in defending democracy during democratic crises, emphasizing their professional responsibility to safeguard democratic institutions. Drawing upon the engagement of Israeli political scientists in widespread protests against democratic backsliding, beginning in January 2023, it proposes a model of scholarly activism that integrates collective initiatives with coordinated individual efforts. Through the voluntary forum “Political Scientists for Israeli Democracy,” Israeli scholars contributed expert analysis and strategic guidance, shaping public discourse and civic mobilization. The Israeli experience underscores the benefits of organized activism, while addressing related challenges of academic neutrality, sustainability, institutional support, and scholarly engagement as knowledge brokers.

About the Authors

Hanna Lerner

Hanna Lerner is UCHV Fellow in Law and Normative Thinking at Princeton University and associate professor of political science at Tel Aviv University.

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Osnat Akirav

Osnat Akirav is associate professor at Western Galilee College.

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Liron Lavi

Liron Lavi is assistant professor of political studies at Bar Ilan University.

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Yael Shomer

Yael Shomer is senior lecturer at Tel Aviv University’s School of Political Science, Government, and International Affairs.

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Gayil Talshir

Gayil Talshir is senior lecturer in political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

View all work by Gayil Talshir

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