Manufacturing Distrust: Anti-Intellectualism and Democratic Erosion

Author: Samuel Miller

Field of Study: Undeclared

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 75

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: A global increase in democratic backsliding within the 21st century has brought academic institutions and intellectualism into the foreground as pillars of democracy and into the crosshairs of authoritarian leaders. Through the investigation of anti-intellectual sentiment in the United States, this research aims to convey how anti-intellectual attitudes are created through populist and polarizing rhetoric in order to demonize academic institutions and consolidate power. The focus of the research is on anti-intellectualism that has been developing within the United States since President Trump’s first election in 2016, and delves into President Erdoğan’s attacks on Boğaziçi University in Turkey, referencing the Academic Freedom Index. This study establishes that epistemic hubris and anti-intellectualism are traits that are amplified and harnessed by authoritarians to undermine intellectual thought, academic freedom, and eventually democracy. This research affirms the need for protections on education, media literacy, and the democratic gatekeeping of populist leaders.