Attacks on US Academics: A Microcosm of a Larger Threat to Democracy

A New Perspective on Democracy Under Attack

In a revealing new documentary titled "Democracy Under Attack: Can Dündar and Trump's America," filmmaker Can Dündar takes viewers inside the alarming world of academic life in the United States, where intellectual freedom is increasingly under siege. Premiered at the Human Rights Film Festival Berlin, this documentary interweaves the experiences of academics like Mark Bray with the broader narrative of democratic erosion in both the U.S. and Turkey.

Dündar, a renowned Turkish journalist and press freedom advocate now residing in Berlin, sets the stage for a chilling exploration of how ideological divisions are tearing at the fabric of democracy.

Academic Targeting: A Disturbing Trend

The Case of Mark Bray

One of the most prominent figures highlighted in the film is Mark Bray, a history professor at Rutgers University. Recognized for his book, "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook," Bray found himself victim to a targeted campaign by the far-right group Turning Point USA. This group has maintained the so-called "Professor Watchlist" since 2016, marking academics they deem ideologically unfriendly. Following the assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk, in 2025, threats against Bray escalated dramatically.

Bray recounts harrowing experiences including death threats, online harassment, and even airport interrogations related to his academic work. After doxxing incidents made his home address public, Bray was forced to relocate his family to Spain, illustrating the real and present danger faced by scholars who challenge prevailing political narratives.

The Ideological Divide at AmericaFest

The documentary captures intense moments from AmericaFest 2025, where thousands celebrated the far-right cause. Dündar describes the atmosphere as a mixture of a political rally and a religious service, underscoring the fervor with which conservative ideologies are embraced. During the event, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon declared, "We are at war," setting a combative tone that reinforced the ideological chasm within the U.S.

Ava Kwan, a student who led a petition against Bray, shares her perspective on student safety but disavows any responsibility for the threats he faced, highlighting the complex moral landscape permeating academic discourse.

Authoritarianism: Lessons from Turkey

Can Dündar's Cautionary Insights

Dündar draws from his own harrowing experiences in Turkey, where he faced imprisonment and exile for his journalism. Presenting himself as a canary in the coalmine, he warns that the movements currently threatening democracy in the U.S. echo patterns previously witnessed in Turkey. He remarks, "I feel like a new wave of authoritarianism was tested in Turkey, and it's now spreading all over the world."

To underscore this sentiment, Yale philosophy professor Jason Stanley—who fled the U.S. amid ideological extremism—expresses pessimism about America's future, remarking that the nation may no longer be a viable project for democracy. Their reflections prompt a call to vigilance against the erosion of rights and freedoms.

Warnings for Future Generations

Dündar's insistence on the need for heightened awareness in Europe about rising authoritarianism emphasizes the broader implications of inaction. "Democracy shouldn't be taken for granted," he asserts, as he and Bray exemplify the ongoing struggle against authoritarian tendencies that jeopardize free speech and democratic institutions worldwide.

In conclusion, the documentary not only highlights past and present challenges within academia but also serves as a vital reminder of the need for continuous advocacy for democratic principles and the protection of intellectual freedom against extremist threats.