The World of Higher Education

Undoing Bologna: Russia’s Conservative Turn in Higher Education with Dmitry Dubrovsky

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast with Alex Usher, the discussion focuses on the vast reconfiguration of Russian academic life following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Scholar Dmitry Dubrovsky of Charles University shares insights into the slow-motion collapse of Russian higher education, tracing the changes from the dawn of the Putin era in 2000 to the present. Topics include the ideological control from the Kremlin, the international reforms of the Medvedev era, the conservative shift post-2012, the brain drain of faculty, and the recent shift away from the Bologna Process. Future prospects for Russian academia in a post-Putin world are also considered. Don't miss this detailed analysis of a system in flux.

The Widening Gap: Income, College, and Opportunity with Zachary Bleemer

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Zachary Bleemer, Assistant Professor of Economics at Princeton University, about his recent paper co-authored with Sarah Quincy. Their research titled 'Changes in the College Mobility Pipeline Since 1900' reveals that higher education's role as a social elevator ceased to function nearly 80 years ago. The conversation digs into methodological aspects, data sources, and the dramatic shift observed post-1960. Together they explore why lower-income students are no longer receiving the same wage benefits from higher education as their wealthier peers, and discuss the policy implications of these findings. Join us for a deep dive into the systemic changes affecting social mobility through higher education.👉 Episode Links:WorldEd 1.18: Admissions, Affirmative Action, and SCOTUSChanges in the College Mobility Pipeline Since 1900

Crisis or Reform? Higher Education in Milei’s Argentina with Marcelo Rabossi

In this episode of The World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the changes in Argentina's higher education system under President Javier Milei's administration with Marcelo Rabossi from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. The conversation covers Milei's aggressive measures to reduce government spending, the subsequent impact on public universities, and the growing opposition to these policies. The episode also delves into the specifics of budget cuts, their effects on faculty and infrastructure, and the potential future of higher education in Argentina as political tensions rise. Join us for an in-depth look at how these economic policies are shaping the country's academic landscape.👉 Episode Links: WorldEd 2.14: Javier Milei and Argentinian Higher Education

Higher Ed at the Ballot Box: Australia’s Election and the Accord with Andrew Norton

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher welcomes back Andrew Norton to discuss developments since the drop of the Universities Accord report. They explore changes in student and institutional funding, the introduction of new regulations and a national student ombudsman, and challenges faced by universities due to increasing costs and financial strain. They also delve into the effects of international student caps on housing and rental prices, as well as the impact of wage theft allegations and vice chancellors' high salaries on the social license of universities. Lastly, the discussion touches on the Australian federal election, its unique focus on higher education, and the new Labor government's agenda for the next term.👉 Episode Links:WorldEd 1.1: Australian Universities Accord with Andrew NortonWorldEd 2.24: Australian Universities Accord — One Year Follow Up with Andrew Norton

From Funding Formulas to AI: Pedro Teixeira on Higher Education’s Next Challenges

In this episode, Alex Usher speaks with Pedro Teixeira—higher education scholar at the University of Porto and former Portuguese Secretary of State for Higher Education—about reforming university funding, navigating demographic pressures, and preparing for the impact of AI on the future of learning and work.