What Political Scientists Owe Democracy

Abstract: 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.