British Academy's New Role: Embracing Global Influence Amidst Brexit and Colonial Guilt

Professor Rana Mitter, a British historian and vice-president for public engagement at the British Academy, believes that the UK's prestigious academic institutions should focus on their global influence instead of colonial guilt and introspection after Brexit.

He argues that educational prestige is crucial in addressing trust issues and new threats to the world order.

The British Academy, where Mitter works, aims to play a significant role in this new global mission.

The text discusses the importance of Britain continuing to play a significant role in the global community, despite current concerns with Brexit and decolonization.

The admiration for British universities and the BBC is noted, and it is suggested that to expand influence beyond the islands, engagement with the world must be embraced.

However, there are concerns over the impact of security worries, such as those raised by MI5 regarding foreign students, on international exchanges.

The domestic security service has issued a warning to the heads of 24 leading institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, that their sensitive research is being targeted by hostile foreign states.

Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, has also expressed concern over universities' heavy reliance on overseas funding, which could make them vulnerable to influence, exploitation, or coercion by foreign powers.