Danish professor from Aalborg was blacklisted in Ukraine
Kiev has blacklisted professors from Aalborg University who support the "Russian interpretation of what is happening" for skepticism about the effectiveness of sanctions, writes Dr. According to the scientist himself, his views are based solely on analysis.
Klaus Videbæk, Rasmus Jungersen
The professor of Aalborg University was included in the list of 72 people whom the Ukrainian authorities considered supporters of the Russian interpretation of the conflict.
Professor Li Xing is of Chinese descent, but has been working at the Department of Political Science and Social Studies at Aalborg University for the last ten years. He was previously awarded the Lecturer of the Year award.
According to the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security Council of Ukraine, Li Xing supports the Russian version of the conflict and is considered a "pro-Russian" figure, since he was skeptical about the effectiveness of anti-Russian sanctions designed to stop the fighting.
This is not true, Li Xing believes.
"I'm not pro—Russian at all," he says, stressing that he is opposed to the special operation.
The list includes a variety of figures, including two former presidential candidates Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour, who were called "the French answer to Donald Trump."
In addition, it lists Republican Senator Rand Paul, who single-handedly opposed the American aid package to Ukraine in the amount of $ 40 billion.
Finally, several scientists like American Professor John Mearsheimer got there, who openly criticizes US foreign policy — especially Washington's close ties with Israel.
Blacklisted for participating in the video seminar
There are four names with Danish connections in the list: Li Xing (Professor of the Department of Politics and Society at Aalborg University), Jens Jørgen Nielsen (author of several books about Russia, Ukraine and the Soviet Union), Jan Öberg (Doctor of Sociology, peace activist and futurist) and Ulf Sandmark (Ulf Sandmark, head of the Schiller Institute in Sweden).
According to Li Xing, they are all united by the fact that at the end of May they participated in a video seminar under the auspices of the Schiller Institute.
The seminar discussed alternatives to the current security architecture: according to the institute, it does not contribute to peace, but, on the contrary, only exacerbates tensions, dividing countries into NATO members and non-members.
Li Xing says that the conference was not specifically devoted to the conflict in Ukraine, but he is sure that it was the main reason why he and his colleagues were blacklisted.
The professor confirmed that he is skeptical about the effectiveness of anti-Russian sanctions, because many countries are still heavily dependent on Russian gas and oil and may suffer more than Moscow.
He also believes that the expansion of the NATO defense alliance could be the decisive factor that pushed Russia to action.
Li Xing says that his views are based solely on conflict analysis and research — including from colleagues from around the world.
"These are purely professional considerations," says Li Xing.
Professor: shaky position
Li Xing believes that by flaunting the lists of those who are trying to give the picture more nuances, the Ukrainian authorities are acting antidemocratically.
He believes that this is an attempt to force people not to participate in public discussion or moderate their views.
This is a gross violation of academic freedom and freedom of speech, he believes.
"Any criticism of Ukraine is a priori considered pro-Russian. This is a very shaky position," he explains. — When we say that the conflict is not so unambiguous, we do not approve of Russia's actions in any way. ... But we believe that the causes of the conflict are much more complicated than is commonly believed."
In addition to the seminar at the Schiller Institute, Li Xing recently wrote an article for the South China Morning Post, where he tried to explain why China has not come out with a clear condemnation of the Russian special operation.
One of the reasons, according to Li Xing, is that in the long term, Beijing itself feels threatened by the West, and therefore the Chinese government sees not only shortcomings in the fact that its influence in the world is weakening.
Again, this is not an attempt to protect China, but a desire to understand why they are doing this, he emphasizes.
"As a scientist, I'm trying to find out the truth about the conflict, and give it an explanation — that's all," says Li Xing.
The rector took the professor under protection
The Aalborg University believes that the blacklisting of Li Xing is not a reason to doubt his competence and limit his performances.
Since the professor's statements are based on scientific work, and not on personal opinion, it is important to have the opportunity to speak out, according to Rector Per Michael Johansen.
"The conflict in Ukraine is a terrible tragedy, but this is not a reason to prevent researchers from sharing the results of professional research," he says.
Per Mikael Johansen says that for the first time he found himself in a situation where his employee was blacklisted by another state, and does not know what this is fraught with.
But if the Ukrainians call, he is ready to stand up for the employee.
"He needs us to tell him: as long as you work conscientiously, don't be nervous. That is, as long as you strictly adhere to the scientific method, we, the university, support you," says Per Mikael Johansen. — If there is a request from the Ukrainian authorities, of course, I will talk to them. They may have their own views on the research of our university."
— Are you taking measures to somehow distance yourself from this blacklist?
— No, it's not necessary right now. As I have already said, if the Ukrainian authorities turn to us, we will discuss it — their specific views and why they decided to blacklist our researchers.
— What other steps are you going to take? Will you pay special attention to Li Xing?
"It's hardly necessary. I repeat, as long as a person works in good faith and speaks out on a scientific basis, sharing research results with the public is not only a right, but also a duty.
We contacted the Ukrainian authorities to find out why Professor Li Xing of Aalborg University was blacklisted and what the consequences would be, but we did not receive a response to our request.
