Statement in support of Francisco Robles Rivera
The researchers of CLACSO Working Group on Business Elites, the State and DominationWe offer our full support to our fellow researcher Dr. Francisco Robles Rivera from the University of Costa Rica.
A few days ago, his research was publicly questioned by companies and individuals mentioned in the study. Regarding this, we maintain the following: Scientific research is based on the systematic search, using a rigorous method, for empirical evidence to understand reality. It is, in turn, knowledge subject to criticism and has its own peer-review mechanisms. Professor Robles Rivera's work adheres to these principles and is committed to them.
We understand that academic freedom in methods and objects of study is a right intrinsically linked to freedom of expression in the university and in a pluralistic society, and for that reason it should not be undermined for particular reasons or external pressures.
The social sciences contribute to generating knowledge about society itself, to critically reflecting on common sense, established beliefs, and the naturalization of social relations. For this reason, such criticism often makes power structures uncomfortable.
Numerous studies on power have revealed the need for greater transparency and access to public information regarding the functioning of the economy, business groups, and tax systems, in contexts of increasing economic concentration and political power. This is exacerbated by the recurring observation of restrictions on access to and control of data sources, as well as the opacity of the available information.
Therefore, the Working Group expresses its full support for researcher Francisco Robles Rivera to continue his research work and rejects any attempt at censorship or interference with this or any other academic research dedicated to the study of power.
15 of August de 2020
CLACSO Working Group
Business elites, the state, and domination
This statement expresses the position of the Working Group Business elites, the state, and domination and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
