The prevalent cultures of "publish or perish" and "publish and perish" underscore the complex and often contradictory challenges confronted by academics globally. In regions dominated by "publish or perish," the emphasis is on career survival through prolific publishing, often at the expense of quality and well-being. Conversely, in regions where "publish and perish" is widespread, the very act of publishing can threaten the safety and careers of researchers, leading to a suppression of academic freedom and critical inquiry. Therefore, a thorough understanding of these dynamics cannot be underestimated in tackling the global disparities in academic freedom and research integrity.