Since 2022, scientific publishing sanctions have been applied in response to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Most reputable Western publishers, though earlier declared to be beyond politics, supported one side of the conflict with unprecedented banning manuscripts from every Russian institution, that is, every Russia-based scientist. Only Chinese and some other non-Western publishing houses remain open for scientists from Russia, but these publishers (such as Hidawi, MDPI, Frontiers) are regularly accused to be 'predatory' by the Western competitors. Is it admissible and compatible with the fair play principles?
It is not appropriate for scientific journals and publishers to involve themselves in political matters. As scientific publishing is expected to be impartial and objective, it is not acceptable for publishers to take sides in any political conflict. Such actions can undermine the credibility of the scientific community and compromise the integrity of the publishing process. Scientific research and publishing should be based solely on the principles of academic merit and peer review, and should not be influenced by political considerations. It is important to maintain fair play principles and adhere to ethical standards in all aspects of scientific research and publishing.
Science is never outside of politics, as history shows. After World War I, for example, German scientists were not admitted to the international scientific societies that had just been founded. Governments abuse scientists as spies. In dictatorships, scientists are subjected to the same reprisals as all people and even killed - think of Nazi Germany or the Stalinist Soviet Union. This list could be extended as long as you like. Is it fair to destroy university buildings (such as in Kharkiv, Ukraine) with Russian missiles? Are Russian scientists allowed to speak freely about the war? Immediately after the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Russian scientists spoke out against the war (https://www.researchgate.net/post/Letter_of_Russian_Scientists/1), after that they fell silent - why? You yourself do not even use the word war, because you are not allowed to, but speak trivially of a "conflict". Whether certain measures are reasonable can be discussed, of course. But science is never apolitical.
Hello Dr Lev Porokhovnik
I think that you are right to suggest that publishers and journals try to appear “neutral” but often might not be exactly that due to the beliefs of the Editor and/or the board and/or there is additional local political influence.
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