University of Tabriz Journal of Philosophical Investigations 2251-7960 19 53 2025 11 22 Beyond Political Neutrality and Impartiality: Towards Transformative Civic Education in Undemocratic Times Beyond Political Neutrality and Impartiality: Towards Transformative Civic Education in Undemocratic Times 315 330 21138 10.22034/jpiut.2025.21138 FA Cong Lin Assistant Professor in the Education University of Hong Kong Department of Education Policy and Leadership Hong Kong. Liz Jackson Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Journal Article 2026 01 14 This paper responds to the question of should civic education still aim to be relatively politically neutral and impartial in undemocratic times? It first introduces the theoretical debate regarding the place of political neutrality and impartiality in civic education. It then dicusses the challenges that civic education faces in the current global environment and why political neutrality and impartiality should not be considered as antidotes. We argue that political neutrality and impartiality are insufficient in the undemocratic times we face for preparing students to be effective and engaged citizens. A more powerful response to our global undemocratic reality is needed to realize the transformative nature of civic education. This paper responds to the question of should civic education still aim to be relatively politically neutral and impartial in undemocratic times? It first introduces the theoretical debate regarding the place of political neutrality and impartiality in civic education. It then dicusses the challenges that civic education faces in the current global environment and why political neutrality and impartiality should not be considered as antidotes. We argue that political neutrality and impartiality are insufficient in the undemocratic times we face for preparing students to be effective and engaged citizens. A more powerful response to our global undemocratic reality is needed to realize the transformative nature of civic education. https://philosophy.tabrizu.ac.ir/article_21138_887540a59dcf3bc6eb2b7023cd554170.pdf