The German university in the context of authoritarianism and totalitarianism

The education system as a whole and the higher education as its subsystem are always closely connected with the general political situation in the country, with its political system and political regime as a method of power exercise. The article analyzes the relationship between science, education and political regime, reveals its complex and contradictory nature. Certain areas and sectors of education are supported by authoritarian as well as totalitarian regimes, which in some cases are capable to stimulate development, prevent retrograde tendencies, excessive conservatism and stagnation. In other cases, their activity leads to the destruction of the whole system оr causes considerable damage.