Jacob Mchangama: New Expert Advisor for Free Speech

February 17, 2026

We are delighted to announce that Jacob Mchangama has become an Expert Advisor on Free Speech, within the Rising Tide Foundation’s Freedom in Practice. In this role, Jacob will provide strategic guidance to our Free Speech focus area, helping to identify and support exciting projects that promote and protect freedom of expression worldwide. 

Jacob is a renowned expert on the history and current state of free speech. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, an independent, non-partisan think tank and serves as a Research Professor at Vanderbilt University. A prolific writer and advocate, Jacob has authored several influential works, including the critically acclaimed book Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media (2022). His forthcoming book, The future of Free Speech: Reversing the Global Decline of Democracy’s Most Essential Freedom, co-authored with Jeff Kosseff, will be published in April 2026. Jacob is also the producer and narrator of the 40-episode podcast series Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech. 

Jacob also founded Justitia, a Copenhagen-based think tank, where he spent nearly a decade championing free speech, human rights, and the rule of law. His commentary on the intersection of technology, law, and free expression is frequently featured in major international outlets such as The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, and The Washington Post. 

Isabelle Hirs, Managing Director of Freedom in Practice has said “We are honored to welcome Jacob as an Expert Advisor on our Free Speech focus area. His deep historical perspective and principled approach in navigating contemporary challenges to free expression will be invaluable as we seek to expand our portfolio of projects that defend Free Speech worldwide.” 

Please join us in welcoming Jacob.