This historiography of Hungarian higher education focuses on the evolution of academic freedom and institutional autonomy at Hungarian institutions of higher education. Through an exploration of trends in higher education policy, structure, and funding, the evolution of institutional autonomy and academic freedom provided a framework for understanding the impact of authoritarian leaders on higher education. Findings suggests that recent legislation poses a critical and immediate threat both to Central European University and, more broadly, to academic freedom in Hungarian higher education. Future research should explore the impact of recent legislation on institutional autonomy and academic freedom in Hungary as well as on inclusion, diversity, and social justice.