Cigdem Cidam

Cigdem Cidam is a Professor of Political Science at Union College's Political Science Department. Her work focuses on political theory, ancient political thought, and the intersection of protest movements with democratic practices. She holds a B.A. from Boğaziçi University and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

Her research interests include analyzing civil disobedience, the aesthetics of political action, and the intellectual legacies of thinkers like Rousseau, Rancière, and Negri. Teaching emphases include courses on political thought, ancient philosophy, and the historical significance of May 1968 protests.

Cidam’s scholarship bridges philosophical inquiry with contemporary social movements, particularly examining how protest actions reshape democratic theory. Her publications explore themes like the role of public spaces in civic engagement and the theoretical underpinnings of radical democracy.

Notable contributions include reinterpreting Rousseau’s political writings and analyzing the Gezi Protests through the lens of political friendship. She has published widely on topics such as constitutional patriotism, the grotesque aesthetics of dissent, and the materiality of democratic aspirations.