Keith Breen

Keith Breen is an Associate Professor and Reader in the Department of Politics and International Studies at Queen's University Belfast, within the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics. He is Deputy Chair of the Democracy Unit, a research center focusing on democracy from empirical and normative perspectives. His research interests include republicanism, ethics of work, workplace democracy, just war theory, and the works of thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Jürgen Habermas.

His work spans political theory, labor ethics, and democratic governance, with a focus on workplace autonomy and non-domination. He has supervised numerous PhD projects and contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications. Notable works include Radical Labour Republicanism: A Defence (2025) and The Politics and Ethics of Contemporary Work (2021).

• Research Awards:
• Most inspiring lecturer award (2013)
• Nomination for Ernest Barker Prize in Political Theory (2005)
• Postgraduate Fellowship in Philosophy (1995)

He has actively engaged in public lectures and media contributions, including discussions on Brexit and workplace democracy. Breen's research often bridges philosophical theory with contemporary socio-political issues, emphasizing the intersection of work, freedom, and democratic participation.