Michael Toomey

Dr. Michael Toomey is a Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Glasgow's School of Social and Political Science. Prior to this role, he held teaching positions at Rutgers University, Wenzhou-Kean University, University of Limerick, University of Reading, and Aberystwyth University. He has also contributed to Freedom House reports on global freedom indices. His research focuses on three core themes: the role of cultural trauma narratives in populist politics, the globalization of racism and far-right movements, and innovative teaching methodologies in political science education. He is a co-founder and convenor of the School's Innovative Pedagogy Hub, organizing annual conferences on best practices in social sciences teaching.

His recent work includes a forthcoming book on EU enlargement and democratization in Hungary and Czechia. He actively publishes in journals like Global Studies Quarterly and Irish Political Studies, blending theoretical analysis with pedagogical innovation. Toomey is also involved in curriculum design, having developed simulation-based teaching modules for human rights and comparative European politics courses.

Professional activities include peer-reviewed articles on Brexit's cultural dimensions and democratic resilience in an illiberal era. He advocates for nonviolent political resistance strategies, reflecting his broader commitment to academic activism. Teaching responsibilities include modules such as 'Human Rights and Global Politics' and 'Challenges to Democracy.'