About
Thomas Sedelius is Professor of Political Science at Dalarna University in Sweden, where he is affiliated with the Department of Culture and Society. He also holds a part-time position as Project Researcher in Political Science at Södertörn University. His academic career spans over two decades, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership.
Sedelius specializes in comparative politics with a focus on political institutions, democratization processes, and executive power structures. His research particularly emphasizes presidential systems and semi-presidentialism, with significant attention to Central and Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and the Baltic states. His work has examined how political institutions shape democratic governance, especially during periods of crisis and transition.
His recent publications reveal a strong focus on presidential activism, executive coordination during wartime (particularly regarding Ukraine), and the impact of crises on social trust. His research demonstrates a methodological diversity, employing both quantitative panel studies and qualitative case analyses to examine executive behavior and institutional dynamics across different political contexts.
- East European Politics (EEP) Prize (2015) for best article in EEP 2013
- Project Manager for The Baltic Sea Foundation's research on Semi-Presidential Shifts in the Shadow of Russia (2023-2026)
- Co-applicant for Academy of Finland project on Presidential Activism (2020-2024)
- Project Manager for Vetenskapsrådet (VR) research on Semi-Presidentialism and Governability (2014-2018)
Sedelius has supervised multiple doctoral students to completion and has served in numerous academic leadership roles including as Chairman of the ECPR Standing Group on Presidential Politics (2021-present), member of Dalarna University's board (2020-2023), and Dean of Dalarna University (2014-2015). He regularly contributes expert commentary on political developments, particularly regarding Ukraine, through media appearances and participation in policy discussions.
