Aidan McGarry

Professor Aidan McGarry serves as Dean at Loughborough University London, where he also holds the position of Professor of International Politics. He teaches courses on Media, Social Movements and Politics, and Diplomacy in the Digital Age, reflecting his expertise in transnational political dynamics and digital activism.

Education:

• BA (Hons) in European Area Studies, Queen’s University Belfast
• MA in European and Global Governance, Queen’s University Belfast
• PhD in Politics and International Studies, Queen’s University Belfast (2007)

McGarry’s research focuses on the political voice of marginalized communities, particularly Roma in Central/Eastern Europe and LGBTIQ groups. His work examines protest movements across India, the USA, Turkey, and Romania, with a strong emphasis on visual culture and communication in activism.

His publications explore trends in global protests, including the role of social media in shaping narratives (e.g., Gezi Park movement) and the racialized discourse around Roma communities during the Brexit referendum. His recent book Political Voice: Protest, Democracy, and Marginalised Groups (2024) synthesizes these themes.

Scientific Awards:

• EURIAS Fellowship at Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (2018-2019)
• Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellow at NIAS (2018-2019)
• Excellence 100 Reader in International Politics at Loughborough University London (2018-2021)

McGarry’s work bridges academic research with public policy, analyzing how marginalized groups navigate political systems and how digital platforms reshape protest aesthetics and democratic engagement.