Alen Toplisek

Dr Alen Toplisek is a Senior Lecturer in Global Affairs and Politics at the University of Derby, affiliated with the Department of Humanities within the College of Arts, Humanities and Education. His research is supported by affiliations with the Centre for Applied Social Sciences, Policy, Practice and Research, the University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory, and the Zero Carbon Manufacturing, Business, and Energy Research Centre.

Education:

• PhD in Politics, Queen Mary University of London
• LLM in International Development Law and Human Rights, University of Warwick
• BA in International Relations, University of Ljubljana

Dr Toplisek's research lies at the intersection of comparative politics and international political economy, with a strong regional focus on Central and Eastern Europe. His work critically examines dependent capitalist development, the role of the state in global value chains, industrial policy, and the green transition—particularly in the automotive sector. He also investigates the economic policies of populist governments, anti-establishment movements, and the crisis of liberal democracy. His scholarship combines theoretical depth with empirical case studies from post-socialist Europe.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward analyzing socio-economic resilience and transformation in Central and Eastern Europe, especially during crises like the pandemic and the green transition. His work spans journals in political economy, European politics, and development studies, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with governance, industrial change, and democratic backsliding. Key themes include state-market relations, technological upgrading, and political resistance under neoliberalism.

Professional Memberships and Recognition:

• Fellow, Advance HE
• Political Studies Association
• Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics (SASE)
• British International Studies Association

Dr Toplisek has taught courses on the economy and environment, research methods in global affairs, and political economy. He has previously held teaching and research positions at King's College London, SOAS, and Queen Mary University of London, indicating a robust academic trajectory. He advises students and contributes to academic discourse through conferences and collaborative research, including co-authoring and co-editing volumes on the political economy of pandemic responses. His work is institutionally embedded in interdisciplinary research centers focused on policy and sustainability.

He is actively involved in research teams studying regional economic development and zero-carbon manufacturing. His recent conference presentations at PSA, SASE, and Rosa Luxembourg Stiftung events highlight his engagement with both academic and policy-oriented communities focused on just transitions, industrial policy, and democratic challenges in Europe.