Diana Hofmann

Diana Lucia Hofmann is a doctoral student in Political Science at the University of Salzburg's Department of Political Science since 2023. She holds a BA and MA, and collaborates on the FWF-funded project 'Populism and Conspiracy in the COVID-19 Pandemic.' As a researcher and instructor at the Salzburg Peace Office, she conducts workshops on populism and emotions in Austrian schools. Her research focuses on populism, conspiracy theory mentality, political participation, and voting behavior.

Education: BA and MA in Political Science (details not specified). Current affiliation: University of Salzburg, Department of Political Science.

Research interests include analyzing the intersection of populism and conspiracy theories, nationalist attitudes, and political engagement. Her work explores how radical right-wing movements influence conspiracy beliefs and political behavior in Austria and beyond. She also examines mainstream political responses to populist challenges, notably through case studies of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP).

Recent publications (2023-2024) address conspiracy mentality in Germany and Austria, the strategic adaptations of mainstream right-wing parties, and the impact of populism on democratic institutions. These studies combine empirical analysis with comparative methodologies.

Grants/Awards: None explicitly listed. Professional roles include project collaboration and educational workshops. No listed advisees or academic teams/labs, though affiliated with the FWF project team and Salzburg Peace Office initiatives.