Hannes Kaufmann

Hannes Kaufmann is a Research Assistant at the Chair of Political Theory and History of Ideas at Justus Liebig University Giessen, working under Prof. Dr. Regina Kreide since May 2020. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and academic service within the Institute of Political Science.

Education:

• Master of Arts in Political Theory from Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, TU Darmstadt, and Universität Warschau (2012-2016)
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minor in History from Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main (2009-2012)

Hannes Kaufmann's research focuses on critical social theory, legal and state theory, authoritarianism, and questions of (in)equality and (in)justice. His work demonstrates a strong engagement with Frankfurt School critical theory, particularly the works of Theodor W. Adorno and Max Horkheimer. He examines how legal systems produce and maintain social hierarchies, with particular attention to how marginalized groups experience legal frameworks. His research often bridges theoretical analysis with contemporary political issues including migration politics, authoritarian tendencies in modern democracies, and the relationship between law and social movements.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on critiquing liberal legal frameworks through Marxist and critical theory lenses. Recent work explores the relationship between law and critique, transformations of liberal reason in migration politics, and the role of theatricality in political protest. His research shows increasing engagement with decolonial perspectives and questions of global justice.

Kaufmann has been actively involved in academic service, including coordinating the working group 'Theorie, Gesellschaft, Politik' at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and serving as spokesperson for the section 'Menschenrechte und Demokratie' at the Graduiertenzentrum für Sozial-, Wirtschafts- und Rechtswissenschaften. He has received funding through a doctoral scholarship from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung (2017-2020) and was a member of the Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture at Justus Liebig University Giessen (2016-2019).

As an educator, Kaufmann has taught multiple courses on political theory, critical theory, and justice at Justus Liebig University Giessen since 2018, demonstrating his commitment to academic mentorship and knowledge dissemination.