Hans-Joachim Lauth

Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Lauth is a Senior Professor at the Institute of Political Science and Sociology within the Faculty of Human Sciences at the University of Würzburg. His academic focus centers on comparative politics, German government structures, and democracy quality measurement. He leads the Division of Comparative Politics and German Government, contributing to research on informal governance, political institutions, and democratic stability. Key areas of expertise include regime typologies, statehood analysis, and the interplay between formal and informal political systems.

Research Interests: His work spans comparative democracy research, institutional analysis, and governance frameworks. Notable projects include the development of the Stateness Index (StIx) and studies on deficient democracies. He also explores populism’s impact on democratic systems and historical governance models. Lauth’s interdisciplinary approach integrates political theory with quantitative methods, addressing topics like path dependence and democratic backsliding.

Awards: He received the Gero Erdmann Prize for comparative area research in 2022, recognizing contributions to interdisciplinary political science. His work bridges empirical studies and theoretical frameworks, influencing both policy and academic discourse.

Teaching and Affiliations: He oversees the Chair of Comparative Politics and German Government, guiding students in political science methodologies and comparative research. Active in university administration, he collaborates with research groups like the Center for Electoral and Public Opinion Research. His office is located at Wittelsbacherplatz 1, Room 00.106, Würzburg.