James Tilley

James Tilley is a Professor of Politics at the University of Oxford's Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) and a Fellow and Tutor in Politics at Jesus College. His research focuses on public opinion, electoral behavior, and political identity, particularly in the context of Britain and the EU. He explores themes like voter responsibility attribution, class voting dynamics, and the emergence of post-Brexit political identities. Tilley has published influential works such as Blaming Europe (2014) and The New Politics of Class (2017), examining issues ranging from working-class political exclusion to the role of social cleavages. His media contributions include BBC Radio 4 documentaries on topics like political polarization and generational political attitudes.

Teaching responsibilities include Political Sociology (PPE/HP) and Prelims Politics tutorials. His research spans over three decades, addressing evolving political identities, the impact of echo chambers on polarization, and the intersection of personality traits with political engagement. Tilley collaborates widely, with co-authors such as Sara Hobolt and Geoff Evans, and his work often intersects with contemporary issues like Brexit's societal effects and Northern Irish electoral behavior.

Recent publications (2023–2025) analyze regional EU spending impacts, narcissism's role in polarization, and neighborhood effects on political divisions. His work bridges academic rigor with public engagement, contributing to debates on democracy, identity, and governance.