Michael Zürn

Michael Zürn is a prominent political scientist and Professor of International Relations at the Free University Berlin, as well as Director of the Research Unit Global Governance at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center. He served as Founding Dean of the Hertie School of Governance (2004–2009) and is its first Honorary Fellow. His academic career includes roles such as Chairman of the Collaborative Research Centre 'Transformation of the State' (2002–2004) and Director of the Institute of Political Science at the University of Bremen (2001–2003). Zürn studied in Denver and Tübingen, earning his PhD in 1991 with distinction.

His research focuses on global governance, international institutions, political theory, and democratic regression. Key works include A Theory of Global Governance (2018) and co-authored analyses of authoritarian populism and democratic erosion. He leads the Cluster of Excellence 'Contestations of the Liberal Script' (SCRIPTS), examining challenges to liberal democratic frameworks.

Zürn’s recent articles address issues like the rise of authoritarian populism, the legitimacy crisis of global governance, and the impact of sportswashing. His awards include the Berlin Science Award (2021). He is also a member of the Academic Advisory Board at Queen's University Belfast (2025–present).