Robert Feustel

PD Dr. Robert Feustel is a Privatdozent in the Department of Sociology of Knowledge and Social Theory at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. His academic work spans cultural sociology, political theory, and the history of science, with particular expertise in discourse analysis, drug and intoxication cultures, and digitalization studies. Previously, he held research positions at Leipzig University across multiple projects.

His educational background includes:

• Political science and history studies in Leipzig and Madrid (1997-2006)
• Doctorate from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Philosophy (2012) with thesis "Crossing Borders: Cultures of Intoxication since the Renaissance" (summa cum laude)
• Habilitation in Sociology at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2021) with thesis "In the beginning was information. On the genealogy of digitalization"

Feustel's research explores the intersections of cultural sociology, political theory, and historical analysis. His work frequently examines how concepts of knowledge, power, and social order evolve through historical transformations, particularly analyzing intoxication cultures across history and the genealogy of digitalization. His approach employs discourse analysis to uncover how social phenomena are constructed and contested through language and practice, with notable contributions to understanding right-wing political discourse through his book "Populist Games: Bullshit as a Political Strategy."

His scholarly output shows consistent engagement with both historical analysis and contemporary political debates, particularly evident in his recent publications examining predictive policing, digital transformation, and drug cultures. His work demonstrates how historical patterns inform current social phenomena while maintaining theoretical sophistication.

His academic achievements include:

• Friedrich Ebert Foundation scholarship (2008-2012)
• Doctorate with summa cum laude distinction
• Extensive publication record including multiple monographs and edited volumes

As an educator, Feustel has supervised numerous bachelor seminars on diverse topics including sociology of drugs, political sociology of football, and media theories. His teaching reflects his interdisciplinary approach, connecting theoretical frameworks with concrete social phenomena. He coordinates the Academic Lab | Science Laboratory project, which explores the social dimensions of scientific practice and knowledge production, providing potential research opportunities for students interested in the sociology of science.