Sofia Näsström

Sofia Näsström is a Professor at the Department of Political Science, Uppsala University, specializing in political theory with a focus on democracy, political regimes, and the social question. Her work bridges theoretical inquiry with practical democratic challenges, examining how political systems respond to uncertainty and social transformation.

Her research interests center on the concept of democracy as a political life form. Key areas include:

• The spirit of democracy, corruption, disintegration, and renewal
• Democracy and the social question
• Political representation beyond elections
• Uncertainty in democratic systems
• Emancipation as the spirit of democracy
• The relationship between social equality and democratic vitality

Näsström's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on democracy's theoretical foundations and contemporary challenges. Her work increasingly addresses how uncertainty shapes democratic politics and how the social dimension is integral to democratic resilience. She examines both historical conceptions of democracy and pressing contemporary issues, connecting theoretical insights to practical democratic renewal.

Among her notable recognitions is the Disa Prize for popular science writing, awarded for her book Democracy. A little book about a big thing (Historic Media 2021).

Professor Näsström is currently working on a new monograph, Democracy and the Social Question, under contract with Cambridge University Press, which examines how addressing social inequality is crucial for democratic renewal in times of uncertainty.