Thomas Biebricher

Thomas Biebricher is the Heisenberg Professor for Political Theory, the History of Ideas, and Economic Theories at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main's Department of Social Sciences, where he works at the Institute of Political Science. Based in the "Normative Orders" building at Max-Horkheimer-Straße 2, Room 2.17, Frankfurt am Main, he holds office hours on Wednesdays from 3-4 pm during the summer semester of 2025. His research and teaching focus on political theory with specializations in conservatism, neoliberalism, and political economy.

Born in 1974, Biebricher has established himself as a leading scholar on conservatism, particularly examining its contemporary crisis both in Germany and internationally. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary political commentary, making frequent contributions to major German media outlets including Süddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Rundschau, and SPIEGEL. He has developed particular expertise in analyzing how conservative movements have responded to challenges like climate change, globalization, and the rise of right-wing populism.

Biebricher's research reveals how conservatism has struggled to adapt to contemporary challenges, particularly noting the decline of intellectual conservatives in Germany who could develop new positions that maintain conservative principles while addressing modern issues like climate protection. His analysis extends to international contexts, examining parallel crises in conservative movements across Europe and the United States, where traditional center-right parties face challenges from both progressive movements and right-wing populists.

His influential publications include "Center/Right: The International Crisis of Conservatism" (2023), which was longlisted for the Science Book of the Year 2024, and "The Political Theory of Neoliberalism" (2021). These works have been widely reviewed and discussed in academic and public spheres, establishing Biebricher as a significant voice in contemporary political theory.

• Longlisted for Science Book of the Year 2024 for "Center/Right: The International Crisis of Conservatism"
• "Intellectual and Moral Turn: The Exhaustion of German Conservatism" (2018) generated significant discussion in academic circles
• Regular contributor to major German media outlets including Süddeutsche Zeitung, Frankfurter Rundschau, and SPIEGEL

Beyond his research, Biebricher actively engages with students through seminars including "Genealogies of Conservatism" and "Neoliberalism - Theory, Practice, Critique" during the winter semester 2024/25. While he is currently not accepting new thesis supervisees, his work continues to influence a generation of political science students at Goethe University. His office is managed by Ellen Nieß, who handles appointments and administrative matters.