Thomas Greven

Dr. Thomas Greven is a private lecturer (Privatdozent) in political science at the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, where he teaches seminars on U.S. politics, foreign policy, populism, labor movements, and the political role of comics. He is also affiliated with the International Center for Development and Decent Work at the University of Kassel and works as an independent political analyst, consultant, and public commentator.

• Freie Universität Berlin – Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft (Ph.D., 2000; Habilitation, 2009)
• Western Michigan University – M.A. in Political Science (1994)
• APSA Congressional Fellow, U.S. House of Representatives (1995–1996)

Thomas Greven’s research centers on U.S. politics and foreign policy, right-wing populism and extremism, labor rights in international trade, globalization, and the intersection of graphic literature with political discourse. His work examines transnational labor campaigns, the Tea Party movement, and the crisis of American democracy. He frequently contributes to public debates through media outlets such as Der Tagesspiegel, Internationale Politik und Gesellschaft, and Comixene.

His recent publications reflect a strong focus on right-wing populism, democratic backsliding, and transnational labor organizing. Articles analyze the rise of authoritarian nationalism in the U.S. and Europe, the strategic use of corporate campaigns by unions, and the political narratives embedded in graphic novels. His work bridges academic research and public engagement, emphasizing the role of culture and ideology in shaping political realities.

• Right-Wing Populism and Authoritarian Nationalism in the U.S. and Europe (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2017)
• The Rise of Right-Wing Populism in Europe and the United States (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2016)
• Country Report Senegal, Bertelsmann Transformation Index (2020)
• Transnationale Einblicke: Gewerkschaftliche Organisierung in den USA (IG Metall, 2020)

Greven has received research funding from institutions including the German Research Foundation (DFG), DAAD, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, United Nations University, and the European Parliament. He has held visiting positions at the University of British Columbia, UC Berkeley, York University, Johns Hopkins University (AICGS), Max Planck Institute, and the University of Warsaw. He mentors no publicly listed students but has significantly contributed to policy debates on trade, labor, and democracy. His work on comics and politics highlights an innovative interdisciplinary approach, using graphic narratives to explore historical and contemporary political themes.