Tom Theuns

Tom Theuns is Senior Assistant Professor of Political Theory and European Politics at the Institute of Political Science, Leiden University, and Associate Researcher at the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics (CEE) at Sciences Po, Paris. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Sciences Po (2017) and completed his habilitation in 2024, reflecting his advanced scholarly trajectory.

His research spans democratic theory, political legitimacy, EU governance, and the ethical dimensions of democracy promotion. He investigates the boundaries of the franchise, the legitimacy of disenfranchisement, and the normative foundations of democratic government, often integrating empirical and normative approaches. His work critically examines EU policies in relation to democratic ideals and explores strategies for protecting democracy against autocratic trends in Europe.

The recent publication of his monograph Protecting Democracy in Europe: Pluralism, Autocracy and the Future of the EU (Hurst & Oxford University Press, 2024) reflects a central theme in his scholarship: the defense of pluralist democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism. His articles, published in leading journals such as the American Political Science Review and Journal of Common Market Studies, show a consistent focus on legitimacy, justice, and institutional resilience within the EU context. Collaborative works, such as The Sciences of the Democracies, highlight his engagement with democratic innovation and interdisciplinary theory building.

• NWO Veni Grant (2021–2025): 'Protecting Democracy in the EU'
• NWO XS Grant (2025–2026): 'The Political Theory of Liberal Atlanticism'

Tom Theuns actively supervises PhD students in European politics, legal and political theory, and democratic theory. He has been invited to present his research at the European Parliament, European Commission, and leading universities across Europe. His public commentary in outlets like Le Monde Diplomatique, EUobserver, and Euractiv underscores his role as a public intellectual engaged with contemporary European political challenges.