Waltraud Meints-Stender

Waltraud Meints-Stender is a Professor of Politics and Education at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. She is a leading scholar in political philosophy and Hannah Arendt studies, with research interests spanning power theories, political judgment, social justice, and migration. She was elected to the scientific advisory board of the Institute for Democracy Didactics (IDD) in Hannover and chairs the Hannah Arendt Society for Political Thinking in Bremen.

Education:

• Studied Social Sciences and Philosophy at the University of Göttingen and Leibniz University Hannover.
• PhD at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg (2011) on Hannah Arendt's political judgment.

Research Interests:

• Foundations of the Political
• Power Theories
• Political Judgment
• Equality and Difference in Social Justice
• Hannah Arendt's Philosophy
• Intersections of Art and Politics

Recent Publications focus on democratic crises, migration, and critical theory. Key themes include Hannah Arendt's contributions, plurality as a democratic principle, and the role of political education in addressing systemic inequalities.

Scientific Awards:

• Democracy Center Vienna Fellowship (2025)

Advising and Collaborations: Co-edited volumes on refugee integration, political judgment, and Hannah Arendt. Regularly collaborates with Dirk Lange and other scholars on social justice projects. Currently on research leave at the University of Vienna.