Tom Theuns
@tomtheuns.bsky.social
Assoc. Prof. Political Theory & European Politics, Leiden University
Democracy | EU | PI NWO Veni 2021-2025
Out now: PROTECTING DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781911723745
Prev. UWC; Maastricht; Oxford; Sciences Po
Democracy | EU | PI NWO Veni 2021-2025
Out now: PROTECTING DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781911723745
Prev. UWC; Maastricht; Oxford; Sciences Po
Pinned
Tom Theuns
@tomtheuns.bsky.social
· Dec 9
As a first-time author there have been a few ‘pinch myself’ moments these past few weeks.
Seeing my book for the first time in the wild* today is definitely one of them.
*at the American Book Center in The Hague
Seeing my book for the first time in the wild* today is definitely one of them.
*at the American Book Center in The Hague
When your opponent is an autocrat in government, you’re five nil behind at the kickoff
Polls for months have shown a huge lead for Orban's opponent. Now the HU government is doing what it always does before elections: increase social benefits, threaten opponents, rewrite election law. Trump promised to underwrite Orban's election spending spree.
dailynewshungary.com/latest-poll-...
dailynewshungary.com/latest-poll-...
Latest poll suggests PM Orbán may keep his seat until 2030
According to the latest poll of Medián, PM Orbán may keep his seat even after the 2026 general elections.
dailynewshungary.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:36 AM
When your opponent is an autocrat in government, you’re five nil behind at the kickoff
Reposted by Tom Theuns
What should the EU do about #Hungary? 🇪🇺🇭🇺
New ARENA Europa podcast ep. is out!
We often ask what’s feasible instead of what’s right when it comes to #RoL enforcement in the #EU. @vmakszimov.bsky.social asked me about what “the right thing” might be.
🔗 Listen here: open.spotify.com/show/2lyLtQi...
New ARENA Europa podcast ep. is out!
We often ask what’s feasible instead of what’s right when it comes to #RoL enforcement in the #EU. @vmakszimov.bsky.social asked me about what “the right thing” might be.
🔗 Listen here: open.spotify.com/show/2lyLtQi...
November 30, 2025 at 11:40 PM
What should the EU do about #Hungary? 🇪🇺🇭🇺
New ARENA Europa podcast ep. is out!
We often ask what’s feasible instead of what’s right when it comes to #RoL enforcement in the #EU. @vmakszimov.bsky.social asked me about what “the right thing” might be.
🔗 Listen here: open.spotify.com/show/2lyLtQi...
New ARENA Europa podcast ep. is out!
We often ask what’s feasible instead of what’s right when it comes to #RoL enforcement in the #EU. @vmakszimov.bsky.social asked me about what “the right thing” might be.
🔗 Listen here: open.spotify.com/show/2lyLtQi...
Reposted by Tom Theuns
Good to see @europarl.europa.eu refer to principle of solidarity in its resolution on Hungary calling for triggering of Art. 7(2) TEU. With @dimitrispieker.bsky.social and Ulrich Karpenstein, we argued that new Art. 7 procedure should be initiated against HU based on breaches of solidarity in CFSP
November 28, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Good to see @europarl.europa.eu refer to principle of solidarity in its resolution on Hungary calling for triggering of Art. 7(2) TEU. With @dimitrispieker.bsky.social and Ulrich Karpenstein, we argued that new Art. 7 procedure should be initiated against HU based on breaches of solidarity in CFSP
Heading back from a three-day research parenthesis in the UK. Grateful to Balliol for the hospitality, and to the Bodleian librarians for being completely phenomenal.
The new Humanities Library at the Schwarzman Centre is impressive, but nothing beats the Old Bodleian for focused research.
The new Humanities Library at the Schwarzman Centre is impressive, but nothing beats the Old Bodleian for focused research.
November 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Heading back from a three-day research parenthesis in the UK. Grateful to Balliol for the hospitality, and to the Bodleian librarians for being completely phenomenal.
The new Humanities Library at the Schwarzman Centre is impressive, but nothing beats the Old Bodleian for focused research.
The new Humanities Library at the Schwarzman Centre is impressive, but nothing beats the Old Bodleian for focused research.
I now sometimes use deliberately funky phrasing so I can keep my precious em-dashes without people thinking I'm a large language model
November 27, 2025 at 2:34 PM
I now sometimes use deliberately funky phrasing so I can keep my precious em-dashes without people thinking I'm a large language model
Reposted by Tom Theuns
In my latest article, I explore the (very) limited potential for impeachment to be utilised as an accountability mechanism to address violations of the rule of law in the EU at supranational level.
Impeachment as Constitutional Weapon: A Role for Individual Officeholder Responsibility in Upholding European Union Values in the Rule of Law Crisis?
link.springer.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:15 AM
In my latest article, I explore the (very) limited potential for impeachment to be utilised as an accountability mechanism to address violations of the rule of law in the EU at supranational level.
Reposted by Tom Theuns
Pure anarchy at Leiden this morning
November 26, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Pure anarchy at Leiden this morning
reminds me of the horrible fact that in several European countries women's suffrage was delayed by 'progressives' fearing women would vote as their priest instructs (i.e. conservative)
Today is a good day to remind you that none of the classic vote studies thought very highly of women's political competence.
November 25, 2025 at 4:38 PM
reminds me of the horrible fact that in several European countries women's suffrage was delayed by 'progressives' fearing women would vote as their priest instructs (i.e. conservative)
Sarah de Rijke is appointed the new Rector of Leiden University.
Prof. de Rijke is one of the leading voices for recognizing diverse contributions to academic excellence and for open science. A strong appointment, though we will miss her at FSW!
Prof. de Rijke is one of the leading voices for recognizing diverse contributions to academic excellence and for open science. A strong appointment, though we will miss her at FSW!
Sarah de Rijcke wordt de nieuwe rector magnificus in het College van Bestuur van de Universiteit Leiden. De Rijcke volgt per 15 januari 2026 Hester Bijl op, die rector magnificus wordt aan de TU Delft.
Sarah de Rijcke benoemd tot rector magnificus van de Universiteit Leiden
Prof. dr. Sarah de Rijcke wordt de nieuwe rector magnificus in het College van Bestuur van de Universiteit Leiden. De Rijcke volgt per 15 januari 2026 prof. dr. ir. Hester Bijl op, die rector magnific...
www.universiteitleiden.nl
November 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Sarah de Rijke is appointed the new Rector of Leiden University.
Prof. de Rijke is one of the leading voices for recognizing diverse contributions to academic excellence and for open science. A strong appointment, though we will miss her at FSW!
Prof. de Rijke is one of the leading voices for recognizing diverse contributions to academic excellence and for open science. A strong appointment, though we will miss her at FSW!
It was totally worth it. The postman came back with gifts
November 22, 2025 at 2:01 PM
It was totally worth it. The postman came back with gifts
Reposted by Tom Theuns
At long last, some enforcement by Commission re Slovakia's backsliding with letter of formal notice sent yesterday for breach of several fundamental principles of EU law, particularly the principles of primacy, autonomy, effectiveness and uniform application of EU law
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
November infringements package: key decisions
Overview by policy area\n\nIn its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission takes legal action against Member States that fail to comply with their obligations under EU law. T...
ec.europa.eu
November 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM
At long last, some enforcement by Commission re Slovakia's backsliding with letter of formal notice sent yesterday for breach of several fundamental principles of EU law, particularly the principles of primacy, autonomy, effectiveness and uniform application of EU law
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Came home to discover my wife’s been flirting with the postman
November 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Came home to discover my wife’s been flirting with the postman
Reposted by Tom Theuns
November 21, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Reposted by Tom Theuns
A short PhD advice dialogue
PhDer: "Can you recommend a book about academia?"
Me: "Lord of the Flies."
PhDer: "Really?"
Me: "It focuses on a group of academics in a Faculty and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves."
PhDer: "Can you recommend a book about academia?"
Me: "Lord of the Flies."
PhDer: "Really?"
Me: "It focuses on a group of academics in a Faculty and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves."
November 21, 2025 at 7:25 AM
A short PhD advice dialogue
PhDer: "Can you recommend a book about academia?"
Me: "Lord of the Flies."
PhDer: "Really?"
Me: "It focuses on a group of academics in a Faculty and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves."
PhDer: "Can you recommend a book about academia?"
Me: "Lord of the Flies."
PhDer: "Really?"
Me: "It focuses on a group of academics in a Faculty and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves."
Stop de Mona-rchie
Zullen we naar Amerikaans voorbeeld hier ‘Geen Keijzers Dag’ introduceren?
November 20, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Stop de Mona-rchie
Reposted by Tom Theuns
It's pretty easy to point out a problem with something in less than 300 characters, but much harder to present the solution - hence the general tendency towards critique and negativity on these platforms, and in turn our wider political culture. Presumably though all we need to do to fix this is....
November 19, 2025 at 6:06 PM
It's pretty easy to point out a problem with something in less than 300 characters, but much harder to present the solution - hence the general tendency towards critique and negativity on these platforms, and in turn our wider political culture. Presumably though all we need to do to fix this is....
Reposted by Tom Theuns
🤩 Party positions in the 2024 European Parliament 🇪🇺!
I merged the CHES expert survey with EP composition data to visualize the political space of the current EP. The graphs make the center of gravity in the EP quite clear, on multiple dimensions and policy issues.
dimiter.shinyapps.io/ches/
I merged the CHES expert survey with EP composition data to visualize the political space of the current EP. The graphs make the center of gravity in the EP quite clear, on multiple dimensions and policy issues.
dimiter.shinyapps.io/ches/
November 19, 2025 at 8:33 AM
🤩 Party positions in the 2024 European Parliament 🇪🇺!
I merged the CHES expert survey with EP composition data to visualize the political space of the current EP. The graphs make the center of gravity in the EP quite clear, on multiple dimensions and policy issues.
dimiter.shinyapps.io/ches/
I merged the CHES expert survey with EP composition data to visualize the political space of the current EP. The graphs make the center of gravity in the EP quite clear, on multiple dimensions and policy issues.
dimiter.shinyapps.io/ches/
Reposted by Tom Theuns
Hi everyone, my colleague from contemporary history, Jason Resnikoff, and I are recruiting a PhD student for a position in International Union Politics.
Please send us your students interested in strikes, unions and labor politics!
werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd...
Please send us your students interested in strikes, unions and labor politics!
werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd...
PhD in International Union Politics: Organized Labor in Democratic Life - Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
werkenbij.rug.nl
November 17, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Hi everyone, my colleague from contemporary history, Jason Resnikoff, and I are recruiting a PhD student for a position in International Union Politics.
Please send us your students interested in strikes, unions and labor politics!
werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd...
Please send us your students interested in strikes, unions and labor politics!
werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd...
Expect Hungarian access to Russian oil and gas to be an election talking point in Hungary as Orban fights for his political survival.
(I won’t link the article because Döpfner is dangerous and Axel Springer owns Politico)
(I won’t link the article because Döpfner is dangerous and Axel Springer owns Politico)
November 17, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Expect Hungarian access to Russian oil and gas to be an election talking point in Hungary as Orban fights for his political survival.
(I won’t link the article because Döpfner is dangerous and Axel Springer owns Politico)
(I won’t link the article because Döpfner is dangerous and Axel Springer owns Politico)
Reposted by Tom Theuns
🇭🇺 EXCLUSIVE: An in-depth look at how Viktor Orbán and Fidesz underestimated Péter Magyar until it was too late. Direkt36 reveals how Orbán’s spring offensive against him backfired—fueling internal tensions and exposing cracks inside the government.
”The situation is tense” – How Orbán has tried overcome Fidesz’s internal crisis - Direkt36
Fidesz underestimated opposition leader Péter Magyar so much that they realized too late that he posed a real threat to them. Direkt36 reveals how Viktor Orbán launched his spring offensive against Magyar and how this caused tensions within the government.
www.direkt36.hu
November 15, 2025 at 5:38 PM
🇭🇺 EXCLUSIVE: An in-depth look at how Viktor Orbán and Fidesz underestimated Péter Magyar until it was too late. Direkt36 reveals how Orbán’s spring offensive against him backfired—fueling internal tensions and exposing cracks inside the government.
Reposted by Tom Theuns
Big kudos to this economist for calling out sexism in his discipline.
Obviously, political science has its own well-known prominent sexists and institutional sexism. So much work still to be done — and, importantly, this work should be done (also) by men!
Obviously, political science has its own well-known prominent sexists and institutional sexism. So much work still to be done — and, importantly, this work should be done (also) by men!
1/ Egalitarianism should begin at home. I link to this article by @bencasselman.bsky.social in light of the communications between Larry Summers and Jeffrey Epstein that have just been released. The released emails and the fact of friendship are vile.
www.nytimes.com/2021/02/23/b...
www.nytimes.com/2021/02/23/b...
For Women in Economics, the Hostility Is Out in the Open (Published 2021)
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Big kudos to this economist for calling out sexism in his discipline.
Obviously, political science has its own well-known prominent sexists and institutional sexism. So much work still to be done — and, importantly, this work should be done (also) by men!
Obviously, political science has its own well-known prominent sexists and institutional sexism. So much work still to be done — and, importantly, this work should be done (also) by men!
The anti-racist Kick Out Zwarte Piet activist group ceased operations today. Heroes. This is what winning looks like.
Six years ago the Sinterklaas parade in Gouda was maybe 80% full blackface. Now it’s 0%. The kids haven’t noticed and no-one cares.
November 15, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The anti-racist Kick Out Zwarte Piet activist group ceased operations today. Heroes. This is what winning looks like.
My 9yo told me he’d done his homework at the daycare. I told him this was impossible. He showed me his finished work. I told him the problem was conceptual not empirical. Now he’s annoyed at me.
November 13, 2025 at 6:21 AM
My 9yo told me he’d done his homework at the daycare. I told him this was impossible. He showed me his finished work. I told him the problem was conceptual not empirical. Now he’s annoyed at me.
Reposted by Tom Theuns
Back on NU.nl ( www.nu.nl/321468/video... ) who have been following Péter Magyar’s rise from the very beginning - @umceehub.bsky.social @ceudeminst.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Back on NU.nl ( www.nu.nl/321468/video... ) who have been following Péter Magyar’s rise from the very beginning - @umceehub.bsky.social @ceudeminst.bsky.social