How do we talk about politics?

As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of St. Gallen, I explore this question by investigating civic participation and political communication comparatively, with a focus on processes that foster rational, inclusive public discourse.

My work seeks to understand how participatory innovations like citizens’ assemblies can bridge divides and promote reasoned conversations in democratic systems. In my research, I use real-world experiments to test how these processes can empower citizens and strengthen deliberative democracy. I evaluate participatory mechanisms, such as citizens’ assemblies, to enhance public engagement and understanding in democratic decision-making.
Furthermore, I am actively involved in the Redemos project, a collaborative initiative to advance the EU’s democracy promotion in its eastern neighbourhood.

I completed my dissertation at the University of Geneva in 2023. The thesis explored ways to integrate citizens’ juries into Swiss direct democracy to inform voters’ decisionmaking in popular votes and to create spaces for constructive dialogue with politicians.