Jack Dean
@jackddean.bsky.social
UCL SSEES PhD Candidate | Political Sociologist researching CEE Populism, Health, Extremes | Views are my own | Focus on 🇷🇴🇩🇪
Another night, another set of protests in Romania calling for judicial reform.
In the following thread, I am going to provide brief summary of how we have got here, and of where some of these slogans have been seen before.
In the following thread, I am going to provide brief summary of how we have got here, and of where some of these slogans have been seen before.
December 19, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Another night, another set of protests in Romania calling for judicial reform.
In the following thread, I am going to provide brief summary of how we have got here, and of where some of these slogans have been seen before.
In the following thread, I am going to provide brief summary of how we have got here, and of where some of these slogans have been seen before.
Reposted by Jack Dean
The worst thing about these misinformed stories about ‘exodus’ of #PolesinUK - not really backed by data - is that they STILL have a whiff of awful sense of superiority of “how bad Britain must be if they’re going back to their poor, awful countries,” as per this poll.
December 13, 2025 at 10:16 AM
The worst thing about these misinformed stories about ‘exodus’ of #PolesinUK - not really backed by data - is that they STILL have a whiff of awful sense of superiority of “how bad Britain must be if they’re going back to their poor, awful countries,” as per this poll.
Away from Bucharest, which I'll keep updating, it is worth looking at Chișinău.
With the heavy Russian bombardment of Ukraine, and the strikes on the power grid, much of Moldova was left reliant on emergency power supply from Romania over the last 24hrs.
With the heavy Russian bombardment of Ukraine, and the strikes on the power grid, much of Moldova was left reliant on emergency power supply from Romania over the last 24hrs.
December 7, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Away from Bucharest, which I'll keep updating, it is worth looking at Chișinău.
With the heavy Russian bombardment of Ukraine, and the strikes on the power grid, much of Moldova was left reliant on emergency power supply from Romania over the last 24hrs.
With the heavy Russian bombardment of Ukraine, and the strikes on the power grid, much of Moldova was left reliant on emergency power supply from Romania over the last 24hrs.
An unsurprising result if it stands up in reality.
Two immediate notes:
- AUR backed candidate getting 1/5th of the vote in the capital (albeit on a poor turnout)
- that is a bad result for USR.
Two immediate notes:
- AUR backed candidate getting 1/5th of the vote in the capital (albeit on a poor turnout)
- that is a bad result for USR.
Romania, INSCOP poll:
Bucharest mayoral election
Ciucu (PNL-EPP): 32% (+24)
Băluță (PSD-S&D): 26% (+4)
Alexandrescu (*-ECR): 21% (new)
Drulă (USR-RE): 13% (new)
...
+/- vs. Last election result
Fieldwork: 07 December 2025
Sample size: 3,421
➤ europeelects.eu/romania
Bucharest mayoral election
Ciucu (PNL-EPP): 32% (+24)
Băluță (PSD-S&D): 26% (+4)
Alexandrescu (*-ECR): 21% (new)
Drulă (USR-RE): 13% (new)
...
+/- vs. Last election result
Fieldwork: 07 December 2025
Sample size: 3,421
➤ europeelects.eu/romania
December 7, 2025 at 8:08 PM
An unsurprising result if it stands up in reality.
Two immediate notes:
- AUR backed candidate getting 1/5th of the vote in the capital (albeit on a poor turnout)
- that is a bad result for USR.
Two immediate notes:
- AUR backed candidate getting 1/5th of the vote in the capital (albeit on a poor turnout)
- that is a bad result for USR.
Turnout like this is not surprising in many respects, but it is poor.
Romania: (Bucharest mayoral election)
Final Turnout
2016: 33.22%
2020: 36.93%
2024: 41.31%
2025: 32.71%
Source: Central electoral bureau
➤ europeelects.eu/romania
#Romania
Final Turnout
2016: 33.22%
2020: 36.93%
2024: 41.31%
2025: 32.71%
Source: Central electoral bureau
➤ europeelects.eu/romania
#Romania
December 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Turnout like this is not surprising in many respects, but it is poor.
With yesterday being the 6th anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and last week's publication of the COVID inquiry, this event comes at a great time to learn more about political communication in such moments.
🛎️ Next week in #ECPRSeminars on Political Communication @ecpr-polcom.bsky.social
🗣️ @pjost.bsky.social investigates how communication strategies drive emotional responses on Facebook, shaping public engagement
💻 9 Dec, 11:00–12:00 GMT buff.ly/2y4QudZ
Presented by @aulieroy.bsky.social
#EarlyCareers
🗣️ @pjost.bsky.social investigates how communication strategies drive emotional responses on Facebook, shaping public engagement
💻 9 Dec, 11:00–12:00 GMT buff.ly/2y4QudZ
Presented by @aulieroy.bsky.social
#EarlyCareers
Register FREE
Standing Group on Political Communication ECR Club
buff.ly
December 2, 2025 at 10:07 AM
With yesterday being the 6th anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and last week's publication of the COVID inquiry, this event comes at a great time to learn more about political communication in such moments.
Looking forward to my first time presenting at the PSA Conference, a wonderful way to kick off a hopefully busy schedule for 2026's conference season! #PSA26
*#PSA26 Annual Conference* 🚨Registration Open🚨
Join us in Oxford 30 March - 1 April 2026 to discuss 'Political Studies Futures'
📆 Early booking deadline 19 January
➡️ buff.ly/uILVJGQ
Join us in Oxford 30 March - 1 April 2026 to discuss 'Political Studies Futures'
📆 Early booking deadline 19 January
➡️ buff.ly/uILVJGQ
PSA Annual Conference | The Political Studies Association (PSA)
Political Studies Association 76th Annual International ConferencePSA26: Political Studies Futures30 March – 1 April 2026, Oxford Join us in Oxford for PSA26 to discuss 'Political Studies…
buff.ly
December 2, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Looking forward to my first time presenting at the PSA Conference, a wonderful way to kick off a hopefully busy schedule for 2026's conference season! #PSA26
Reposted by Jack Dean
We are pleased to invite you to this #PROLang roundtable event, which will examine the results of Romanian Presidential election, their causes and the consequences for politics and society in Romania and the Romanian diasporas.
🗓️ 25 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
🗓️ 25 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
October 23, 2025 at 3:23 PM
We are pleased to invite you to this #PROLang roundtable event, which will examine the results of Romanian Presidential election, their causes and the consequences for politics and society in Romania and the Romanian diasporas.
🗓️ 25 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
🗓️ 25 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
This is going to be an interesting challenge for NHS workforce in a few years - with difficulties in specialist training places as it is, how will it handle a growing cohort that are studying abroad and likely looking to return?
Why medical students are choosing Bulgaria over UK
The BBC has spoken to students choosing Bulgaria due to UK's strict cap on medical school places.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 12:24 PM
This is going to be an interesting challenge for NHS workforce in a few years - with difficulties in specialist training places as it is, how will it handle a growing cohort that are studying abroad and likely looking to return?
SOS Senator Ninel Peia to USR Senator Ruxandra Deaconu: "I have the impression that when your mother was pregnant with you she took too much paracetamol"
Perhaps it's time to change the old adage to reflect recent political trends: "When America sneezes, Romania catches a cold".
Perhaps it's time to change the old adage to reflect recent political trends: "When America sneezes, Romania catches a cold".
October 16, 2025 at 10:38 AM
SOS Senator Ninel Peia to USR Senator Ruxandra Deaconu: "I have the impression that when your mother was pregnant with you she took too much paracetamol"
Perhaps it's time to change the old adage to reflect recent political trends: "When America sneezes, Romania catches a cold".
Perhaps it's time to change the old adage to reflect recent political trends: "When America sneezes, Romania catches a cold".
Great reminder, as ever, that political positions and names aren't always as they first appear.
September 28, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Great reminder, as ever, that political positions and names aren't always as they first appear.
Diaspora falling very, very heavily for PAS currently, and over 50% in Chișinău. Overall, looks like a strong night for PAS, with it now seeming as though they have secured a majority.
September 28, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Diaspora falling very, very heavily for PAS currently, and over 50% in Chișinău. Overall, looks like a strong night for PAS, with it now seeming as though they have secured a majority.
Luke's thoughts here are well worth a read. There's an underlying theme and thought: after years trying to bring UKIP, then Reform into the mainstream, why is Farage now seemingly so focused on courting the online right?
🧵Something odd in the strategic choices Reform has made in past few weeks after by any measure a very successful summer. Take this comment, it's just so out of line with British public opinion. Politically damaging for 2 key reasons 1. Brits trust science 2. They don't like Trump
Farage asked on @lbc.co.uk whether he agreed with on the unproven link between paracetamol and autism
“I have no idea... We were told thalidomide was a v safe drug and it isn’t. who knows. I don’t know, you don’t know…when it comes to science I don’t side with anybody. It’s never settled.”
“I have no idea... We were told thalidomide was a v safe drug and it isn’t. who knows. I don’t know, you don’t know…when it comes to science I don’t side with anybody. It’s never settled.”
September 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Luke's thoughts here are well worth a read. There's an underlying theme and thought: after years trying to bring UKIP, then Reform into the mainstream, why is Farage now seemingly so focused on courting the online right?
Can you put a price on friendship? We may soon find out, given Russian activity in Eastern Europe has begun hitting China's trade with the European continent.
Poland to China: So, You Want to Play Hybrid War? | "One unexpected victim of Russia’s drone invasions of Poland’s airspace and the Zapad military exercise is China." Jack Daniel Dean
Poland to China: So, You Want to Play Hybrid War?
One unexpected victim of Russia’s drone invasions of Poland’s airspace and the Zapad military exercise is China.
cepa.org
September 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Can you put a price on friendship? We may soon find out, given Russian activity in Eastern Europe has begun hitting China's trade with the European continent.
Reposted by Jack Dean
An actual quote from the Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Too often people go to university to ‘explore research and knowledge’
Look forward to Wes S saying 'too often people go to hospital to have operations' or Heidi Alexander saying 'too often people go to the station to catch a train'
Too often people go to university to ‘explore research and knowledge’
Look forward to Wes S saying 'too often people go to hospital to have operations' or Heidi Alexander saying 'too often people go to the station to catch a train'
September 19, 2025 at 10:25 AM
An actual quote from the Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Too often people go to university to ‘explore research and knowledge’
Look forward to Wes S saying 'too often people go to hospital to have operations' or Heidi Alexander saying 'too often people go to the station to catch a train'
Too often people go to university to ‘explore research and knowledge’
Look forward to Wes S saying 'too often people go to hospital to have operations' or Heidi Alexander saying 'too often people go to the station to catch a train'
Elsewhere, AUR's George Simion appeared at the rally in London.
In many respects, this is something unimaginable a decade ago. A Romanian populist actor would have lacked the international name to be invited; a British far-right actor would not have invited those from Eastern Europe.
In many respects, this is something unimaginable a decade ago. A Romanian populist actor would have lacked the international name to be invited; a British far-right actor would not have invited those from Eastern Europe.
September 16, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Elsewhere, AUR's George Simion appeared at the rally in London.
In many respects, this is something unimaginable a decade ago. A Romanian populist actor would have lacked the international name to be invited; a British far-right actor would not have invited those from Eastern Europe.
In many respects, this is something unimaginable a decade ago. A Romanian populist actor would have lacked the international name to be invited; a British far-right actor would not have invited those from Eastern Europe.
There is a lot to be said about recent events in Romania, and by figures on the far right. They have been incredibly busy, as has the state in response. Inevitably, it will be too long for a single thread, so I am splitting it into two.
First and most notably, Calin Georgescu has been indicted.
First and most notably, Calin Georgescu has been indicted.
September 16, 2025 at 1:31 PM
There is a lot to be said about recent events in Romania, and by figures on the far right. They have been incredibly busy, as has the state in response. Inevitably, it will be too long for a single thread, so I am splitting it into two.
First and most notably, Calin Georgescu has been indicted.
First and most notably, Calin Georgescu has been indicted.
Reposted by Jack Dean
The whiff of gunpowder has been in the air around US politics for years.
The level of complacency among European analysts and scholars over growing risks of armed political violence in America is remarkable.
The level of complacency among European analysts and scholars over growing risks of armed political violence in America is remarkable.
September 10, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The whiff of gunpowder has been in the air around US politics for years.
The level of complacency among European analysts and scholars over growing risks of armed political violence in America is remarkable.
The level of complacency among European analysts and scholars over growing risks of armed political violence in America is remarkable.
Had hoped this would be the end of the charade that is the role of deputy PM. Alas, as ever I am disappointed.
September 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Had hoped this would be the end of the charade that is the role of deputy PM. Alas, as ever I am disappointed.
Reposted by Jack Dean
Up high, in the mountains of madness.
Former mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Gheorghe Funar (a far-right clown) claims Russian president Putin was born to Romanian parents named Putină. This was just one take in an interview covering 1000 years of "history". Imagine the rest.
Former mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Gheorghe Funar (a far-right clown) claims Russian president Putin was born to Romanian parents named Putină. This was just one take in an interview covering 1000 years of "history". Imagine the rest.
August 22, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Up high, in the mountains of madness.
Former mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Gheorghe Funar (a far-right clown) claims Russian president Putin was born to Romanian parents named Putină. This was just one take in an interview covering 1000 years of "history". Imagine the rest.
Former mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Gheorghe Funar (a far-right clown) claims Russian president Putin was born to Romanian parents named Putină. This was just one take in an interview covering 1000 years of "history". Imagine the rest.
Reposted by Jack Dean
How will the Romanian far right (especially AUR and George Simion) interfere in Moldova's elections? A couple of major directions to pay attention to. First, by having allies running directly for seats. An example: the Democracy at Home Party (PDA), run by Simion ally ...
July 30, 2025 at 6:48 PM
How will the Romanian far right (especially AUR and George Simion) interfere in Moldova's elections? A couple of major directions to pay attention to. First, by having allies running directly for seats. An example: the Democracy at Home Party (PDA), run by Simion ally ...
Reposted by Jack Dean
💡 Our colleagues over in Italy are organising a Summer School on Democratic Backsliding & Political Conflict from 27-30 September 2025. There are scholarships available from Widening countries. Application details can be found at: www.eui.eu/apply?id=sum...
Summer School on ‘Democratic backsliding and political conflict
This Summer School is organised by the European Governance and Politics Programme EGPP of the European University Institute at the Robert Schuman Centre for A
www.eui.eu
July 8, 2025 at 4:43 PM
💡 Our colleagues over in Italy are organising a Summer School on Democratic Backsliding & Political Conflict from 27-30 September 2025. There are scholarships available from Widening countries. Application details can be found at: www.eui.eu/apply?id=sum...
Reposted by Jack Dean
Most literature reviews miss the point.
Not because they’re sloppy.
But because they treat the literature like a box to tick.
In my latest Respect the Marble Post, I carve out a 6-step process to writing a meaningful lit review:
catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/most-liter...
🧵
Not because they’re sloppy.
But because they treat the literature like a box to tick.
In my latest Respect the Marble Post, I carve out a 6-step process to writing a meaningful lit review:
catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/most-liter...
🧵
Most Literature Reviews Miss the Point. Don’t Let Yours
Critically Engaging Past Work to Confidently Shape Your Own
catherineeunicedevries.substack.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Most literature reviews miss the point.
Not because they’re sloppy.
But because they treat the literature like a box to tick.
In my latest Respect the Marble Post, I carve out a 6-step process to writing a meaningful lit review:
catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/most-liter...
🧵
Not because they’re sloppy.
But because they treat the literature like a box to tick.
In my latest Respect the Marble Post, I carve out a 6-step process to writing a meaningful lit review:
catherineeunicedevries.substack.com/p/most-liter...
🧵
Had a great time presenting at the first Conference of the @ecpr-ead.bsky.social, surrounded by an array of experts and fascinating panels. Many useful ideas for existing and future papers, and next steps.
The E&D community continues to grow, and I look forward to wherever it takes us in 2027!
The E&D community continues to grow, and I look forward to wherever it takes us in 2027!
June 10, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Had a great time presenting at the first Conference of the @ecpr-ead.bsky.social, surrounded by an array of experts and fascinating panels. Many useful ideas for existing and future papers, and next steps.
The E&D community continues to grow, and I look forward to wherever it takes us in 2027!
The E&D community continues to grow, and I look forward to wherever it takes us in 2027!
Be sure to check out the Standing Group's first conference where I will be presenting on AUR and SOS' use of irredentist themes, and discussing how they are selective in this regard.
If that doesn't interest you, there are a range of amazing panels on populism and extremism on offer!
If that doesn't interest you, there are a range of amazing panels on populism and extremism on offer!
Join us in London next week for our @ecpr-ead.bsky.social conference. Keynote by @kai-arzheimer.com, roundtable and panels on populism and radicalism. Observer only registration available- with @leoniedejonge.bsky.social @profannikawerner.bsky.social @stijntvankessel.bsky.social @sajuria.com
Conference of the Standing Group on Extremism and Democracy, Queen Mary University of London, 9 – 10 June 2025
European Consortium for Political Research
ecpr.eu
June 5, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Be sure to check out the Standing Group's first conference where I will be presenting on AUR and SOS' use of irredentist themes, and discussing how they are selective in this regard.
If that doesn't interest you, there are a range of amazing panels on populism and extremism on offer!
If that doesn't interest you, there are a range of amazing panels on populism and extremism on offer!