Orçun Selçuk
@orcunselcuk.bsky.social
Author of The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization (University of Notre Dame Press) 🇹🇷🇻🇪🇪🇨
Researching polarizing populist leaders and their opponents around the world.
Researching polarizing populist leaders and their opponents around the world.
Pinned
Orçun Selçuk
@orcunselcuk.bsky.social
· Jan 21
The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization (Kellogg Institute Series on Democracy and Development): Selçuk, Orçun: 9780268208073: Amazon.com: Books
The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization (Kellogg Institute Series on Democracy and Development) [Selçuk, Orçun] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Author...
a.co
For anyone trying to learn about polarizing populist leaders and their opponents outside of the United States, my recently published book on Turkey, Venezuela, and Ecuador, The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization is available with a discounted price on Amazon: a.co/d/89idKUn
Happy to be part of the IPSA Companion to Political Science: A Practical Introduction to the 200 Most Important Concepts.
link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/...
link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/...
Authoritarianism
link.springer.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Happy to be part of the IPSA Companion to Political Science: A Practical Introduction to the 200 Most Important Concepts.
link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/...
link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/...
It was premature for some political scientists to call the United States a competitive authoritarian regime after the first few months of the Trump presidency. Trump has authoritarian ambitions but the backlash and resistance against him remain robust.
November 5, 2025 at 2:52 PM
It was premature for some political scientists to call the United States a competitive authoritarian regime after the first few months of the Trump presidency. Trump has authoritarian ambitions but the backlash and resistance against him remain robust.
Terrible results for the Republican Party in high-profile and down ballot races. This is what happens when the party brand depends too much on an unpopular incumbent who haven't delivered on his economic promises. Democrats are benefiting from the anti-incumbent mood right now.
November 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Terrible results for the Republican Party in high-profile and down ballot races. This is what happens when the party brand depends too much on an unpopular incumbent who haven't delivered on his economic promises. Democrats are benefiting from the anti-incumbent mood right now.
Trump's right-wing populism breeds left-wing populism especially in Democratic strongholds like New York City. Zohran's brand of populism will not work in competitive House and Senate races next year, but Democrats need to double down on his focus on the cost of living issues.
Zohran Mamdani, whose triumphant campaign was built on progressive ideas and a relentless focus on affordability, will become the city’s youngest mayor in more than a century. Along the way, he energized South Asian and Muslim communities that rarely receive sustained attention from politicians.
Mamdani is New York’s First Muslim and South Asian Mayor-Elect
Zohran Mamdani’s ascent was powered by a relentless focus on affordability. Along the way, he energized South Asian and Muslim communities that rarely receive sustained attention from politicians.
nyti.ms
November 5, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Trump's right-wing populism breeds left-wing populism especially in Democratic strongholds like New York City. Zohran's brand of populism will not work in competitive House and Senate races next year, but Democrats need to double down on his focus on the cost of living issues.
Luther College professor warns against taking ‘democracy for granted’
stanforddaily.com/2025/10/21/l...
stanforddaily.com/2025/10/21/l...
stanforddaily.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Luther College professor warns against taking ‘democracy for granted’
stanforddaily.com/2025/10/21/l...
stanforddaily.com/2025/10/21/l...
I had the pleasure of giving a book talk at Stanford University on Friday. You can watch the full event here:
www.youtube.com/live/_kek0cx...
www.youtube.com/live/_kek0cx...
The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization in Latin America and Turkey
YouTube video by Stanford Center for Latin American Studies
www.youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:56 PM
I had the pleasure of giving a book talk at Stanford University on Friday. You can watch the full event here:
www.youtube.com/live/_kek0cx...
www.youtube.com/live/_kek0cx...
María Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize is significant in the context of rising authoritarianism in the world. Although the opponents of autocrats in Venezuela and elsewhere have low rates of achieving turnover, their efforts and personal sacrifices deserve acknowledgement.
October 10, 2025 at 1:37 PM
María Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize is significant in the context of rising authoritarianism in the world. Although the opponents of autocrats in Venezuela and elsewhere have low rates of achieving turnover, their efforts and personal sacrifices deserve acknowledgement.
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
I'll be giving a book talk at Stanford University next month. You can find more information about it below.
September 15, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I'll be giving a book talk at Stanford University next month. You can find more information about it below.
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
📣📚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚: 𝙋𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢, 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖 & 𝙏𝙪𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙮 with @orcunselcuk.bsky.social
🗓️ Fri, Oct. 17, 2025
⏰ 1:30 - 2:50 PM
🏫 Bolivar House
582 Alvarado Row, Stanford, CA 94305
👉🎟️ RSVP: tinyurl.com/SelcukStanford
🗓️ Fri, Oct. 17, 2025
⏰ 1:30 - 2:50 PM
🏫 Bolivar House
582 Alvarado Row, Stanford, CA 94305
👉🎟️ RSVP: tinyurl.com/SelcukStanford
September 15, 2025 at 7:45 PM
📣📚 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚: 𝙋𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢, 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖 & 𝙏𝙪𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙮 with @orcunselcuk.bsky.social
🗓️ Fri, Oct. 17, 2025
⏰ 1:30 - 2:50 PM
🏫 Bolivar House
582 Alvarado Row, Stanford, CA 94305
👉🎟️ RSVP: tinyurl.com/SelcukStanford
🗓️ Fri, Oct. 17, 2025
⏰ 1:30 - 2:50 PM
🏫 Bolivar House
582 Alvarado Row, Stanford, CA 94305
👉🎟️ RSVP: tinyurl.com/SelcukStanford
I'll be giving a book talk at Stanford University next month. You can find more information about it below.
September 15, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I'll be giving a book talk at Stanford University next month. You can find more information about it below.
#APSA2025 in Vancouver was a fine event but we need to rethink organizing political science conferences in Canada. It puts additional barriers for non-U.S. citizens and perpetuates inequalities in the field. No wonder many international students on F1 visas could not attend.
September 14, 2025 at 1:08 PM
#APSA2025 in Vancouver was a fine event but we need to rethink organizing political science conferences in Canada. It puts additional barriers for non-U.S. citizens and perpetuates inequalities in the field. No wonder many international students on F1 visas could not attend.
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
Heading to APSA in Vancouver tomorrow. I will be part of the following panels:
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
September 9, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Heading to APSA in Vancouver tomorrow. I will be part of the following panels:
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
You can find my book, The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization, at the #APSA2025 exhibition hall. Even if you are not attending the conference, you can still order it using the link below with a 40 percent discounted price.
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
APSA Virtual Exhibit 2025 - University of Notre Dame
Welcome to our virtual exhibit! We are extremely excited to bring our political science and theory books directly to your screen! Enjoy browsing our
undpress.nd.edu
September 10, 2025 at 4:09 PM
You can find my book, The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization, at the #APSA2025 exhibition hall. Even if you are not attending the conference, you can still order it using the link below with a 40 percent discounted price.
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
Unless we acknowledge how much political violence already has a place in American politics, we won't be able to address it. Elites on both sides of the aisle need to take responsibility for fanning the flames of polarization and be intentional about toning down the divisiveness.
September 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Unless we acknowledge how much political violence already has a place in American politics, we won't be able to address it. Elites on both sides of the aisle need to take responsibility for fanning the flames of polarization and be intentional about toning down the divisiveness.
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
For those in Vancouver, the Democracy and Autocracy Section will be holding our business meeting tomorrow (9/11) from 6:30-7:30pm at the Convention Center (West) Room 115. Our reception will be right after from 7:30-9:30pm at Steamworks Brewpub (375 Water Street). Come join us!
September 10, 2025 at 10:59 PM
For those in Vancouver, the Democracy and Autocracy Section will be holding our business meeting tomorrow (9/11) from 6:30-7:30pm at the Convention Center (West) Room 115. Our reception will be right after from 7:30-9:30pm at Steamworks Brewpub (375 Water Street). Come join us!
You can find my book, The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization, at the #APSA2025 exhibition hall. Even if you are not attending the conference, you can still order it using the link below with a 40 percent discounted price.
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
APSA Virtual Exhibit 2025 - University of Notre Dame
Welcome to our virtual exhibit! We are extremely excited to bring our political science and theory books directly to your screen! Enjoy browsing our
undpress.nd.edu
September 10, 2025 at 4:09 PM
You can find my book, The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization, at the #APSA2025 exhibition hall. Even if you are not attending the conference, you can still order it using the link below with a 40 percent discounted price.
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
undpress.nd.edu/apsa-virtual...
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
At 2 pm, I'll be joining several colleagues including @orcunselcuk.bsky.social to talk about landing positions at teaching focused institutions. And Thursday isn't even my busy day 😆 6/6
September 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
At 2 pm, I'll be joining several colleagues including @orcunselcuk.bsky.social to talk about landing positions at teaching focused institutions. And Thursday isn't even my busy day 😆 6/6
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
The new season of @apsgworkshop.bsky.social is starting soon!!
Save the dates!
Save the dates!
Fall 2025 schedule is out!
Remember to join our mailing list to join any or all of these great presentations!
mailchi.mp/fe045331c9c7...
Remember to join our mailing list to join any or all of these great presentations!
mailchi.mp/fe045331c9c7...
September 10, 2025 at 11:45 AM
The new season of @apsgworkshop.bsky.social is starting soon!!
Save the dates!
Save the dates!
Heading to APSA in Vancouver tomorrow. I will be part of the following panels:
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
September 9, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Heading to APSA in Vancouver tomorrow. I will be part of the following panels:
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
Democratic Backsliding and Opposition Resistance on Thursday at 8 am
Applying for a Job at a Teaching Institution on Thursday at 2 pm
The First-Gen Handbook: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum on Friday at 10 am
Excited to share that The Authoritarian Divide was reviewed in Latin American Politics and Society. Many thanks to Alejandra López Villegas @alelov.bsky.social for the thoughtful and generous review. You can read it here:
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Orçun Selçuk . The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2024. Figures, tables, appendices, references, index, 332 pp.; Hardcover $6...
Orçun Selçuk . The Authoritarian Divide: Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2024. Figures, tables, appendices, references, index, 332 pp.; Hardcover 47...
www.cambridge.org
August 11, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Excited to share that The Authoritarian Divide was reviewed in Latin American Politics and Society. Many thanks to Alejandra López Villegas @alelov.bsky.social for the thoughtful and generous review. You can read it here:
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
This is our second journal article together. The collaboration started at Luther College and we presented earlier drafts at MPSA and LASA conferences. Thanks to everyone who offered their feedback and support. Check the article out and share it with others. It is open access.
🆕 Online-first and #openaccess article on #Ecuador! By @orcunselcuk.bsky.social and S.Valdivieso. A contribution to literatures on #populism, #polarisation, #opposition, #democraticresilience
Check it out ‼️
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Check it out ‼️
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
The Polarising Legacy of Rafael Correa in Ecuadorian Politics (2017–2023) - Orçun Selçuk, P. Salomé Valdivieso, 2025
This article examines the phenomenon of “runoff reversals” in presidential elections, where second-place candidates in the first round surpass frontrunners in t...
journals.sagepub.com
July 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
This is our second journal article together. The collaboration started at Luther College and we presented earlier drafts at MPSA and LASA conferences. Thanks to everyone who offered their feedback and support. Check the article out and share it with others. It is open access.
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
New episode. @jlkucinskas.bsky.social @columbiaup.bsky.social #civilservices #federalemployees #constitution #DwightWaldo #HerbertSimon #trump #sociology Music by @musicandjustice.bsky.social
linktr.ee/ihppod @sunildasgupta.bsky.social
linktr.ee/ihppod @sunildasgupta.bsky.social
July 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM
This is our second journal article together. The collaboration started at Luther College and we presented earlier drafts at MPSA and LASA conferences. Thanks to everyone who offered their feedback and support. Check the article out and share it with others. It is open access.
🆕 Online-first and #openaccess article on #Ecuador! By @orcunselcuk.bsky.social and S.Valdivieso. A contribution to literatures on #populism, #polarisation, #opposition, #democraticresilience
Check it out ‼️
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Check it out ‼️
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
The Polarising Legacy of Rafael Correa in Ecuadorian Politics (2017–2023) - Orçun Selçuk, P. Salomé Valdivieso, 2025
This article examines the phenomenon of “runoff reversals” in presidential elections, where second-place candidates in the first round surpass frontrunners in t...
journals.sagepub.com
July 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
This is our second journal article together. The collaboration started at Luther College and we presented earlier drafts at MPSA and LASA conferences. Thanks to everyone who offered their feedback and support. Check the article out and share it with others. It is open access.
Reposted by Orçun Selçuk
this is all horrible. alongside devastating blows to PBS and NPR, this bill totally ends US funding to key UN bodies that do frontline work, including UNICEF & OCHA, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Completely eliminates US contributions—previously the US was the key funder.
NEWS: Trump's cuts to NPR, PBS and foreign aid clear Congress
House gives final passage by a vote of 216-213.
The Senate passed it yesterday 51-48.
With Republican votes only. Democrats all voted NO.
This now goes to Trump for his signature.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
House gives final passage by a vote of 216-213.
The Senate passed it yesterday 51-48.
With Republican votes only. Democrats all voted NO.
This now goes to Trump for his signature.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...
Trump's cuts to NPR, PBS and foreign aid clear Congress
The $9 billion package passed the House and Senate with only Republican votes through the rarely used "rescissions" process. Trump is now expected to sign it into law.
www.nbcnews.com
July 18, 2025 at 4:21 AM
this is all horrible. alongside devastating blows to PBS and NPR, this bill totally ends US funding to key UN bodies that do frontline work, including UNICEF & OCHA, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Completely eliminates US contributions—previously the US was the key funder.
United States is openly trying to interfere into the internal affairs of Brazil. Kudos to Brazilian authorities for prosecuting Bolsonaro. In democracies, nobody is above the law, especially ex-presidents who attempted a coup. This is not 1964.
Breaking News: Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to wear an ankle bracelet and stay home most hours. The order, which defies President Trump’s demands to drop the case, comes before Bolsonaro’s trial on charges that he attempted a coup after losing the 2022 election.
Bolsonaro, Brazil’s Former President, Ordered to Wear Ankle Monitor Ahead of Trial
Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered Jair Bolsonaro, the former president, to stay home most hours, defying President Trump’s demands that charges against Mr. Bolsonaro be dropped.
trib.al
July 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM
United States is openly trying to interfere into the internal affairs of Brazil. Kudos to Brazilian authorities for prosecuting Bolsonaro. In democracies, nobody is above the law, especially ex-presidents who attempted a coup. This is not 1964.