Théodore Tallent

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Sustainability of the Hertie School and an associate researcher at Sciences Po, where I received my PhD in political science in 2026. I am generally interested in understanding why people think the way they do about climate policy, and what this means for politics. 

My work is published in various journals, including the American Political Science Review, the Journal of European Public Policy and West European Politics.

My research examines the politics of climate change, with a particular interest in how people’s attitudes, identities and experiences shape their views on climate policy and, in turn, political behaviour. I study the sources and consequences of political conflict over the green transition, including the green backlash, polarisation around climate change, and the drivers of green electoral behaviour. I am especially interested in how these dynamics intersect with place-based identities and political discontent, particularly in rural areas across Europe.  

To do so, I employ both quantitative and qualitative methods - from survey-based and experimental work to fieldwork in rural areas and vulnerable communities.

As a scholar researching such pressing issues, I also dedicate significant time to public engagement, with frequent interviews in French and European media, policy work with think tanks, stakeholders engagement with NGOs, engagement with policymakers and elected politicians, and keynotes at various non-academic events.

I also held visiting positions at Oxford University and Nuffield College, the LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science), and the University of Cambridge's Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Governance (CEENRG). Before my PhD, I graduated from Sciences Po in Politics and European Affairs and the University of Cambridge in Environmental Policy.