Vera Tika

Vera Tika is a research associate at the Centre for Political Research, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens. Her research focuses on far-right populism, xenophobia, antisemitism, democracy and the democratic consequences of digitally mediated hate. She is particularly interested in how exclusionary narratives are constructed, circulated, and institutionalized across both traditional and digital public spheres.

Her work employs qualitative methodologies—primarily discourse analysis, case studies, and comparative analysis—to examine the dynamics of illiberalism, online radicalization, and populist communication. She has contributed to several interdisciplinary initiatives addressing conspiracy theories, disinformation, and the intersections between racism, nationalism, and political mobilization.

Vera’s regional expertise spans Southern Europe, the Western Balkans, and post-communist Eastern Europe, where she explores how historical legacies and socio-political transformations shape the contemporary rise of authoritarian populism. In parallel, she engages actively in public debate and knowledge exchange on democratic resilience and the challenges posed by digital extremism.

Specializations