Yale political theorist Hélène Landemore appointed new Cleveringa Professor
The French political theorist Hélène Landemore, known for her critical perspective on modern democracies, has been appointed as the new Cleveringa Professor. Landemore studies how democratic systems can become more inclusive. She will deliver her inaugural lecture on 26 November.
Landemore is internationally regarded as a leading voice on democracy, constitutional reform and the ethical and political implications of artificial intelligence. After completing her studies in France, she moved to the United States and obtained her PhD from Harvard University in 2008 with a dissertation on collective intelligence as the foundation of democracy. Her research has included the participatory constitutional process in Iceland, and in 2022, she joined the governance committee of the French Citizens’ Convention on Euthanasia and Assisted Dying.
Flaws in democracy
Landemore identifies major shortcomings in the democratic system. She believes that elections often favour a small elite, leaving women, workers and minorities structurally underrepresented. She is also critical of the influence of wealthy donors in countries such as the United States. With her appointment, Professor Landemore joins a distinguished line of Cleveringa professors who, on 26 November each year, reflect on pressing issues such as war, the law, freedom and democracy.
Nominated by Leiden Law School
Professor Landemore was nominated by Leiden Law School. ‘We are honoured to welcome Hélène Landemore, a leading international thinker, as Cleveringa Professor,’ said Professor Bastiaan Rijpkema. ‘At a time when democracy is under global pressure, the power of tech companies is causing increasing concern and complex problems demand interdisciplinary solutions, it’s difficult to imagine a more relevant Cleveringa Professor.’
Citizen participation
Landemore emphasises the importance of citizen participation and is conducting research into how democracies can be made more inclusive. ‘She defends the value of democracy and citizens’ collective wisdom over technocratic governance or contempt for citizen participation. In so doing, she focuses on democratic opportunities and the threats posed by technologies such as AI.’
Interdisciplinary research
Landemore collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and, in addition to Yale, is affiliated with Oxford University’s Institute for Ethics in AI. Her appointment aligns perfectly with Leiden University’s interdisciplinary research topics says Rijpkema: ‘In this anniversary year for our university and Leiden Law School, Landemore’s Cleveringa chair – alongside the honorary doctorate awarded to political philosopher Bonnie Honig earlier in 2025 – underscores our focus on modern-day challenges and interdisciplinary collaboration, with research in areas such as AI, democracy and law and technology.’
Protest speech
At least 663 Leiden University students, staff members and alumni lost their lives during the Second World War. Each year, on or around 26 November, the university commemorates the protest speech delivered in 1940 by Leiden law professor Rudolph Cleveringa. On that day, he gave a public lecture in which he spoke out against the dismissal of his Jewish colleague Eduard Meijers. Cleveringa was arrested shortly afterward by the German occupiers and Meijers was deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp. Both men survived the war.