Dr. Cihan Tugal

Professor

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Biography

Cihan Tuğal studies social movements, populism, capitalism, democracy, and religion. His recent publications discuss topics such as far-right movements, neoliberalization, state capitalism, and populist performativity in various countries including Turkey, the United States, Hungary, Poland, India, and the Philippines. Tuğal is currently working on a book that incorporates case studies and analysis of populism in Brazil. His previous work includes the book 'Caring for the Poor' (2017, Routledge), which examines the emergence, globalization, and decline of liberal welfare ethics through a historical lens drawing from ethnographic studies in Turkey and Egypt. Additionally, Tuğal's research explores ethical, religious, and spiritual alternatives to the rationalization and individualization of care and well-being, along with the impact of global uprisings from 2009 to 2013 on capitalism and politics. His academic output includes articles in various prestigious journals, and he has authored books that address similar themes in Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Tunisia. Tuğal is engaged in a collaborative project studying the ecological crisis within the context of capitalism, emphasizing the role of labor and community struggles. His works have been translated into multiple languages, including German, Persian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Swedish, Turkish, Romanian, and Ukrainian.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2010-08-15 — Present

University of California, Berkeley • Berkeley, CA

Professor in the Department of Sociology, focusing on social movements, populism, and capitalism.

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.