I received my Ph.D. in Communications from Columbia University in 2021. My doctoral reseach, under the supervision of Todd Gitlin, focused on how populist social movements and political parties harness digital technology for organisation and decision-making. My research interests have since expanded to include analysis of climate obstruction strategies employed by the populist right, with an emphasis on the role of emerging actors such as political influencers. These strategies often involve the use of misinformation and conspiracy theories, topics that are central to my current research and teaching.

I am a member of the Glasgow University Media Group, researching the roles of the media in political developments such as the 'cost of living crisis,' opposition to the climate agenda and the global rise of populism.

Before my current role at Glasgow University, I held a teaching fellowship at Warwick University's Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies and a visiting fellowship at CELSA - Paris IV Sorbonne Université, École des hautes études en sciences de l’information et de la communication.

My research on populism and digital media was recognised with the 2016 James Thomas Memorial Prize from the Political Studies Association (Media and Politics division). I am a recipient of the prestigious ‘la Caixa’ Foundation Fellowship (2012-2014).

Social Movements

Misinformation

Climate obstruction

Digital media

Political communication

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Unpacking the ‘Greenlash’: The role of misinformation in opposition to Net Zero. (Research Incentive Grant, The Carnegie Trust. RIG013305 - £12,915.00)

• Xu, Zixin
  Social Media in Community-Based Crisis Management in China: A Case Study