Political Science

Globalisation and technological change have affected the ability of governments - to shape developments in their respective societies. At the same time, citizens expect their governments to take their interests and concerns seriously. They themselves sense the opportunities and constraints of globalisation, interconnectedness and global challenges, such as climate change, migration, terrorism or great power conflict. Governments, international organisations, companies and civil society actors thus need to act at global, regional or national and local levels to meet the demands of their stakeholders. This is done in a context of changing government capabilities and increasingly global challenges. How do they do this? And how should they act? The Department of Political Science analyses these and related challenges facing citizens, practitioners and policymakers.

The Department of Political Science consists of three sections: Empirical Political Science, International Relations and Political Theory. In addition, the Centre for International Conflict Analysis & Management (CICAM) conducts academic research and provides teaching on peace and security, war and conflict.

Education

 

 

Programme assessment 

The report (in English) was recently published.

View it here

Research

The departmental approach is to focus on legitimacy and institutional change: institutional change (globally, regionally, nationally) may accommodate demands and affect capabilities; legitimacy is indispensable in effectuating institutional change, whereas institutional performance will affect legitimacy and thus the long-term resilience of societies. The Department Political Science is embedded in the Institute for Management Research. View all publications here.

Research in the picture

Some of the research of the Department of Political Science is featured below. View the full news overview and all ongoing projects here.

Portret Maurits Meijers

Maurits Meijers studies the impact of lying politicians

Researcher Maurits Meijers (Political Science) recently received a 'NWO Open Competition XS' grant. He is using this grant to conduct research into whether and how lies in the political arena impact citizens' attitudes toward democracy.

Lopende mensen

Democratic innovations & populism: For better or worse?

This project of Dr Kristof Jacobs investigates the effects of democratic innovations (e.g. citizen-initiated referendums, participatory budgeting and citizens’ assemblies) on populist citizens.

Marcel Wissenburg FM Focus

Climate goals have strong philosophical foundations in liberalism

Climate change: according to Professor of Political Theory Marcel Wissenburg and Political Science alumnus and Member of Parliament Silvio Erkens, in particular climate change deniers and climate activists dominate the social debate.

Events

No content available