Political Science

The world is changing. Globalisation and technological change have affected the ability of governments to shape developments in their respective societies. Key institutions of international and domestic order face increasing backlash. Global issues such as climate change, migration, economic crises, terrorism or great power conflict challenge governments, international organisations, companies and civil society actors alike. The complexity and interconnectedness of contemporary politics requires these actors to manage and be responsive to the demands of their stakeholders and citizens at global, regional, national and local levels. How do they do this? And how should they act?

The Department of Political Science examines these and related questions about power, society and public life in its research and teaching. It does so to foster the capacities and skills of engaged, critical citizens devoted to pursuing questions and solutions of political community and civic life.

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.

Studenten Politicologie EOS

Bachelor’s Political Science ranks first in Keuzegids 2023

According to the Keuzegids Universiteiten, the bachelor's programme in political science ranks first in their field.

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.

Blogs and interviews

Indigenous social movements

Student blog: Degrowth or ecomodernism? A response to Rutger Bregman

Dutch historian Rutger Bregman, famous for berating billionaires at the World Economic Forum over tax avoidance, was once again caught up in controversy. Camiel Bus outlined degrowth’s theoretical merit in connection with ecomodernist literature.

Portret Lilian Marijnissen

'Studying gives you the opportunity to learn to think analytically’

As a child, SP party leader Lilian Marijnissen wanted to become a vet. Yet, years later, she chose to study Political Science in Nijmegen: “I wanted to understand how inequality comes about so I could do something about it.”

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.