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. Read more about the story of Nijmegen School of Management.

Education

 

 

First place in it's field

The bachelor's programme is the best in comparison with bachelor's programmes offered at other Dutch universities. 

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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. Our research was assessed as excellent in 2025!

About our department

Want to know more about what we stand for as a political science department, what makes us unique, and what we focus on in our research and education? Then have a look at the video.

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 van Thespis in 2018 achter een desk

Passing of Political Scientist Kurt Tudyka

The Department is saddened to announce the passing of Kurt Tudyka on 19 March.

Bijeenkomst Politicologie in Den Haag

Two trips to The Hague by Political Science students

Recent teaching activities saw two groups of our students travel to The Hague to engage directly with organisations involved in diplomacy, foreign policy, and international cooperation.

Roderik Rekker bij NOS

Political scientists in (inter)national media on elections

During elections, our experts are particularly busy explaining electoral systems, voting behaviour and the specifics of Dutch politics in national and international media.

Blogs and interviews

Climate change student blog

Student blog: Should we go to war against climate change?

As the Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém quite literally went up in flames, the international community’s ambitions to fight climate change seemed to burn with it.

Tine Molendijk

Tine Molendijk appointed Professor by special appointment of Moral dilemmas of multilateral military operations

As of October 1, 2025, Tine Molendijk has been appointed Professor by special appointment of Moral dilemmas of multilateral military operations at Nijmegen School of Management.

Vlag Europa en Bosnië Herzegovina

Why Bosnia and Herzegovina is suddenly closer to Europe

Jesper Visser has recently graduated from Radboud University with a Master in International Relations and wrote a blog post about why Bosnia and Herzegovina is suddenly closer to Europe.

Contact information

Visiting address
Heyendaalseweg 141
6525AJ Nijmegen
024-3612113
Postal address
Postbus 9108
6500HK NIJMEGEN