Even in today’s globalised world, political decision-making within the nation-state remains of central importance to political actors, organisations and citizens. National, regional and local institutions and actors face urgent questions relating to political legitimacy, representation and inequality, about changing party political competition and voting behaviour, and the need for democratic reform. The Institute of Political Science has a long tradition of the study of the politics of the Netherlands, and we are continuing to develop and expand this tradition in new ways.

Members of this cluster study the design and functioning of Dutch political institutions as well as attitudes and behaviour of political elites and citizens, dealing with empirical and normative questions. This includes questions on public opinion and voting behaviour, the historical development of Dutch political institutions, the study of national and local legislators and legislatures, public ethics, and the study of policies and policy-making, in particular of Dutch foreign policy. Cluster members are actively engaging in national and international debates on these issues, building on international-comparative and interdisciplinary work to better understand politics in the Netherlands. Their research does not only focus on the national, but also the regional and local level. A variety of methods is used, ranging from survey research, to historical archival research and from quantitative data analysis to in-depth interviews. Members of this cluster actively contribute to the public debate on politics in the Netherlands.

Members

• Joop van Holsteyn, coordinator
• Theo Brinkel
• Josette Daemen
• Tom Louwerse
• Joop van Holsteyn
• Tim Mickler
• Paul Nieuwenburg
• Simon Otjes
• Denny van der Vlist
• Cynthia van Vonno
• Thijs Vos
• Rick van Well

Other research clusters within the ‘Institutions, Decisions and Collective Behaviour’ programme:

• Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management
• Elections, Communication and Public Opinion
• European Integration
• Identity, Ethnicity and Political Community
• International Organisation
• Legitimacy and Justice
• Representation and Political Parties