The Institute for Area Studies (LIAS) aims to demonstrate its social relevance through high-quality research, excellent education, and various outreach activities. A few highlights:

Remco Breuker: Why are North Koreans fighting in a European war?

These are turbulent times: the world order is in flux, and countries are vying for power. Why are North Koreans fighting in a European war? What are Kim Jong-un’s foreign policy ambitions? And how much influence do South Korean multinationals have on the Korean Peninsula?
Listen to the Dutch podcast series

Maurits Berger: The History of Islam in Europe

“Muslims and Islam are not something that has happened to Europe; they are part of Europe. In fact, Islam is one of the greatest constants in European history.” This is the argument put forward by Professor Maurits Berger in the new English-language podcast series “History of Islam in Europe.”
Listen to the podcast series

“Antiquity” Podcast Series

In the second Christmas special and the final episode of 2025, we join Prof. Jurgen Zangenberg in examining the reigns of Emperor Augustus and King Herod: with Christmas in mind, are we looking at a period of “peace on earth”?
Listen to the Dutch podcast