International Relations and European Studies
Research in the International Relations and European Studies Team addresses the interconnections and interdependence of contemporary global political, economic and cultural affairs from a multidisciplinary perspective rooted in the humanities.
Our research is grounded in historical and regional contexts, taking a wide perspective towards a broad range of theories and concepts. Our time frame is flexible, but we mostly focus on the contemporary, post-World War II era. We value regional and linguistic expertise. Our researchers investigate issues and topics by synthesising contributions from different disciplines, particularly history, area studies, and international studies broadly defined. By doing so, we both emphasise the international dimension to historical and area studies research and develop variously a comparative, transnational and global dimension to our individual and collective research.
News
-
Leiden researcher Sarah Wolff advises on EU rescue missions at sea -
Workshop ‘Geopolitics in Europe and the World’ marks start of interfaculty theme -
Academia meets Policy Workshop on 'Netherlands–Africa Relations in a Fragmenting World Order' -
Winner of the Europe Hub’s Best Master’s Thesis Prize 2025 -
MA International Relations Hosts Roundtable on Duterte’s ICC Detention and the Global Politics of Justice
In the Media
-
Andrew Gawthorpe on France24: ‘Discussions with the CIA director may be more discreet’ -
Andrew Gawthorpe on NBC News: ‘Trading stop with Iran would damage Moscow’s credibility’ -
Andrew Gawthorpe on NPR: ‘Iranian government is already one of the most heavily sanctioned in the world’ -
Andrew Gawthorpe on Time: ‘Burnham needs to appear like a strong leader’ -
Andrew Gawthorpe on France24: ‘The Trump administration is acting as a mouthpiece for the American business community’
Events
Major Publications
-
Claiming Impartiality: Peacebuilding Organizations as Actors in Multiple Fields of Global Governance -
The Transformation of the Eurasian Gas Trade - Narratives of Profit and Power -
Statelessness and Citizenship Revocation in Europe: Rethinking Politics, Law, Security, and Human Rights -
United States and Chinese foreign assistance and diplomacy: Aid for dominance -
Knowledge and Expertise in International Politics. A Handbook