How feasible is a counter-narrative in preventing radicalisation?

For those who work to stop radicalisation from happening, the feasibility of what is termed a ‘counter-narrative’ usually divides the room. How feasible is it to challenge something as complex and meaningful as a narrative?

Podcast Episode 3: The Troubles With Borders: a discussion with Ramesh Ganohariti and Jennifer Dowling

Jake, Ramesh, and Jen discuss the phenomenon of borders and their implications, using the case of post-Brexit Northern Ireland as a focal point.

Shifting Focus: Right-Wing Extremism in the Dutch Military

Homicide and Immigration: Trends and Developments

Between 1992 and 2020, roughly half of all homicide victims in the Netherlands were born abroad, which is striking as they only make up a small percentage of the population. We reflect on the representation of immigrant groups in the Dutch ‘homicide landscape’ over the last 30 years.

Dealing with Fake News: An Absolute Necessity, but How?

In today’s digitized society, we witness an ‘anarchy’ of data and information coming from a myriad of sources. Parts of it can be classified as ‘fake news’ but how can you distinguish real from fake?

How the fear of danger becomes dangerous

Regardless of the political context, century or continent, the primary motivator for war and struggle remains the instinctual fear of humans incited by their urge to survive. That fear can easily be fed by leaders systematically emphasizing that ‘something’ is at stake because ‘someone’ is a threat.

Europe in NATO: time for a common Turkish policy

President Erdogan put Turkey on a nationalist road, seemingly at odds with the interests of European states. NATO is often used to support Turkey’s policies and undermine opposition. Adopting a common policy by EU-NATO members on Turkey is becoming increasingly vital to protect European interests.

The Dutch Digital Infrastructure Part 2: Digital (mis)behaviour in the future

Government problems with the national digital infrastructure (GDI) are evident in failures such as the unsuccessful digital transformation of the ‘Basisregistratie Personen’ or the recent ‘Zorgtoeslagaffaire’ in the Ministry of Finance.

Covid-19 Vaccine Diplomacy – the Exclusive Game and its Powerful Players

With access to Covid-19 vaccines being regarded a soft power asset, a few powerful countries use vaccine shots to further their own diplomatic objectives, in a move that is symbolically potent but without clear pragmatic benefits so far.