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Arthur Weststeijn is an Assistant Professor in Political History at Utrecht University, specializing in the history of the Dutch Republic and its colonial empire, the history and contemporary politics of Italy, and the history of Spain and Latin America. He is affiliated with the Department of History and Art History within the Humanities faculty and is part of the Research Institute for History and Art History, focusing on International and Political History. Dr. Weststeijn's educational background includes: PhD in History, European University Institute, Florence (2010) RMA in History, European University Institute, Florence (2006) MA in Philosophy, University of Amsterdam (2005) MA in History, University of Amsterdam (2004) Erasmus Exchange, Universidad de Sevilla (2000-2001) His research focuses on the intellectual history of power, particularly examining ideas that express and contest political authority through two main themes: colonialism (how ideas have shaped European colonialism and resistance against it) and republicanism (how resistance to autocratic rule has given rise to ideas of liberty, citizenship, and democracy). His work spans early-modern Dutch colonialism, anticolonial thought, the history of democracy, and connections between ancient and modern forms of settler colonialism. He has published extensively on early modern republicanism, the political uses of classical heritage, and the making of modern Italy. Weststeijn's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersections between political thought, colonial history, and republican theory. His work often examines how historical ideas continue to shape contemporary political discourse, particularly regarding democracy, citizenship, and colonial legacies. He frequently engages with both European and transatlantic intellectual traditions, showing particular expertise in Dutch and Italian political thought. His notable awards and fellowships include: Fellow, Huntington Library, San Marino, California (Summer 2022) Fellow, John Carter Brown Library, Providence, Rhode Island (Spring 2019) Director of Historical Studies, Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (2011-2017) Dr. Weststeijn has served as a visiting researcher at prestigious institutions including the Cambridge Centre for Political Thought, University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin at Madison, and University of Padua. He frequently appears as an expert commentator on Italian culture and politics in Dutch media and maintains an active public intellectual presence. He is involved in multiple research initiatives including the IOS research themes on Contesting Governance, Futures of Democracy, and Longtermism and Institutional Change. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with archaeologists, classicists, and scholars from various humanities disciplines.

• Intellectual History
• History of Political Thought
• Colonial History
• +7 more

Dr. Paul Mepschen is an Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology at University College Utrecht, Utrecht University, where he has taught since 2019. Holding a PhD from the University of Amsterdam (awarded cum laude in 2016), he specializes in the critical analysis of power structures through ethnographic research focused on Dutch urban contexts. His institutional affiliations include Utrecht University's Institute of Social and Cultural Research (IOS) with research clusters in Contesting Governance, Gender Diversity and Global Justice, and Migration and Societal Change. His educational background centers on social anthropology, culminating in his doctoral dissertation Everyday autochthony. Difference, discontent and the politics of home in Amsterdam (University of Amsterdam, 2016). This foundational work established his methodological approach to studying urban citizenship through longitudinal ethnographic fieldwork in Amsterdam neighborhoods. Mepschen's research critically examines the interconnections of racism, nationalism, and sexuality within contemporary European societies, with particular focus on Dutch contexts. His work interrogates how categories of difference operate in everyday life through: The culturalization of citizenship and belonging Sexual democracy as a tool for exclusionary nationalism Populist discourses framing migration and religious minorities Urban renewal policies affecting marginalized communities The intersection of queer politics with anti-immigrant narratives Rural-urban political divides in identity formation His scholarship consistently reveals how progressive values become weaponized to construct new forms of culturalist exclusion. Analysis of his publication record (2010-2019) demonstrates evolving engagement with super-diversity frameworks while maintaining core focus on autochthony politics. Early work examined sexual nationalism and Orientalism, later shifting to urban citizenship and displacement discourses. Methodologically, he combines ethnographic depth with critical discourse analysis, primarily investigating Amsterdam neighborhoods as microcosms of national identity struggles. Key thematic clusters include culturalist exclusion mechanisms (38% of publications), urban citizenship (29%), and sexuality-nationalism intersections (21%). As an educator at University College Utrecht, Mepschen teaches foundational courses including Introduction to Anthropology , Decolonizing Anthropology , and Citizenship, Difference and the Politics of Belonging . He serves as an academic tutor guiding undergraduate students through their liberal arts curriculum, with office hours conducted by appointment due to temporary mobility limitations from a broken leg. His pedagogical approach emphasizes critical engagement with power structures through community-based learning and activist methodologies. Mepschen operates within Utrecht University's Institute of Social and Cultural Research (IOS) framework, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on projects examining governance challenges in multicultural societies. His research methodology centers on long-term ethnographic immersion in urban Dutch communities, particularly focusing on neighborhood-level dynamics of inclusion/exclusion. Current work extends his analysis to rural-urban political divides and the historical trajectories of leftist movements in shaping contemporary identity politics.

• Social Anthropology
• Racism and Nationalism
• Sexuality and Queer Politics
• +5 more

Ruben Gowricharn is a Professor of Indian Diaspora Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands. His research focuses on diaspora communities, multicultural integration, transnationalism, and economic development in Less Developed Countries (LDCs). His work examines the historical and cultural impacts of indentured labor systems, particularly in Suriname and the Caribbean. He holds expertise in agrarian transitions, socio-economic dynamics of plantation economies, and the interplay between cultural forces and economic behavior. His current projects include a book on Girmitiya Indian peasants in diaspora and leadership of a doctoral program for migrant students in the Netherlands. Key research themes include glocalization, diasporic ethnogenesis, and the resilience of marginalized communities. His publications analyze topics ranging from homelands and cultural rituals to transnational bonding in plural societies. Rubens Gowricharn has supervised 19 PhD theses and actively engages in interdisciplinary scholarship bridging sociology, economics, and cultural studies. He maintains no ancillary activities outside his academic roles.

• Indian Diaspora Studies
• Multicultural Democracies
• Transnational Communities
• +3 more

Wibren van der Burg is a Full Professor at the Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam, specializing in Legal Philosophy and Jurisprudence. His work focuses on the intersection of law, ethics, and society, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary legal research , global legal pluralism , and the dynamic relation between law and morality . He has authored influential books such as Contextualising Legal Research: A Methodological Guide (2024, with Sanne Taekema) and Rechtsfilosofie in een pluralistische wereld (2025), which rethinks democratic ideals in a globalized context. Research Pillars : Interdisciplinary methodology, legal pluralism, and law-morality dynamics Collaborations : Regular work with Sanne Taekema on methodological frameworks Teaching : Seminars on legal philosophy for master’s and PhD students His methodological innovations include saturation as a principle for philosophical research and pragmatist reflective equilibrium . He advocates integrating doctrinal, empirical, and humanities approaches in legal scholarship. Van der Burg has lectured internationally, including a 2021 series on research methods in Poland, and frequently contributes to public discourse on Dutch multiculturalism and religious pluralism.

• Legal philosophy
• Legal theory
• Law and ethics
• +7 more

Afshin Ellian is a Professor of Jurisprudence at Leiden Law School , where he also serves as Head of the Department Jurisprudence and Deputy Academic Director of the Institute for the Interdisciplinary Study of the Law. His work focuses on the legitimacy and effectiveness of law in multilevel jurisdictions, intersecting with areas like political Islam, multiculturalism, and militant democracy. Research Interests: Criminal law, philosophy of law, political Islam, separation of church and state, terrorism, and multicultural society. Publications: Co-authored the 2016 monograph Legaliteit en legitimiteit: de grondslagen van het recht , exploring legal foundations with emphasis on state-religion dynamics. Opinion Writing: Regularly contributes to public discourse through columns in NRC Handelsblad and Elsevier.nl , as well as international outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Le Figaro .

• Criminal Law
• Jurisprudence
• Multicultural Society
• +4 more

Gijs van Oenen is an Associate Professor in Practical Philosophy at the Erasmus School of Philosophy (Erasmus University Rotterdam). His work bridges academic and public discourse on political theory, multiculturalism, and the philosophy of public space. Prior affiliations include Haarlem Polytechnic, University of Amsterdam, Webster University Leiden, and the Academy for Architecture Rotterdam. Education : MA in Political Science (1986) and PhD in Legal Philosophy (1994) from the University of Amsterdam. Research Interests focus on: Political theory and its intersections with modern democracy Rule of law and legal philosophy Multiculturalism and identity politics Architecture and public space Interpassivity as a critique of democratic overexertion Philosophy of governance and civil disobedience Article Trends reveal a sustained engagement with: Critical analyses of democratic fatigue and interpassivity Philosophical responses to culture wars and political identity Architectural theory and its societal implications Contributions to legal and political discourse through books and chapters Scientific Awards : Co-recipient of the 2018 prize for the impact of Artificial Intelligence on dispute resolution. His research programme Interpassive Metal Fatigue (2007–2013), funded by NWO, explored democratic exhaustion through symptoms like disinterest and outsourcing. Van Oenen remains active in public debates, addressing topics such as democracy, emancipation, and cultural conflict in media and lectures.

• Political Theory
• Rule of Law
• Multiculturalism
• +4 more

Prof Arnold Labrie is a full Professor of Social and Cultural History at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Amsterdam (cum laude, 1986) and previously taught at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (1998–2001). His research focuses on the social history of ideas, modernization, nationalism, and European history, particularly Germany and France. He is affiliated with the Huizinga Instituut, the Institute for German Studies in Amsterdam, and the Institut für Europäische Geschichte in Mainz. Labrie teaches courses such as Idea of Europe and Nation-Formation and Nationalism in Europe , emphasizing global and comparative historical perspectives. His recent research (2011–present) centers on nation-formation in Europe, with upcoming publications on nationalism theory and case studies from Belgium, Germany, and Greece. He has held fellowships at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (1984–1985) and contributed to international boards and research initiatives. His work bridges historiography, cultural philosophy, and political theory, with a focus on premodern and modern transitions in European identity.

• Social History of Ideas
• Enlightenment and Romanticism
• Philosophy of History
• +4 more

Dr. Jaswina Elahi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Culture Studies within the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University. Her work bridges cultural sociology, digital culture, and social participation, with a particular focus on understanding how technology and social change influence each other to foster a more inclusive and just society. Dr. Elahi earned her PhD from Tilburg University with a dissertation on ethnic networks on the internet, following a Master of Arts from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Her educational background has shaped her interdisciplinary approach to studying Dutch society. Dr. Elahi's research spans multiple interconnected domains that examine social dynamics in contemporary society. Her work on cultural sociology and globalization explores how digital technologies reshape ethnic communities and cultural practices. She investigates social and public participation through the lens of marginalized groups, particularly focusing on poverty, social inequality, and resilience. Her research on indentured labor in Suriname connects historical colonial structures to contemporary social issues, demonstrating how past injustices continue to shape present-day societal dynamics. Through participatory action research and qualitative methodologies, she develops nuanced understandings of how individuals and communities navigate complex social landscapes. Her recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on social justice, with recurring examinations of how digital technologies intersect with issues of inequality, representation, and empowerment. A significant thread throughout her work examines postcolonial legacies and their contemporary manifestations, particularly regarding the Hindustani community in the Netherlands. Her research increasingly addresses gender dimensions, especially through studies on FemTech and women's health. She consistently employs qualitative methodologies to uncover the lived experiences of marginalized communities, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical policy recommendations. 2018 winner of the Pim Breebaart Research Award 2014 Award Foundation for the Formation of Multicultural Framework As an educator, Dr. Elahi supervises students in the Department of Media and Culture, with a strong emphasis on qualitative research methods and critical media studies. Her supervisory approach emphasizes social engagement and practical application of research to real-world issues. She has contributed to numerous research projects, often collaborating with governmental bodies like the Rathenau Institute and addressing pressing social challenges such as poverty, social security, and educational equity. Her work with the Advisory Committee on Colonial and Slavery History demonstrates her commitment to addressing historical injustices and their contemporary implications. Dr. Elahi actively contributes to public discourse through panel discussions, expert meetings, and opinion pieces. She serves on the Supervisory Board for the Haaglanden secondary school group, focusing on educational quality and equal opportunities. Her involvement with the quarterly magazine De Helling for the GroenLinks Scientific Bureau further demonstrates her commitment to bridging academic research and public policy.

• Cultural Sociology
• Globalisation
• Digital Culture
• +7 more

Anne Phillips serves as Professor of Gender Theory at the London School of Economics (LSE), where she has held a faculty position since 1999. Following her tenure as Director of the Gender Institute until September 2004, she currently maintains a joint appointment bridging the Gender Institute and the Department of Government, reflecting her interdisciplinary academic profile. Her scholarly work centers on feminist political theory, with significant contributions to critical examinations of democracy, political representation, equality frameworks, multiculturalism, and the politics of difference. Professor Phillips is widely recognized for rigorously challenging the limitations of contemporary liberal theory, thereby reshaping discourse in political philosophy through sustained interrogation of foundational assumptions and advocating for more inclusive theoretical models.

• feminist political theory
• political theory
• democracy
• +4 more

Dr. Jochen Hung serves as Associate Professor of Cultural History at Utrecht University's Department of History and Art History within the Faculty of Humanities. He previously held the position of Assistant Professor from 2015-2024 and maintains active research affiliations with the Humanities Research Institute for History and Art History. His academic journey includes a PhD in Modern German History from the University of London's School of Advanced Study (2013) and an MA (Magister Artium) from Freie Universität Berlin and University of Edinburgh (1997-2004). PhD in Modern German History, School of Advanced Study (University of London), 2008-2013 MA (Magister Artium), Freie Universität Berlin and University of Edinburgh, 1997-2004 Editor, Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung and Europtopics.net, 2005-2008 Jochen Hung's research centers on the complex relationship between media, culture, and society in modern history, with particular expertise in gender representations in interwar culture, German-Jewish publishing and national identity, and youth culture in the Weimar Republic. His work explores how media discourses shaped political understanding during critical historical transitions, especially examining gender, consumption, and democracy during the rise of Nazism in Germany. As demonstrated in his acclaimed 2023 book Moderate Modernity: The Newspaper Tempo and the Transformation of Weimar Democracy , Hung analyzes how moderate modernist approaches in media reflected broader societal tensions during political crisis. His extensive publication record reveals consistent thematic focus on Weimar Republic media landscapes, with increasing attention to transnational perspectives and contemporary relevance. Hung's scholarship demonstrates methodological diversity, combining archival research with cultural analysis to examine newspapers, popular publications, and visual media as historical sources. His recent work shows growing interest in transatlantic cultural exchanges and the construction of modern femininity across national boundaries. Joint Essay Prize of the German History Society and the Royal Historical Society (2012) Dr. Hung maintains significant public engagement through regular contributions to major international media outlets including The Guardian, BBC, Washington Post, and Die Zeit, where he provides historical context for contemporary political developments. His public scholarship extends to exhibition contributions such as 'Shock of the News' at the National Gallery of Art and 'Es kommt... die neue Frau!' at Erfurt University. He has delivered public lectures at prestigious institutions including The Wiener Holocaust Library, Glasgow Women's Library, and the Getty Research Institute, demonstrating his commitment to making academic research accessible beyond traditional scholarly circles. Within Utrecht University, Hung contributes to multiple programs including the MA in Cultural History of Modern Europe, BA History, and RMA History, teaching courses such as Cultural History Thesis Tutorial and History Lab: tools, methods and techniques for deciphering the past.

• Cultural History
• Media History
• Modern German History
• +3 more

Wiel MMH Veugelers serves as Professor of Education and Endowed Professor of Humanistic Education (HVO) at the University for Humanistic Studies. He maintains an extensive network of academic affiliations across European educational institutions and research organizations, demonstrating significant influence in the field of citizenship education and moral development. His research interests span citizenship education, moral development, pedagogical professionalism of teachers, educational change, networking between educational institutions, identity formation, youth studies, and youth subcultures. Professor Veugelers approaches education from a humanistic perspective, with particular emphasis on the relationship between education and philosophy of life, examining how educational institutions can support students' identity formation and moral development within increasingly diverse societies. Analysis of his publication record spanning over two decades reveals consistent focus on democratic citizenship education, with recent work addressing global dimensions of citizenship education, particularly in the Global South. His 2022-2024 publications demonstrate continued engagement with teacher education, student perspectives, and the intersection of sustainability and citizenship. Coordinator of International Network Education for Democratic Intercultural Citizenship (EDIC), Erasmus+ Programme Member of Political Expert Group on Citizenship Education, European Commission Chair of Special Interest Group on Moral Development and Education, AERA Coordinator of Special Interest Group for Moral and Democratic Education, EARLI Professor Veugelers' advisory roles with Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Curriculum Development Foundation, and various teacher training organizations demonstrate his commitment to bridging research and educational practice. His work with the Association of Teacher Trainers Netherlands (VELON) and the Youth and Family Programme Committee of NWO highlights his engagement with both teacher development and youth policy initiatives.

• Citizenship Education
• Moral Development
• Pedagogical Professionalism
• +7 more

Dr. Timothy Stacey is a Researcher and Lecturer at the Urban Futures Studio of Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. He works within the Urban Futures department focusing on cultural dimensions of sustainability transformations. His academic work bridges sociology, anthropology, religious studies, and political theory to explore how 'spirited' elements like myth, ritual, magic, tradition, and play inspire political and ecological action. Researcher at Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development Lecturer in Urban Futures Co-organizer of AltVisions network Coordinator of NIAS Theme Group Stacey's research centers on the cultural conditions of sustainability practice from transdisciplinary, transsectoral, and transregional perspectives. He examines how different grammars, images, myths, rituals, play forms, and traditions shape our understanding of what needs to be endured and why. His work explores how modern liberal societies have dispensed with 'spirited' elements at their peril, losing touch with what motivates people to take action and losing ground to populists who excel at narrative construction. He investigates how we can remobilize spirit for a just, abundant, and meaningful future. His recent publications show a clear trajectory toward understanding the role of cultural and 'spirited' elements in sustainability transformations. The articles reveal increasing focus on dramaturgical approaches to political change, religious repertoires for ecological transformation, and the intersection of liberalism with contemporary political challenges. His work consistently bridges theoretical analysis with practical engagement with policymakers, activists, and artists. Stacey actively collaborates across sectors, working simultaneously with policymakers, activists, and artists. He facilitates workshops, engages in public discourse through media appearances, and co-teaches courses including 'Cultures of Sustainability in Global Perspective' for Masters students and 'Futuring for Sustainability' for BSc Global Sustainability Science. His approach is described as 'activist research,' spending significant time working directly with people trying to bring about political and ecological change.

• Cultural Sociology
• Sociology of Religion
• Anthropology of Religion
• +5 more