Frederik Dhondt

Frederik Dhondt is a Professor at Metajuridica, Contextual Research on Law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He holds a Doctorate in Law from Ghent University, a Research Master in International Relations from Sciences Po Paris, and a Master of Arts in History from Ghent University. His work focuses on the history of international law, law and diplomacy, and 18th-19th century European legal history, with a particular emphasis on neutrality, balance of power, and treaties.

• Education:
  • Doctorate in Law, Ghent University (2008-2013)
  • Research Master, International Relations, Sciences Po Paris (2008-2009)
  • MA in History, Ghent University (2007-2008)
  • Bachelor’s in Law, Ghent University (2004-2007)

Research Interests span the history of international law, neutrality, balance of power, and legal historiography. His publications analyze diplomatic negotiations, maritime law, and legal networks in early modern and 19th-century Europe.

Scientific Awards include the Van Caenegem Prize 2016, OVR Medal (OVR Chair 2020-2021), and the Provincial Prize for Culture: Historical Research (2012). He has also received multiple thesis prizes for his early work.

Advising includes supervision of master’s and doctoral theses on topics such as 19th-century neutrality, Roman Republic’s influence on French law, and judicial code development. His grants include FWO-Flanders funding for postdoctoral research (2014-2017) and project-specific bench fees for joint PhDs.