Latest blog articles

No headscarves or other religious expressions in the police, in this way we impair the 'neutral' image associated with the police. ^{(Dutch only)}

Trevor Burrus claims that health care cannot be a fundamental right. He is not alone in saying this, but the way he says it is noteworthy. His article is not original (nor does it claim to be), but it represents an admirably clear retelling of an old story: Positive rights cannot be rights, this is...

Does Spain have a stong case from the perspective of the decentralised unitary state, to prevent Catalonia from the opportunity to gain independence, and therefore take numerous measures? ^{(Dutch only)}

Nederland raakt niet uitgepraat over referenda. En dat is niet zo gek, gezien de recente ervaringen uit het Verenigd Koninkrijk, Spanje en natuurlijk het Oekraïne-referendum. In het regeerakkoord staat dat de Wet raadgevend referendum wordt ingetrokken. Wat moeten we nou van referenda vinden?

Juncker's proposals are focused top-down. However, European citizenship will not arise itself by positing in a convention. In short, the knowledge which is present in society, should be fully used. ^{(Dutch only)}

A new perspective? What specific plans and suggestions has Juncker to encounter a more united, stronger and more democratic Europe? Are his plans realistic and do these proposals respond effectively to the issues of democracy and legitimacy? ^{(Dutch only)}

In March 2017 Pieter Duisenberg signed a declaration of intent with een bevestigende beantwoording van de volgende vraag: “Do you intend to complete the chosen term?”. ^{(Dutch only)}

It is hard to explain to foreigners how to constitute a Cabinet in the Netherlands with so many parties in the Lower House. ^{(Dutch only)}

After Rutte's promise, Asscher did not get where he asked for and so he agreed. ^{(Dutch only)}

From an academic perspective, we need to revise our textbooks: after Cameron-Clegg (2010-2015), and after a narrow majority for Cameron in 2015, there will be no majority party in the UK nowadays. ^{(Dutch only)}