Political Culture and History

Political Culture and History is one of five research groups at the Huygens Institute. This group explores the political and cultural history of the Netherlands, from the late Middle Ages to the recent past. We combine historical scholarship with digital research methods and tools, many of which are developed in-house.

The Netherlands broadly defined

Our understanding of ‘the Netherlands’ goes beyond the present-day kingdom. It includes the Netherlands within broader international contexts, as well as its historical role as a colonial power. Political culture refers to the ideas, norms, practices, and interactions that shape relations between institutions, officials, citizens, the media, and other stakeholders.

Two main themes

Our current research focuses on two central themes: Access to power and Political ecology. These themes allow us to contribute historical insight to pressing contemporary issues such as diversity and sustainability. Researchers whose work aligns with these themes are warmly invited to explore possibilities for collaboration.

Theme 1: Access to power

This theme investigates how individuals and groups gained access to political power, either by acquiring it themselves or by influencing those in positions of authority. Particular attention is given to people and voices often overlooked in conventional historiography. Our work includes research on petitions and appeals, media influence on political decision-making, diplomacy and committee systems, women in politics, and the relationship between painting, patronage, and the acquisition of power.

Access to power also depends on access to historical sources. Our research group brings together expertise in working with serial records and in applying digital techniques to open up and enrich historical data. We make these more accessible to support new forms of research, while also reflecting critically on the politics of digital access: who decides what is available, to whom, and with what consequences for knowledge and power?

Theme 2: Political ecology

This theme examines how politics and culture have shaped the natural environment and, conversely, how environmental conditions have influenced political power and decision-making. Our research includes studies on urban water supply and how societies have responded to drought, among other topics. We also study the varied and often conflicting relationships between humans and animals in the Netherlands and its colonial sphere, from the Middle Ages to the present.