Misunderstood Government

• Date: 11 February
• label.tijd 15:45 - 17:00
• Location: Speakers' Corner, De Haagse Hogeschool

How do we still relate to the state?

The government seems to regulate more and more, but that does not necessarily lead to more satisfaction among citizens. The greater our expectations of the government, the greater the chance of disappointment when it falls short.

This raises important questions: does it help to further strengthen democracy with referendums, citizen councils, or a different electoral system? Or do we look for answers in court, as in cases involving Srebrenica, Urgenda, or Gaza? Populist parties also often present themselves as a solution, but do they really offer an answer to the problem?

In the book "Uncomprehended Government" Gijs van Oenen explores these paradoxes. During the event, Van Oenen will share his findings and enter into a conversation with Jos van Leeuwen, Lecturer in Civic Technology at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Together they will delve deeper into the question: do we still understand the state, and does the state still understand us?

The conversation offers space for reflection on how we view the government today and what role institutions, citizens, and political parties play in this. Together with the audience, we will look at the broader social issues that Van Oenen raises: can, should, and do you want to understand the state? And does the state still understand you?

Show on map