Democracy Demands Constant Engagement

Shared ownership

Carla Hoetink opens the course 'Academy for the Rule of Law' with the question: if the rule of law is under pressure, how can we tell? Her engagement with the topic is both professional and personal. 'For me, it's about two pillars: my fascination with politics and its institutions, and the awareness that we must keep explaining why they matter. Democracy and the rule of law are not givens - they are constantly questioned and challenged. It is essential to communicate clearly what our political system entails, why it is valuable, and how it has evolved over time.'

Collective decision-making, shared responsibility

According to Hoetink, democracy is not a system for quick solutions, but a process of collective decision-making that aims for broad support and accountability. 'It is about participating in decisions on who exercises power, and being protected by the law when your rights or interests are at stake. That requires knowledge of the system and a shared sense of responsibility to help it function.'

Such understanding and shared awareness foster public support, and strengthen the sense of democratic values and personal responsibility, the foundations of a resilient rule of law.

Historical awareness as foundation

Hoetink argues that democratic awareness begins with historical insight: 'Why are institutions structured the way they are? What historical context shaped their design?' Parliamentary democracy is the result of political choices and historical crises. 'Meaningful change is only possible if we understand why checks and balances emerged; history shows us what was at stake before.'

This understanding is central to the interdisciplinary programme, where participants engage in dialogue with academics and peers. Site visits, for example to the Dutch Parliament, are combined with conversations on current issues. Topics include the normalisation of more extreme views and the space for civil servants to engage in public protest. 'The exchange between theory and practice, and across disciplines and sectors, enhances participants' insight into the system - and into their own role within it.'

Recognising historical and institutional patterns makes abstract principles tangible. 'Participants begin to see their professional environment through a different lens and ask sharper, more fundamental questions. That kind of reflection broadens perspectives and strengthens their democratic compass.'

From values to action

A core component of the programme is developing that democratic compass. 'Participants explore the fundamental values of the democratic rule of law - and how policymaking, administration and the judiciary interact, and what this means for their own role and responsibilities.'

Hoetink recalls a participant from the fire service who left a lasting impression: 'he pointed out that firefighters are often only consulted after policies have failed. They hope to be included earlier in the policymaking process, contributing their insights before issues escalate, rather than only intervening afterwards. That requires an understanding of power dynamics and decision-making processes, and of the influence one can exert within them, and that is exactly what this programme offers.'

Room for reflection and for doubt

The programme also creates space for critical reflection, on the system and on one's own role within it. Hoetink explains: 'It invites you to consider what good politics and good governance really mean. Who gets to participate? Under what conditions? On which issues? These are uncomfortable questions, but they are at the heart of a healthy democracy.'

At the same time, the programme offers perspective. 'We live in a polarised era, but history shows us that recovery and collaboration are possible. The question is: how do we keep that sense of collective responsibility alive? By engaging in dialogue. By continuing to learn. And by remaining aware of our role in the bigger picture.'