The Russian threat to Europe, pro-Palestine protests, the passing of psychologist Andrea Evers and speculations on extraterrestrial life. These were among our most popular articles of the year.
Europe's security looks uncertain now that President Trump has started negotiations with Russia. That's what we wrote back in February, soon after Trump's return to the White House. What does this mean for the Netherlands? What do we need to do? We put these pressing questions to Professor of War Studies Frans Osinga. Trump was undermining the international organisations that ensure our security and prosperity, Osinga said. Tensions were already simmering in Europe, with cable cutting, cyber attacks and later the drones. Europe is on its own when it comes to deterring aggression, said Osinga. This seems more apt than ever at the end of this turbulent year.
War with Russia more likely now Trump has spurned Europe
Strategic voting
After the fall of the Schoof government, the Netherlands went to the polls again in October. Many people wondered whether to vote strategically; for instance, to prevent a certain party from emerging as the victor. Political scientist Andrei Poama and his team studied this phenomenon. Strategic voting isn't just a rational decision, he argued. 'It's a question of moral and political compromise.' The researchers concluded that strategic voters often experience strong emotions such as sadness, regret, frustration and shame.
How to tell if your strategic vote is truly strategic
