Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Coming Soon: Volume on “Culture, Secularization and Democracy. Lessons from Alexis de Tocqueville”

"Following the approach developed by Alexis de Tocqueville, this volume views democracy as a cultural phenomenon. It starts from the assumption that if we are to adequately address concerns about the current state and future of modern Western democracies, we need first to tackle the cultural preconditions necessary for the functioning of a democracy. Since… Continue reading Coming Soon: Volume on “Culture, Secularization and Democracy. Lessons from Alexis de Tocqueville”

Comparative Constitutional Law, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Contribution to Symposium “Rethinking Human Rights” at Law & Liberty

I was pleased to contribute to this excellent symposium. "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was ratified 75 years ago on December 10, 1948. How the world understands universal human rights has changed significantly in that time. In this symposium, several Law & Liberty contributors consider the nature of universal human rights, what is necessary to uphold… Continue reading Contribution to Symposium “Rethinking Human Rights” at Law & Liberty

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

News release, “Hans-Martien ten Napel on Tocqueville and Modern Democracy”

"Recently, Hans-Martien ten Napel was in the news on the above subject several times. On 16 February, Hans-Martien ten Napel, together with Professor of Religion, Law, and Society at Radboud University Sophie van Bijsterveld, contributed to a Radboud Reflects’ programme on what the French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville would think of modern Dutch democracy. A podcast and… Continue reading News release, “Hans-Martien ten Napel on Tocqueville and Modern Democracy”

Comparative Constitutional Law, Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Public Theology, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Pentecost Podcast: “Taking Stock”

I recorded this Pentecost Podcast, entitled “Taking Stock,” to update everyone who takes an interest in my work-in-progress. There is much more to come in later editions of the podcast that I am currently planning. There will be thematic podcasts, podcasts in different languages, a podcast in which I will be talking with a guest,… Continue reading Pentecost Podcast: “Taking Stock”

Democracy, Dutch Politics, Law and Religion, Religion and Politics, Whither Europe?

Blogpost ‘The Political Theology of Thierry Baudet’

Governments have historically relied on metaphysical sources for their legitimacy. The French Revolution intended to put an end to this. However, with the current rise of populism, among other things, we are witnessing a revival of political theology. Read the whole blogpost here: https://leidenlawblog.nl/articles/the-political-theology-of-thierry-baudet. See also: