Is Dutch democracy at risk?
When does a liberal democracy cease to be a liberal democracy? Leaders such as Orbán, Trump, and Putin came to power through elections, yet repeatedly overstep the boundaries of the rule of law. How does a country slide from democracy into autocracy, and what can we learn from this? How can we make our own liberal democracy resilient against internal subversion, for example by far-right and populist forces? Professor of political science Sarah de Lange discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Dutch political system and explains how a resilient democracy can be designed.
About the speaker
Sarah de Lange
Sarah de Lange is Professor of Dutch Politics at the Institute of Political Science at Leiden University. Her research focuses on extreme and radical right-wing politics, and she believes that as a political scientist she has not only the task of studying democracy but also of protecting it.
Gonzo Bimbo
Italo-Euro-Pop inspired musical and performative duo from Amsterdam. Visual artist and singer Enrica Arbia and musician Elias Elgersma (The Homesick, Huub Prins) deliver melody-driven dance grooves combined with extravagant weirdo performances that blur the line between concert and a club night. The Dutch/Italian duo performs live with a minimal amount of equipment and a maximum amount of energy, embracing spontaneity and raw intensity.
Drawing inspiration from the glossy charm of European pop, the pulse of EBM, and the moody aesthetics of 80’s new wave, their sound is a nostalgic and forward-pushing collage of synths, rhythm, and drama. Their performances are unpredictable and often infused with surreal costume elements, physical expression, and a playful sense of chaos.
Their second EP is a collection of danceable and emotionally charged tracks that set the tone for their next chapter as one of Amsterdam’s most exciting underground acts.
