Dynamics of Politics and Democracy in Small Island States
On 21 November, WIPSS hosts Prof. Wouter Veenendaal, Institute of Political Science, Leiden University. Wouter writes about his forthcoming seminar:
‘In this presentation, I will discuss my research on the characteristics and dynamics of politics and democracy in small (island) states. Building on my fieldwork in various small states, I will discuss the effects of smallness and insularity on political competition, political participation, and the relations between citizens and politicians. While recognizing some important differences between the politics of individual small island states, my research reveals that virtually all of these countries experience a tendency to person-oriented, informal political dynamics. In the presentation, I will offer some comparisons between individual small states, and inquire to what extent these dynamics can also be observed in Malta and Gozo.’
Wouter Veenendaal is an assistant professor in political science at Leiden University, the Netherlands. His research focuses on politics and democracy in small (island) states, and he has conducted research in various small island states around the globe. In his current research project, he analyzes the influence of informal and personalized politics on political stability. In November, he will be visiting Malta to study the interactions between citizens and politicians in the context of Malta’s small and polarized political environment.
Tuesday 21 November, 18:00-19:00, followed by discussion. In the Faculty of Arts Library, on the third floor of Old Humanities Building, at the end of the corridor next to Room 301. The stairs are in the corner of the Quadrangle behind the Assembly Hall. Students are encouraged to attend. The public is cordially welcome.