Profile

Since April I am a researcher at the University of Bristol.

I came to the UK in 2017, first living in London, before moving to Oxford. Before 2017, I have been working and living in the South of the Netherlands (in beautiful Maastricht).

I find it fascinating to explore the intricacies of cooperation in international affairs, and in current times also spend a lot of time thinking about the impact of technology on diplomats, international negotiations and our ability to shape collective challenges like climate change.

In my spare time, I love being outside, meeting new people and exploring new places. I am a passionate rower, cyclist and hiker.

Maybe also have a look at my full research profile, my current project on European Diplomacy; my twitter profile.

I am looking forward to meeting you!

I research why we still need diplomats and diplomacy, even if we live in a world that is better connected then ever before. I also examine cooperation processes: why and how do groups or states cooperate, and what difficulties do they encounter in making cooperation and diplomacy work.

I also want to know how technology changes the work of diplomats. If they could also talk  online, why do our political leaders still travel all over the world to meet and talk?

My focusat the moment is on European cooperation and EU diplomacy: how do EU member states work together in representing their ideas and interests to other partners? What does the EU flag in front of their embassies mean for the diplomats working in these buildings?