Faces of Clingendael: Teun van der Laan

Who are our hard-working researchers and trainers and what drives them? You might have seen them in the media, explaining geopolitical topics or putting them on the agenda. We offer you a peek behind the scenes in our series Faces of Clingendael. Today with Researcher Teun van der Laan.

"We try to connect with people directly, even those who struggle to keep up with all the turmoil in the world. Their ideas and wishes should reach policymakers too, not just the loudest voices."

What is your role?

I started as an intern at the Clingendael Barometer, an annual survey about what Dutch people think about international developments. Now I am a Researcher in the Resilience team of Clingendael’s Security Unit. Our work mainly focuses on how international developments affect the Netherlands—for instance, how certain narratives take hold in society. We also do research on diaspora communities: Dutch people with a migration background, their connection to the Netherlands and their countries of origin, and how they perceive both governments.

What motivates you to do this job?

I find it really meaningful to explore how people think about current conflicts and help the public understand how geopolitical developments impact the daily lives of us all, even when indirectly.

Why do you think the impact sometimes goes unnoticed?

Some people struggle to keep up with all the turmoil in the world, which can lead to a pessimistic outlook. We try to ensure that those people who do not follow the geopolitical news all the time are still heard. Their ideas and wishes should reach policymakers too, not just the loudest voices.

We try to connect with people directly. We’ve hosted several conversations and community evenings, and I’ve noticed how engaged and enthusiastic people become during those discussions. It’s a clear reminder that our work makes a difference.

What are your interests outside of work?

I’m really into sports. Last weekend, my football team climbed to the top of the charts—so now we’ve got three finals ahead of us. We don’t dare say we’re “Champions” just yet though! Besides football, I also play a lot of squash.

What advice would you give to people aspiring to work in your field?

It might sound a bit cliché, but: follow your passion. Whatever sparks your interest, dive into it and start exploring. Don’t worry about what others might think. Becoming an expert takes time, so it’s important to focus on something that genuinely interests you. And most importantly: just go and get out there! That’s where you will learn the most.

Read more about our other researchers and trainers.