Photo exhibition 'NATO and the Netherlands: A Journey' at Wijnhaven
From 25 March to 15 April, the photo exhibition 'NATO and the Netherlands: A Journey' will be on display on the third floor of Wijnhaven. This traveling exhibition is part of the lead-up to the NATO Summit 2025, which will take place on 24 and 25 June in The Hague.
The aim of the photos is to engage in dialogue with as broad an audience as possible about NATO, as well as national and international security. The exhibition is touring several cities in the Netherlands and will be on display at our faculty in The Hague for the next three weeks.
As a subject of study, NATO is inherently linked to the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs. How do we approach security? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the alliance?
'NATO guarantees our security'
Martijn Kitzen, professor by special appointment of Military Sciences:
'As a collective defence organisation, NATO has been guaranteeing our security since 1949. The alliance was founded on the understanding that cooperation is essential for protection against aggression. This is particularly true for smaller countries, so it is no surprise that the Netherlands was one of NATO’s founding members.
During the Cold War, NATO grew into a politically and militarily robust organisation aimed at deterring an attack from the Eastern Bloc. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the alliance sought new roles and responsibilities. NATO forces contributed to stability in the Balkans and participated in the mission in Afghanistan.
Today, the alliance primarily focuses on deterring Russian aggression and combating terrorism. Scientific research shows that there are numerous lessons to be learned, both in terms of military cooperation and the political dynamics within the alliance. These insights not only contribute to a better understanding of NATO but also highlight how a country like the Netherlands benefits from its membership.'