2 0 11Annual report Netherlands Atlantic Associationlibrary and documentation facilities at its disposal that can be consulted freely. The activities of the Netherlands Atlantic Association

N e t h e r l a n d s A t l a n t i c A s s o c i a t i o n

2 0 1 1 A n n u a l r e p o r t

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lA u

eo rt

aA n n ua l R ep o r t

1 FOREWORD | 3

2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES | 4

3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | 5

4 ORGANISATION | 64-1 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD | 64-2 MANAGEMENT | 74-3 SECRETARIAT | 74-4 ATLANTI C EDUCATION COMMITTEE | 74-5 EDITORIAL BOARD OF ATLANTISCH PERSPECTIEF | 84-6 CHAIR IN MODERN TRANSATLANTI C RELATIONS | 94-7 RES IDENTIAL FELLOW | 94-8 ‘STUDIUMGENERALE’ | 94-9 NETHERLANDS ATLANTI C YOUTH | 104-10 STRATEGI C STUDIES FOUNDATION | 10

5 ACTIVITIES IN 2011 | 115-1 MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES | 115-2 PUBLI CATIONS | 225-3 PUBLI C OPINION POLL | 25

5-3 LECTURES, INTERVIEWS AND PUBLI CATIONS OF THE DIRECTOR | 25

6 FINANCIAL REPORT | 26

7 MISCELLANEOUS | 277-1 WEBS ITE | 277-2 THE NETHERLANDS ATLANTI C ASSOC IATION IN THE MEDIA | 277-3 DOCUMENTATION | 277-4 MEMBERSHIP | 277-5 ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PUBLI CATIONS | 287-6 ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTI CLES IN ATLANTISCH PERSPECTIEF IN 2011 | 28

C O N T E N T S2 01 1

Netherlands Atlantic Association

Bezuidenhoutseweg 237a-239a

2594 AM The Hague

The Netherlands

Telephone: +31-70-363.94.95

Fax: +31-70-364.63.09

Email: [email protected]

Internet: www.atlcom.nl

· Editor:

Niklaas Hoekstra

· Design:

Meyer/Van Gerwen, The Hague/Breda

· Printing:

Ervee design & drukwerk B.V., Zoetermeer

Copyright © 2012


Looking back at 2011, we are first and foremost struck by the

sheer number of programmes that the Netherlands Atlantic

Association has organised. Not only is the number of activities

remarkable, but also the variety. In part this is because of the

Association’s target group policy: each of the four original

target groups (education, journalism, politics and academics)

is waited on hand and foot. Teachers are ‘pampered’ with

programmes that focus on the United States (education

conferences and study trips to New York), while patrons of the

Association are treated to varied, but always topical, selected

topics from transatlantic relations. The subjects this year

ranged from the Arab Spring and a book presentation on

Russia to NATO’s Strategic Concept.

Special mention should be made of the meetings with the

Dutch Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence. In September

2011 Minister Rosenthal gave an introduction at the well-

attended international conference on ‘Empowering Women in

Afghanistan’; and on 11 May 2011 Minister Hillen talked at

length about ‘The Armed Forces in a Changing World’. Both

meetings drew full houses; something that can be said of

almost all of the Association’s programmes. Education

programmes are even ‘sold out’ as a rule.

Two types of programmes deserve special mention in this

annual report. First, the number of programmes that were

organised for young people increased substantially. Under the

auspices of Netherlands Atlantic Youth, ten programmes were

organised dealing with different subjects in the field of

international security issues. By using a mix of ‘traditional

communication’ (2.0) and social media (3.0), an important new

network is taking shape.

2011 also saw the birth of a new programme: ‘Studium-

Generale’© of the Netherlands Atlantic Association recruits a

network of young professionals, thus serving two goals. First,

a new target group is actively involved with the Netherlands

Atlantic Association; and second, a useful connection is made

between relevant government institutions and the business

community. Certificates for the first class of participants have

already been presented, and preparations for the second year of

‘StudiumGenerale’© are in full swing.

In April 2011, Piet Bukman stepped down as Chairman of the

Board. For almost nine years he has led the Netherlands

Atlantic Association with verve, dedication and expertise. The

Board is indebted to him for all of his efforts during those

years. I, the undersigned – President of Delft University of

Technology in my everyday life – have succeeded him. I hope

that with my experience at, among other places, the Dutch

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I can make a useful contribution to

the work of the Netherlands Atlantic Association.

Finally, the formation of an annual programme requires the

combined forces of the Board, Management and Secretariat.

Once again it is a pleasure to look back at the smooth

cooperation among all three.

Dirk Jan van den Berg

Chairman, Netherlands Atlantic Association

February 2012

3

1 F O R E W O R D

Since its institution in 1952, the Netherlands Atlantic

Association has been providing information on transatlantic

security issues and promoting the study of issues such as

relations between Europe and the United States, NATO and

European security. In this way, the Association hopes to further

public discussion on all such issues.

The Netherlands Atlantic Association organises national and

international conferences, seminars, panel discussions and

lectures for specific groups. Among the target groups are

patrons of the Netherlands Atlantic Association, politicians,

civil servants, journalists, diplomats, university lecturers and

students. Other important target groups are teachers and

secondary school pupils.

The Association is also active in the field of publishing. Its

publications include Atlantisch Perspectief [Atlantic

Perspective], the Association’s magazine, conference and

study reports and educational brochures. The Association has

library and documentation facilities at its disposal that can be

consulted freely.

The activities of the Netherlands Atlantic Association are

supported by both ad hoc and permanent committees. The

Atlantic Education Committee, for instance, develops projects

for secondary education. A second permanent committee is

Netherlands Atlantic Youth, which organises activities that are

focused on students and young professionals.

The independence of the Netherlands Atlantic Association is

safeguarded by the organisation’s Board, which includes

representatives of major political parties and experts on

transatlantic relations and security policy as its members.

The Netherlands Atlantic Association is a member of the

Atlantic Treaty Association – the umbrella organisation for the

more than 40 Atlantic councils, which work in each of NATO’s

member states and most of the Partnership for Peace

countries.

The Netherlands Atlantic Association works together with

government institutions, non-governmental organisations,

scientific and political institutions in the Netherlands and

abroad, and on an ad hoc basis with the business community.

This (international) cooperation enables the Association to

organise a variety of national and international conferences.

Finally, the Netherlands Atlantic Association initiates and

supports the development of others’ activities (for example,

students) in the fields of national and international security,

and advises on the organisation and implementation of

projects.

4

2 A I M S A N D O B J E C T I V E S

The Netherlands Atlantic Association wishes to express its

gratitude to all individuals and institutions that have assisted

the Association in its activities during 2011.

A vote of thanks is owed to the institutions, businesses and

individuals that supported the Association financially in 2011.

Without the contributions of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign

Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, the Association would not

have been able to carry out its activities. NATO’s Public

Diplomacy Division, the US Embassy in The Hague, Avans

University, Fontys University, Windesheim University of Applied

Sciences, NHL University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands

Defence Academy and, of course, the private patrons of the

Netherlands Atlantic Association also contributed greatly to

our conferences, public meetings, seminars, publications and

other activities.

The Netherlands Atlantic Association is very grateful to the

Dutch Permanent Representation to the North Atlantic Council

in Brussels, the German Marshall Fund of the United States,

the Royal Netherlands Navy, as well as the Mayor and Aldermen

of the city of Utrecht for providing material contributions in

connection with the Association’s programmes in 2011. The

Netherlands Atlantic Association is also indebted to the many

speakers at its conferences and other meetings, and to the

authors who contributed to Atlantisch Perspectief and to other

publications.

The activities of the Netherlands Atlantic Association are

carried out in cooperation with many organisations, both at

home and abroad. Regular contact is maintained with the Dutch

Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministries, with Dutch diplomatic

missions abroad, and with the embassies of OSCE countries in

The Hague.

In 2011, the Netherlands Atlantic Association cooperated with

the following organisations: the US Embassy in The Hague, the

Atlantic Treaty Association, Avans University, the Netherlands

Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’, the Germany

Institute Amsterdam (DIA), the Ministry of Economic Affairs,

Agriculture and Innovation, the European Movement in the

Netherlands (EBN), Fontys University, the German Marshall

Fund of the United States, Windesheim University of Applied

Sciences, JASON Foundation, the Royal Netherlands Society

for Military Art and Science (KVBK), Leiden University Centre

for the Study of Islam and Society (LUCSIS), the Ministry of

the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, NATO’s Public Diplomacy

Division, ‘De Nederlandsche Bank’, the Netherlands Defence

Academy (NLDA), NHL University of Applied Sciences, Pax-it,

the Permanent Representation of the United States to the

European Union, ‘Politiek Café Den Haag’, the Roosevelt Study

Center, Shell International, the Dutch United Nations Student

Association in Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam,

Leiden University and the Wiardi Beckman Foundation. The

Netherlands Atlantic Association hopes to continue its fruitful

cooperation with these organisations in the future.

5

3 A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S

4-1EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEAND BOARD

Representatives of major political parties, as well as experts in

the fields of transatlantic relations and security policy, are

represented on the Board and the Executive Committee (which

is part of the Board) of the Netherlands Atlantic Association.

The Executive Committee and the Board meet at least twice

and three times a year respectively.

CHANGES

In 2011 there were several changes in the composition of the

Board of the Netherlands Atlantic Association.

In January Maarten Haverkamp (Foreign Affairs Spokesman

for the Christian Democratic Party (CDA) in the Second

Chamber of Parliament) stepped down from the Executive

Committee. He was succeeded by Henk Jan Ormel, who holds

the same position in Parliament.

On 1 April 2011 Piet Bukman stepped down as Chairman of

the Board. He had held this position since September 2003. He

was succeeded by Dirk Jan van den Berg, President of the

Executive Board of Delft University of Technology. Before that

he was, among other things, Secretary-General at the Dutch

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Representative of the

Netherlands to the United Nations in New York, and

Ambassador to China.

In spring 2011 Djörn Eversteijn resigned as Chairman of

Netherlands Atlantic Youth and consequently stepped down

from the Board.

In June 2011 Atzo Nicolaï (Foreign Affairs Spokesman for the

Liberal Party (VVD) in the Second Chamber of Parliament) left

Parliament and consequently stepped down from the Executive

Committee. He became Director of DSM Netherlands. He was

succeeded by member of the Board Han ten Broeke (Foreign

Affairs Spokesman for the Liberal Party (VVD) in the Second

Chamber of Parliament), who in turn was succeeded by André

Bosman (Defence Spokesman for the Liberal Party (VVD) in

the Second Chamber of Parliament).

On 1 October the new Director of Security Policy at the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs, Joep Wijnands, took over the Foreign

Affairs’ observer position in the Executive Committee from his

predecessor Henk Swarttouw.

On 31 December 2011 the Executive Committee was

composed as follows:

· Dirk Jan van den Berg, Chairman

President, Executive Board, Delft University of Technology

· Monika Sie Dhian Ho, Deputy Chairman

Director, Wiardi Beckman Foundation

· Frank van den Heuvel, Secretary

Director Public Affairs, TNO

· Harry Groen, Treasurer

Former Mayor of Noordwijk

· Norbert Both

Vice President Corporate Communications, Shell

International B.V.

· Han ten Broeke

Foreign Affairs spokesman for the Liberal Party (VVD),

Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament

· Angelien Eijsink

Defence spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (PvdA),


· Henk Jan Ormel

Foreign Affairs spokesman for the Christian Democratic Party

(CDA), Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament

· Otte Beeksma, Observer for the Ministry of Defence,

Deputy Director of Information and Communication, Ministry of

Defence

· Joep Wijnands, Observer for the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs

Director of Security Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

6

4 O R G A N I S A T I O N

On 31 December 2011 the members of the Board included:

· Riëtte Blacquière-Schalen

Executive Officer, American Chamber of Commerce in the

Netherlands

· André Bosman

Defence spokesman for the Liberal Party (VVD),


· Mostafa Hilali

Royal Netherlands Army

· Raymond Knops

Defence spokesman for the Christian Democratic Party (CDA),


· Koen Koch

Lecturer, Political Science Department, Leiden University

· Hans Luyendijk, Chairman of the Atlantic Education

Committee

Headmaster, Dalton School, The Hague

· Mariko Peters

Foreign Affairs and Defence spokesperson for the Green Left

Party (‘GroenLinks’),


· Paul Scheffer

Writer; Professor of European Studies, Tilburg School of

Humanities

· André Szász

Former Director of ‘De Nederlandsche Bank’

· Marcel Urlings

Former Commander-in-Chief, Royal Netherlands Army

· Rein Willems

Member, First Chamber of the Dutch Parliament for the

Christian Democratic Party (CDA);

Former President, Shell Nederland BV

4-2MANAGEMENT

On 31 December 2011 the management of the Netherlands

Atlantic Association was composed as follows:

· Bram Boxhoorn

Director, Netherlands Atlantic Association; Director, Strategic

Studies Foundation

4-3SECRETARIAT

The work of the Secretariat of the Netherlands Atlantic

Association involves both the preparation and implementation

of policy. The staff of the Secretariat organise public meetings,

seminars, conferences, and other activities. They also maintain

the website, edit the Association’s publications, and manage

their production and distribution. Furthermore, the Secretariat

assists the study and work groups.

There were two changes in the Secretariat’s composition in

2011.

On 1 October Margreet Smit-Geerling stepped down as

Management Assistant. Kees Kouwenhoven joined the

Secretariat on 1 October as Project Assistant.

On 31 December 2011 the Secretariat was composed as follows:

· Niklaas Hoekstra

Head of Secretariat, Web Content Manager

· Maarten Katsman

Editor of Atlantisch Perspectief

· Janneke Suiskind

Project Manager for Education and Youth

· Kees Kouwenhoven

Project Assistant

Students from various Dutch universities provide valuable

assistance with the Secretariat’s work. In 2011 the following

interns worked with the Netherlands Atlantic Association:

Geert Asselbergs (Utrecht University), Marianne Copier

(Utrecht University), Rianne Mastop (Utrecht University),

Bart Mol (Utrecht University), Kari van der Ploeg (Erasmus

University Rotterdam) and Joppe Schaaper (University of

Amsterdam).

4-4ATLANTIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Atlantic Education Committee (AOC) develops activities

for secondary education within the framework of the aims of the

Netherlands Atlantic Association. The AOC tries to promote

interest in security-related issues by organising meetings and

publishing educational material. Its members include

representatives of three teachers’ organisations, namely the

Netherlands Association for Teachers of History (VGN), the

Netherlands Association for Teachers of Social Studies

(NVLM) and the Royal Netherlands Geographical Association

(KNAG).

The Atlantic Education Committee organises conferences,

(regional) seminars and study trips for teachers from secondary

7

schools (see Activities in 2011). Cooperation with the teachers’

organisations often makes it possible to issue post-graduate

certificates following these educational activities. The

Netherlands Atlantic Association has a database of some

2,600 teachers and school departments that are kept informed of

the various activities of the Atlantic Education Committee.

Under the auspices of the Atlantic Education Committee, the

Netherlands Atlantic Association regularly issues educational

publications. In so-called ‘web sheets’, background information

about topical international developments is given. Questions

and assignments are also part of the web sheets.

In 2011 the study book Venster op Amerika [Window on America]

was published. The book is intended for pupils of the higher

classes of high schools and consists of three lessons on the

political, economic and cultural relations between the

Netherlands and the United States from the Second World War

until the early twenty-first century (see also paragraph 5-2 on

Publications). A teacher’s guide was published together with

the study book.

There were three changes in the composition of the Atlantic

Education Committee in 2011.

In January, Harry van den Berg stepped down as a member of

the Education Committee. He had been a member since 2003.

Sietze van der Vinne (Lecturer in Geography at the Institute

for Teacher Education at Windesheim University for Applied

Sciences) joined the Committee in June. Finally, as of June

2011, Louis Vloedbeld is no longer a member of the

Committee.

On 31 December 2011 the Atlantic Education Committee was

composed of the following members:

· Hans Luyendijk, Chairman

Headmaster, Dalton School, The Hague

· Bram Boxhoorn, Secretary

Director, Netherlands Atlantic Association

· Anne-Marit Dannijs

Senior Lecturer of Social Studies, Institute for Teacher

Education, Rotterdam University

· Trudy Elsenaar-Tijsze

Former Chairperson, Central Directorate of Public Education,

Zaanstad; former Chairperson, Royal Netherlands Geographical

Association (KNAG)

· Tanja Groenendijk-de Vos

· Theo Hoebink

Teacher of Geography, ‘Katholieke Scholengemeenschap

Etten-Leur’ (KSE)

· Jacques Kriens

Representing the Netherlands Association for Teachers of

Social Studies (NVLM); former teacher of Social Studies,

‘De Nassau Scholengemeenschap’, Breda

· Paul Lemmens

Representing the Netherlands Association for Teachers of

History (VGN); teacher of History, ‘De Nassau Scholen -

gemeenschap’, Breda

· Frederik Oorschot

Representing the Royal Netherlands Geographical Association

(KNAG); staff member of the Netherlands Institute for

Curriculum Development (SLO), Enschede

· Robert de Oude

Teacher of History and Social Studies, Walburgcollege,

Zwijndrecht

· Jos Roozenbeek

· Sietze van der Vinne

Lecturer in Geography, Institute for Teacher Education,

Windesheim University for Applied Sciences

4-5EDITORIAL BOARD OF ATLANTISCH PERSPECTIEF

Atlantisch Perspectief [Atlantic Perspective] is the magazine of

the Netherlands Atlantic Association. It appears eight times a

year and devotes attention to (current) developments in

international politics and the field of security (an overview of

articles published in English in 2011 can be found in section 7-6

of this Annual Report).

The Editorial Board of Atlantisch Perspectief consists of an

Editor, an Editorial Advisory Board and an International

Advisory Board.

There were no changes to the Editorial Board in 2011.

On 31 December 2011 the Editorial Board of Atlantisch

Perspectief was composed as follows:

Editor

· Maarten Katsman

Advisory Board

· Bram Boxhoorn, Chairman

Director, Netherlands Atlantic Association

· Niklaas Hoekstra, Senior Editor

Head of Secretariat, Netherlands Atlantic Association

8

· Kees Homan

Adviser, Clingendael Security and Conflict Programme,

Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’,

The Hague

· Joris Janssen Lok

Thales Nederland BV

· Ruud Janssens

Professor of American Studies, University of Amsterdam

· Wim Klinkert

Lecturer in Military History, Netherlands Defence Academy;

Professor of Military History, University of Amsterdam

· Hans van Leeuwe

Ministry of Defence

· Marianne van Leeuwen

Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations; Professor, by

special appointment, of Modern Transatlantic Relations,

University of Amsterdam

· Rik van der Linden

Policy Adviser, Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce

· Anselm van der Peet

Researcher, Netherlands Institute for Military History, The

Hague

· Sebastian Reyn

Deputy Director of General Policy Affairs, Ministry of Defence

· Auke Venema

Ministry of Defence

International Advisory Board

· Hans Binnendijk

Director, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National

Defense University, Washington DC

· Ann-Sofie Dahl

Former President, Swedish Atlantic Council, Stockholm

· Marten van Heuven

Senior Consultant, RAND Corporation, Washington DC

· Jan Willem Honig

Professor of Military Strategy, Swedish National Defence

College, Stockholm

· Margarita Mathiopoulos

Chief Executive Officer, EAG European Advisory Group, Berlin

· Alexander Moens

Professor of International Relations, Simon Fraser University,

Burnaby (BC), Canada

· Henning Riecke

Head, European Foreign and Security Policy Programme,

German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), Berlin

· Stanley Sloan

Visiting Scholar, Rohatyn Center for International Affairs,

Middlebury College (VT), United States

4-6CHAIR IN MODERN TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS

Since 2005 the Netherlands Atlantic Association has endowed a

chair in Modern Transatlantic Relations at the Faculty of

Humanities of the University of Amsterdam. This chair was held

by Ronald Havenaar from 1 May 2005 until 1 September 2008.

In October 2009 Marianne van Leeuwen was appointed as his

successor. Since 2003 she has worked for the General

Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands (AIVD) as

Senior Policy Adviser. On 17 September 2010 she gave her

Inaugural Lecture – ‘Peace as a Side Goal: America, Europe and

the Middle East Peace Process’ – in the Main Hall of the

University of Amsterdam.

4-7RESIDENTIAL FELLOW

At the request of the Netherlands Atlantic Association,

Hugo Klijn (working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and

between September 2009 and September 2011 a Senior

Research Fellow at the Clingendael Security and Conflict

Programme) wrote a study on Russian perceptions towards the

West (Russia: Our Distant Neighbour) and posed the question

of how these perceptions block future cooperation. This study

was published on 28 November 2011 (see also Activities 2011

and Publications).

4-8‘STUDIUMGENERALE’

In 2011 the Netherlands Atlantic Association started a new

programme for talented young professionals with a government

or business background: ‘StudiumGenerale’©.

The programme consisted of nine meetings between March

2011 and January 2012. The subjects that were covered varied,

but mainly dealt with the (new) world order from a Dutch and

transatlantic perspective. There were meetings on the Dutch

political landscape, the importance of Germany for the

Netherlands and the euro, US President Obama’s political

agenda, and the role of multinationals in the world. The course

started off with a team-building weekend in Zeeland (see also

Activities 2011).

9

Participants in ‘StudiumGenerale’© in 2011 were:

· Nico Brinkerink

Fokker Technologies

· Josanne Derks

Royal Haskoning

· Gerrit-Jan van den Dungen

Randstad

· Maeson Ethard

WestHolland Foreign Investment Agency

· Anne de Graaf

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

· Marten Hillen

Royal Haskoning

· Susanne Huiberts

Netherlands Defence Academy /National Police

· Marjolein Kampschreur

BKB Bureau

· Bram Nijboer

Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations

· Suzan Tack

Royal Haskoning

· Joris Tjaden

BKB Bureau

· Joost Veldman

Ministry of Defence

· Sanne Westmaas

Netherlands Defence Academy / Ministry of the Interior and

Kingdom Relations

4-9NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTH

Since 2006, Netherlands Atlantic Youth has been a

subcommittee of the Netherlands Atlantic Association. It aims

to increase awareness among students and young

professionals and to increase their involvement in common

transatlantic security issues. Netherlands Atlantic Youth is a

platform for dialogue on the future of NATO, not only for young

people in the Netherlands, but also for those in other NATO

and Partnership for Peace countries. In order to meet these

goals, Netherlands Atlantic Youth organises various national

and international events that are aimed at a young audience

(from 18-35 years), and it does so in cooperation with various

partner organisations.

The Board of Netherlands Atlantic Youth underwent several

changes in 2011. In early 2011 Djörn Eversteijn stepped down as

Chairman. He was temporarily succeeded by Christa Verhoek

and then by Rowinda Appelman. Sabrina Brandt and Femke

van Paasschen stepped down during the course of the year. In

the autumn, Marianne Copier, Rosalie van Gelder, Willem

van Poll, Sander ’t Sas, Yalda Walinezjad Asl and Eva van

der Zee joined the Board.

’On 31 December 2011 the Board of Netherlands Atlantic Youth

consisted of:

· Rowinda Appelman (Chairperson)

· Matthieu Bouwense

· Marianne Copier

· Rosalie van Gelder

· Willem van Poll

· Sander ’t Sas

· Lieke Sniekers

· Yalda Walinezjad Asl

· Eva van der Zee

4-10STRATEGIC STUDIES FOUNDATION

The Strategic Studies Foundation is an independent

organisation that was established to take care of the

Netherlands Atlantic Association’s scholarly activities. The

Foundation’s goals are to initiate and support scholarly

research on security-related issues. From May 1999 until

February 2008, Rob de Wijk was Professor, by special

appointment, of Strategic Studies at Leiden University, a chair

established and endowed by the Foundation.

From April 2009 until July 2011 Julian Lindley-French occupied

the chair. Mr Lindley-French is, among other things, the

Eisenhower Professor of Defence Strategy at the Netherlands

Defence Academy in Breda.

On 31 December 2011 the Board of the Strategic Studies

Foundation was composed as follows:

· Dirk Jan van den Berg, Chairman

· Monika Sie Dhian Ho, Deputy Chairperson

· Frank van den Heuvel, Secretary

· Harry Groen, Treasurer

· Bram Boxhoorn, Director

10

presidents paint an illusory world in their inaugural addresses,

in which empty rhetoric plays an important role.

Ruud Janssens started his introduction by emphasising

the differences between stability and conflict as the most

important factors when researching (American) foreign policy.

He described a tendency towards a more ‘contextual approach’,

which often suggests more stability than research on purely

political structures.

Paul Brill compared right-wing populism in the Nether -

lands and the United States, embodied by the Dutch PVV and

the American Tea Party movement. He emphasised, however,

that populism does not necessarily have to have a right-wing

background. He used The People’s Party (an American left-wing

populist movement from 1891) as an example.

The morning session ended with ‘Dutch-American’

Greg Shapiro. In his spoken column ‘How to be Orange’, he

made fun of American and Dutch political cultures.

The afternoon session consisted of four workshops that

participating teachers could attend. They covered subjects such

as Obama’s presidency in historical perspective; a comparison

between the integration debate in the Netherlands and the

United States; the historic legacy of the American Civil War

(in particular the battle at Gettysburg); and young people and

American war games.

PUBLIC MEETINGDate: 9 February 2011

Subject: ‘Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of

American Power’

Speaker: Robert Kaplan (journalist and writer)

Moderator: Sebastian Reyn (Ministry of Defence)

Location: Press Centre ‘Nieuwspoort’, The Hague

Participants: 170 (patrons, university lecturers, journalists,

members of the diplomatic corps, politicians,

representatives of the Netherlands’ Ministries

of Foreign Affairs and Defence, students, and

others)

5-1MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES

ATLANTIC EDUCATION CONFERENCEDate: 1 February 2011

Subject: ‘Window on America: Education Perspectives

on the Dutch-American Relationship’

Speakers: Marianne van Leeuwen (University of

Amsterdam); Eduard van de Bilt (Leiden

University, University of Amsterdam); Ruud

Janssens (University of Amsterdam); Paul

Brill (De Volkskrant); Greg Shapiro (Boom

Chicago); Willem Post (Clingendael Institute);

Frans Verhagen (author); Paul Knevel

(University of Amsterdam); and Dorus

Hoebink (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Moderator: Hans Luyendijk (Chairman, Atlantic Education

Committee)

Location: University Hall, Utrecht

Participants: 120 (secondary school teachers of history,

geography and social studies, students and

others)

This well-attended conference was organized around Window

on America, a study book on Dutch-American relations by the

Atlantic Education Committee. The conference consisted of a

plenary morning session with lectures and an afternoon

programme with workshops.

In her speech, Marianne van Leeuwen tried to capture

the current state of affairs of the transatlantic relationship in a

matrix model. She wanted to eliminate contradictions and

subjective assumptions when considering these relations, so

that a measure for ‘sober answers’ would emerge.

Eduard van de Bilt elaborated on the inaugural address

of John F. Kennedy and the discrepancies between Kennedy’s

speech and his actual policies. He argued that all American

11

5 A C T I V I T I E S I N 2 0 1 1

The American writer and scholar Robert Kaplan talked about

his new book on the rise of the Indo-Pacific region. Among

other things, he paid attention to the political future of the

region. The two most important countries in the region – China

and India – are not only dependent on one another but are also

rivals. Dominance at sea plays an important role in this respect.

Kaplan sees this process as a final step towards global political

multipolarity.

NEW YEAR’S DRINKS OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 10 February 2011

Speaker: René Cuperus (Wiardi Beckman Foundation)

Location: ‘Brasserie Dudok’, The Hague

Participants: 20 students and young professionals

At the annual New Year’s Drinks of Netherlands Atlantic Youth,

René Cuperus offered the attendees some transatlantic

observations. According to Cuperus, the current trend of

populism is the biggest transatlantic security threat at the

moment. It undermines support for foreign policy and

international cooperation. The causes that Cuperus mentioned

for this rise in populism were, among other things, a ‘general

crisis of representation and confidence in politics’, which

mainly stems from a short circuit between elites and the

population; rising tensions between globalisation’s winners and

losers; and the paradox that the world is becoming smaller,

more homogenous and uniform, while at the same time national

societies are becoming more diverse and less familiar.

MEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 15 February 2011

Subject: ‘The Godfather Doctrine’ (lecture followed by a

screening of The Godfather I)

Speaker: John Hulsman (John C. Hulsman Enterprises;

The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, The

Hague; author of The Godfather Doctrine)

Location: Parool Theatre, Amsterdam


During this meeting, John Hulsman talked about his book The

Godfather Doctrine, in which political schools in the United

States are personified by the three sons of the famous

character from the movie The Godfather, Don Vito Corleone.

With the help of some scenes from the movie, Hulsman

explained which strategies the different political schools use

with regard to foreign policy. He compared Don Corleone’s

sons – Sonny, Tom and Michael – with, respectively, neo-

conservatism, institutionalism and realism in American

politics. After the lecture and the Q&A session, the attendees

watched the first part of The Godfather trilogy.

LUNCHMEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 3 March 2011

Subject: ‘The Rise of China’ (first meeting in a series of

four)

Speakers: Jantinus Smallenbroek (Ministry of Foreign

Affairs); and Ingrid d’Hooghe (Clingendael

Institute)

Location: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague


Netherlands Atlantic Youth organised the first meeting in a

series of four on the rise of China. Ingrid d’Hooghe mentioned a

number of domestic factors that could slow down the almost

inevitable rise: ageing in combination with the one-child policy;

the sustainability of economic growth; the skewed distribution

of income; and regional inequalities. Jantinus Smallenbroek

noted that the Netherlands would like to see China develop as a

responsible stakeholder that plays, and claims, an international

role that befits its economic size.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 16 March 2011

Subject: ‘Current International Issues’

Speaker: Leo Michel (Institute for National Strategic

Studies, National Defense University,

Washington DC)

In cooperation

with: SIB Amsterdam

Location: US Embassy, The Hague

Participants: 25 (members of Netherlands Atlantic Youth and

SIB Amsterdam)

During this meeting of Netherlands Atlantic Youth at the US

Embassy, Leo Michel talked off-the-record about current

international issues.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEDate: 17-18 March 2011

Subject: ‘Issues regarding Foreign Policy and National

Security and the Challenges for Europe’

Speakers: John Vinocur (International Herald Tribune);

Ulrike Guérot (European Council on Foreign

Relations); John Hulsman (John C. Hulsman

Enterprises; The Hague Centre for Strategic

Studies, The Hague); Leo Michel (National

Defense University, Washington DC); Nadia

Arbatova (Institute for World Economy and

International Relations (IMEMO), Moscow);

Joris van Bladel (Slavist and military

12

sociologist); Heinrich Vogel (former Director,

BIOst); and Hüseyin Bagci (Department of

International Relations, Middle East Technical

University, Ankara)

Moderators: Ton Nijhuis (Scientific Director, Germany

Institute Amsterdam); and Bram Boxhoorn

(Director, Netherlands Atlantic Association)

In cooperation

with: Germany Institute Amsterdam

Location: Singel 425, Amsterdam

Participants: 25 (Dutch and foreign university lecturers,

journalists, member of the diplomatic corps,

politicians, representatives of the Dutch

Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence)

At this conference, Dutch and foreign experts talked for two

days about a number of European and transatlantic security

issues. Topics that were discussed included Germany’s role in

Europe, the future of EU-NATO relations after the Cyprus issue

is solved; Europe’s Russian policy after the NATO Summit in

Lisbon; and the importance of new Turkish self-confidence for

Turkish-European relations.

DEBATEDate: 17 March 2011

Subject: ‘The United States and Europe in a Multipolar

World’

Speakers: John Vinocur (International Herald Tribune,

Paris); John C. Hulsman (John C. Hulsman

Enterprises; The Hague Centre for Strategic

Studies); Ulrike Guérot (European Council on

Foreign Relations, Berlin); and Leo Michel

(Institute for National Strategic Studies,

National Defense University, Washington DC)

Moderator: Maarten Brands (Germany Institute

Amsterdam)

In cooperation

with: Germany Institute Amsterdam

Location: Felix Meritis, Amsterdam





others)

Four of the speakers in this international conference also spoke

at a public debate on transatlantic challenges in a multipolar

world. Topics that were covered included the role of the EU in

this changing world; the probability of a US decline of power;

explosive hotbeds in the world; and the future of transatlantic

relations. Finally, the question of whether interventionism is

becoming too complicated was raised. In this multipolar world,

the number of countries that - for political or financial reasons -

do not support interventions is increasing.

‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 26-27 March 2011 (unit 1)

Subject: ‘Battlefield Tour’ (team-building weekend)

Locations: Vlissingen and Walcheren

Participants: Participants in ‘StudiumGenerale’© of the


The first class of participants in ‘StudiumGenerale’© of the

Netherlands Atlantic Association got a chance to know each

other better during a team-building weekend in Vlissingen and

Walcheren. With military historian Marc van Alphen as their

guide, they received information about, and visited locations

that had played a role during, the battle for Walcheren in the

Second World War.

PUBLIC MEETINGDate: 1 April 2011

Subject: ‘The Arab Explosion and NATO: Questions and

Options’

Speakers: Rolf Schwarz (NATO Defence College); and

Marianne van Leeuwen (University of

Amsterdam)

Moderator: Dirk Jan van den Berg (Chairman,

Netherlands Atlantic Association)






others)

Rolf Schwarz and Marianne van Leeuwen talked about the Arab

Spring and about the responsibilities and challenges for the

international community as a whole, and NATO in particular.

According to Schwarz, NATO took the decision to intervene

both on humanitarian as well as on political grounds. Van

Leeuwen warned that opposition groups to autocratic regimes

do not always have a democratic orientation themselves.

According to van Leeuwen, interests are still more important

than values in international politics.

MEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 7 April 2011

Subject: ‘Economic Aspects of the Rise of China’

(second meeting in a series of four)

13

Speakers: Piet Buitelaar (‘De Nederlandsche Bank’);

Jurriën van der Horst (Directorate of

International Business, Ministry of Economic

Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation); and Jan

van der Putten (former correspondent; founder

of the consultancy Eyes on China)

Location: Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and

Innovation

Participants: 30 (students and young professionals)

On 7 April Netherlands Atlantic Youth organised the second

meeting in a series of four on the rise of China. At the Ministry

of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, Jan van der

Putten spoke about the historic background of China’s

economic rise since 1978. Jurriën van der Horst then gave some

insight of Dutch economic interests with regard to China.

Finally, Piet Buitelaar shed light on the monetary aspects of

China’s development.

PUBLIC MEETINGDate: 7 April 2011

Subject: ‘Cyber Defence’

Speakers: Jamie P. MacIntosh (Institute for Security and

Resilience Studies, University College London);

and Koen Gijsbers (Chief Information Officer,

Ministry of Defence)

Moderator: Bram Boxhoorn (Director, Netherlands

Atlantic Association)






others)

During this meeting on cyber defence, Jamie MacIntosh

discussed, among other things, the history of the concept, the

proper authorities in this field (not necessarily the state), the

organisation of cyber defence (‘Not all hackers are bad’), and

the importance of innovation (the decisive factor both in war

and peace). Koen Gijsbers focused on military aspects of the

threat, and the roles of NATO and the Dutch government.

EDUCATION SEMINARDate: 14 April 2011

Subject: ‘Globalisation and Africa: Geopolitical and

Economic Aspects’

Speakers: Jan Kruse (Wavin N.V., Zwolle); Roel van der

Veen (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, University of

Amsterdam, Groningen University); Paolo de

Mas (Morocco Institute Netherlands, The

Hague); Marcel Rutten (Africa Study Centre,

Leiden); and Pauline Overeem (Centre for

Research on Multinational Corporations,

Amsterdam)

In cooperation

with: NHL University, Leeuwarden, Windesheim

University

Location: ‘Nieuwe Buitensociëteit’, Zwolle

Participants: 110 (teachers and students of history,

geography, social studies, students and others)

During the education seminar on ‘Globalisation and Africa’,

Roel van der Veen dealt with the question of why many Asian

countries have succeeded in their economic development, while

many African countries still seriously lag behind. By using

some practical examples, van der Veen explained that delays in

development on the African continent mainly have to be seen in

a historic context.

Paolo de Mas stated, among other things, that when

globalisation is studied in an African context, the emphasis is

usually on the legal circuit, while a great deal of the (negative)

effects are caused by the illegal circuit. This circuit is expanding

in size and scope because of globalisation, while at the same

time the borders between legal and illegal activities seem to

fade.

Marcel Rutten’s presentation focused on the internationalisa -

tion of agricultural production in East Africa. Potentially, Africa

should profit most from integration in the world market by new

technologies being introduced and the low level of wages.

Production, however, is severely hampered by lagging foreign

investments, high production costs, and crippled infrastructure

and trade facilities.

The final speaker, Pauline Overeem, discussed regional and

global aspects of coltan mining in Congo. Coltan is an ore that

is used, for instance, in mobile phones and laptops. The

foundation that she represents focuses on the corporate social

responsibility of multinational businesses, and critically follows

the involvement of large companies with regard to local

projects, poverty, working conditions and corruption.

BOOK PRESENTATION AND PANEL DISCUSSIONDate: 28 April 2011

Subject: ‘The Other Muslims: Secular and Moderate’

Speakers: Zeyno Baran (editor, The Other Muslims);

Mostafa Hilali (one of the authors, The Other

Muslims); Maurits Berger (Professor of Islam

in the Contemporary West, Leiden University);

and Léon Buskens (Professor of Law and

Culture in Muslim Societies, Director of LUCIS)

14

Moderator: Norbert Both (Shell International; Board

Member, Netherlands Atlantic Association)

In cooperation

with: Leiden University Centre for the Study of Islam

and Society (LUCIS)

Location: Kamerlingh Onnes Building, Leiden University

Participants: Patrons, university lecturers, journalists,

members of the diplomatic service, politicians,

representatives of the Dutch Ministries of

Foreign Affairs and Defence, students and

others

This meeting focused on the relationship of democracy, Islam

and integration. The participants discussed these themes on

the basis of the book by Zeyno Baran and co-author Mostafa

Hilali.

PUBLIC MEETINGDate: 11 May 2011

Subject: ‘The Armed Forces in a Changing World’

Speaker: Hans Hillen (Minister of Defence)

Moderator: Theo Ent (Chairman, KVBK)

In cooperation

with: Royal Netherlands Society for Military Art and

Science (KVBK)

Location: ‘Sociëteit De Witte’, The Hague



representatives of the Dutch ministries of


others)

Dutch Defence Minister Hans Hillen gave a very well-attended

lecture for the Netherlands Atlantic Association and the Royal

Netherlands Society for Military Art and Science on ‘The

Armed Forces in a Changing World’. Because of the financial

crisis, the Ministry of Defence has to cut one billion euros from

its budget. This has grave consequences, not only for the

number of jobs, but also for military strategy and international

cooperation. According to the Hillen, the Netherlands should

still strive for the versatile employability of its armed forces.

International defence cooperation is very important in this

respect, not because of the cost savings, but because of

military effectiveness. Hillen also stressed the need for renewal

within the Ministry of Defence, with more attention for cyber

defence and, for instance, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 13 May 2011 (unit 2)

Subject: ‘The Importance of Germany for the

Netherlands and the Euro’

Speakers: Job Swank (Division Director Economic Policy

and Research, ‘De Nederlandsche Bank’);

André Szász (former Director, ‘De Neder -

landsche Bank’; Board Member, Netherlands

Atlantic Association); and Ton Nijhuis

(Scientific Director, Germany Institute

Amsterdam)

Location: ‘De Nederlandsche Bank’, Amsterdam



ATA COUNCIL MEETINGDate: 18-20 May 2011

Location: Brussels

Participants: On behalf of the Netherlands: Bram Boxhoorn

(Director, Netherlands Atlantic Association)

VISIT TO NATO HEADQUARTERSDate: 20 May 2011

Subject: ‘Current Issues at NATO’

Speakers: Representatives of the International Staff and

members of the various delegations of NATO

member states and partner countries

In cooperation

with: NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division

Location: Brussels

Participants: 7 parliamentary staffers

A couple of times a year the Netherlands Atlantic Association,

in cooperation with NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division,

organises visits to NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

Participants receive briefings from representatives of the

International Staff and from members of various permanent

representations. During this first visit of 2011, a group of seven

parliamentary staffers received briefings on NATO’s political

agenda, the operations in Libya, the NATO-Russia relationship

and the new Strategic Concept. They also had a meeting with

the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Netherlands.

‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 27 May 2011 (unit 3)

Subject: ‘The Dutch Political Landscape’

Speakers: Directors of scientific bureaus of political

parties (Frank van Mil - D66; Dick Pels -

GroenLinks; Patrick van Schie - VVD;

15

Jan Schippers - SGP; Monica Sie - PvdA;

and Arjan Vliegenthart - SP)

Location: Wiardi Beckman Foundation, The Hague



MEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 7 June 2011

Subject: ‘Geopolitical Aspects of the Rise of China’

(third meeting in a series of four)

Speakers: Frans-Paul van der Putten (Clingendael

Institute); and Kees Homan (Clingendael

Institute)

Location: Clingendael Institute, The Hague


The third meeting of this series of four on the rise of China

dealt with geopolitical aspects. Kees Homan talked about the

rapid growth of the Chinese armed forces, whose budget has

increased by an average of 12 per cent per year over the last

fifteen years. This rapid modernisation has led to grave

concerns among China’s neighbours, especially while some of

them (Taiwan, for instance) also have territorial disputes with

China. Frans-Paul van der Putten discussed the relationship

between China and the United States. Their relatively poor

relations are especially caused by insecurity about the future

and uncertainty about power relations. It is clear that China is

gaining on the United States, but the real power relations will

only become visible if the two countries are engaged in a

conflict. Fortunately, China and the United States also have

shared interests that will have a stabilising effect on their

relationship.

PROGRAMME FOR AMERICAN FELLOWSDate: 8-13 June 2011

Speakers: Among others, Mostafa Hilali (Royal

Netherlands Army); Marike Stellinga

(Elsevier); Rob Vreeken (De Volkskrant); Anne-

Marie Smit (Eurojust); Joost Taverne

(Member of Parliament - VVD); and Harry

Groen (Mayor of Noordwijk)

In cooperation

with: German Marshall Fund (Washington DC)

Locations: Amsterdam, The Hague, Noordwijk, Flevoland

Participants: 6 fellows of the American Marshall Memorial

Fund

Six American participants in the American Marshall Memorial

Fellowship Program visited the Netherlands as part of their tour

through Europe. As in previous years, the Netherlands Atlantic

Association organised the Dutch segment of their programme.

The fellows had discussions about the integration debate in the

Netherlands, socio-economic developments, the role of women

in the Islamic world, and urban development. They also visited

Eurojust, the Dutch Parliament, Noordwijk, and a farm in

Flevoland. Three fellows participated in a meeting of BKB

Academy on the American primaries.

BOOK PRESENTATION AND SYMPOSIUMDate: 14 June 2011

Subject: ‘Atlantic, Euratlantic, or Europe-America? The

Atlantic Community and the European Idea

from Kennedy to Nixon’

Speakers: Giles Scott-Smith (Roosevelt Study Centre,

Middelburg; Leiden University); Valerie

Aubourg (University of Cergy-Pontoise);

Julian Lindley-French (Netherlands Defence

Academy; Leiden University); Rob Meines

(Meines and Partners); and Juurd Eijsvoogel

(NRC Handelsblad)

Special guest: Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (Leiden University;

former Secretary-General, NATO)

In cooperation

with: Leiden University

Location: Student Society ‘Augustinus’, Leiden



representatives of the Dutch Ministries of


others)

Leiden University and the Netherlands Atlantic Association

organised a symposium on the occasion of the publication of

Atlantic, Euratlantic, or Europe-America? The Atlantic Community

and the European Idea from Kennedy to Nixon, edited by Giles

Scott-Smith and Valerie Aubourg. Four experts dealt with the

question of how the crisis in North Africa influences NATO.

Julian Lindley-French talked about Europe’s ‘great

defence depression’. Because of significant defence cuts,

Europe increasingly depends on soft power. Lindley-French

pointed out that soft power only works when it is backed up by

credible hard power. Rob Meines’ most important message was

that the transatlantic community has developed from a society

based on kinship to a rational relationship of choice. Juurd

Eijsvoogel feared that irritations within NATO will undermine

the transatlantic community. NATO is becoming increasingly

unpopular in American political and military circles.

After Jaap de Hoop Scheffer had accepted the first

copy of the book, he gave a speech in which he compared the

current status of transatlantic relations with that of the 1960s

and 1970s. That was also a transitional period in which a new

16

generation of leaders came to power. NATO should adapt itself

to this situation, according to de Hoop Scheffer.

PUBLIC MEETINGDate: 23 June 2011

Subject: ‘Does Europe – Like NATO – Need a New

Strategic Concept?’

Speakers: Wim van Eekelen (Chairman, European

Movement in the Netherlands Committee on

Security and Defence); Marjanne de

Kwaasteniet (Permanent Representative of the

Netherlands to the Political and Security

Committee of the EU); Max Valstar (Ministry of

Foreign Affairs); Margriet Drent (Clingendael

Institute); and Bram Boxhoorn (Director,

Netherlands Atlantic Association)

Moderator: Jan Rood (Chairman, NGIZ)

In cooperation

with: Netherlands Society for International Affairs

(NGIZ) and the European Movement in the

Netherlands (EBN)

Location: Press Centre ‘Nieuwspoort, The Hague





others)

Wim van Eekelen answered the meeting’s title question

positively. The leading questions when drafting a new strategic

concept should be: what are the main threats for Europe, and

what can Europe (still) do in the field of defence? According to

Van Eekelen, a strategic concept gives an important positive

message, both internally and externally.

Marjanne de Kwaasteniet pointed out some dis-

advantages of a new strategic concept (‘What is the added

value of another concept from Brussels?’). However, she also

felt that it could have a positive influence. The process of

drafting can be seen as a good bonding exercise. It would

enhance coherence within the EU. A new concept could also

help to emphasise the need for strengthening civil and military

capacities. At the moment, Europe’s ambitions are unclear.

Finally, a new concept could prevent large countries such as

England and France from shying away from the institutional

process.

Max Valstar also agreed that a new strategic framework

is necessary: first, because old threats have new inter-

pretations; and second, because twelve new member states

have joined the EU since 2003.

Margriet Drent felt that a new security strategy for the

EU was needed as well. She advocated integration when

dealing with external and internal threats. The answers to these

threats should be integrated civil-military responses.

Bram Boxhoorn pointed out that so far the EU Strategic

Concept has served as a legitimiser of operations. At the same

time it has become clear that there is a big difference between

theory and practice. It is not necessarily a clear Strategic

Concept, but leadership that is lacking.

MEETING TO NATO HEADQUARTERS Date: 1 July 2011





In cooperation


Location: Brussels


The participants in this visit received briefings on the

organisation, the political agenda, and the operation in Libya.

They also had a meeting with the Deputy Permanent

Representative of the Netherlands.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEDate: 7 September 2011

Subject: ‘Empowering Women in Afghanistan: Stability

through Rural Development’

Speakers: Fay Hartog Levin (US Ambassador to The

Hague); Uri Rosenthal (Minister of Foreign

Affairs, the Netherlands); Melanne Verveer

(US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s

Issues); Palwasha Kakar (Deputy Minister of

Women’s Affairs, Afghanistan); M.J. Abbitt

Sushka (Private Sector and Gender Adviser,

Bamyan PRT); Ahmad Zekria (Coordinator

Dutch Consortium Uruzgan); Paula

Sastrowijoto (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The

Hague); Palwasha Hasan (The Afghan

Women’s Network); Abdul Rahman Ayubi

(National Solidarity Program, Afghanistan);

Ella van den Heuvel (Ministry of Defence, The

Hague); and Sarah Kathleen Rose

(USAID/APAP, Afghan Parliamentary

Assistance Project)

Moderator: Eva Gross (Free University, Brussels)

In cooperation

with: US Embassy, The Hague


17





others)

The Netherlands Atlantic Association and the US Embassy in

The Hague organised an international conference on the

empowerment of women in Afghanistan. US Ambassador to the

Netherlands Hartog Levin opened the conference with an

overview of developments in Afghanistan since 9/11. According

to Hartog Levin, progress has been made, but it is the violence

that reaches the media. Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs

Rosenthal stressed that the position of women in Afghanistan

has improved, but there is still a long way to go. He made clear

that women’s rights and opportunities are not just desirable,

but essential. Ambassador Verveer addressed the role of

women and agriculture in Afghanistan’s economic development.

Verveer stated that investing in women is crucial to combat

corruption and to improve the political decision-making

process. Palwasha Kakar stressed the importance of the

international community’s involvement. She emphasized that

there can be no equality without security.

The introductions were followed by two panels: one on

women and agriculture; and another on ‘Experiences from the

Field’. In a final remark, moderator Eva Gross stated that

Afghan women should not be seen as victims, but rather as

drivers of change and a source of productivity and development.

MEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 13 September 2011

Subject: ‘Ten Years after 9/11’

Speaker: Kurt Volker (Senior Fellow and Managing

Director, Center on Transatlantic Relations,

Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced

International Studies; former US Permanent

Representative to NATO)

Moderator: Marianne van Leeuwen (Professor, by special

appointment, of Modern Transatlantic Relations,

University of Amsterdam)

Location: ‘Oost-Indisch Huis’, Amsterdam


During this meeting Kurt Volker looked back at the decade since

9/11, the changes in global politics, and developments in the

transatlantic relationship. With regard to the latter, the focus

has shifted from Europe to Asia and the Middle East. Europe

could, however, claim an important role for itself in the

Palestine-Israeli conflict, according to Volker. Where the United

States is clearly on Israel’s side, Europe could take a more

pragmatic and constructive stance that can actually contribute

to finding a solution for the conflict. Volker also talked about the

Arab Spring. He compared the unrest in the Middle East and

North Africa with the developments after the 9/11 attacks. The

populations of these countries turned against terrorist groups

but also against their own authoritarian suppressors.

PREPARATORY MEETING FOR TEACHERS’ STUDY TRIP TO NEW YORK CITYDate: 14 September 2011

Subject: ‘New York City’

Speakers: Tove McGrew (Regional Security Office, US

Embassy, The Hague); and Irina van Aalst

(researcher and lecturer of Urban Geography,

Utrecht University)

Location: Conference Centre ‘Vredenburg 19’, Utrecht

Participants: 18 (participants in the study trip to New York

City and their chaperones)

Participants in the forthcoming teachers’ study trip to New York

City met in Utrecht, where they received information about the

trip, Dutch-American relations, and the geography of the city.

‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 16 September 2011 (unit 4)

Subject: ‘Questions of Homeland Security in a

Transatlantic Perspective’

Speakers: Employees of the General Intelligence and

Security Service (AIVD)

In cooperation

with: Netherlands Ministry of the Interior and

Kingdom Relations

Location: Zoetermeer



‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 30 September 2011 (unit 5)

Subject: ‘The (Foreign) Political Agenda of President

Obama’

Speakers: Tom White (Deputy Chief of Mission, US

Mission to the EU); Michael Dodman (Deputy

Counselor for Economic Affairs, US Mission to

the EU); and Andrew Pelkey (Political-Military

Officer, US Mission to the EU)



In cooperation

with: Permanent Representation of the United States

to the EU

18

Location: Brussels



EDUCATION SEMINARDate: 12 October 2011

Subject: ‘National Security and Cyber Safety’

Speakers: Rob Duiven (National Cyber Security Strategy,

Ministry of Security and Justice); Katja van

Hoever (Programme Cyber Crime Approach);

Hans Folmer (Programme Manager Cyber,

Ministry of Defence); Jurjen Jansen (Cyber

Safety researcher, NHL University,

Leeuwarden); and five ‘Geuzen Teams’ of

students from Avans and Fontys Universities

and from the Royal Military Academy

Moderator: Paul Lemmens (member, Atlantic Education

Committee; history teacher ‘De Nassau’, Breda)

In cooperation

with: Avans and Fontys Universities; Netherlands

Defence Academy (NLDA)

Location: Royal Military Academy (KMA), Breda

Participants: 350 (students from Avans and Fontys

Universities and from the Royal Military

Academy)

Some 350 students participated in a seminar on the topical

theme of national security and cyber issues. Five so-called

‘Geuzen Teams’, consisting of students of the participating

institutions, had to convince a Virtual Security Council to make

money available for tackling cyber crime in a specific field:

economic; ecological; socio-political; territorial; or physical

security. Before the various groups gave their presentations,

Rob Duiven outlined the National Cyber Security Strategy.

According to Duiven, the focus on cyber security is

indispensable for the well-being and security of the

Netherlands. ICT is of essential importance for both the

economy and society. Even though cyber issues are not

something new, we are not yet used to seeing and treating them

as a potential danger. The Virtual Security Council pronounced

the third ‘Geuzen Team’ the winner of the competition for its

explanation of the effect of cyber crime on the social and

political stability of a country.

STUDY TRIP FOR TEACHERSDate: 19-26 October 2011

Subject: ‘New York: A Metropolis Ten Years after 9/11’

Location: New York City

Participants: 15 teachers of geography, history and social

sciences; on behalf of the Netherlands Atlantic

Association: Trudy Elsenaar-Tijsze; Frederik

Oorschot; and Janneke Suiskind

The teachers visited New York City on the occasion of the tenth

anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers of 11 September

2001. Part of the programme was dedicated to this anniversary.

The teachers visited the National September 11 Memorial, St

Paul’s Chapel, and two exhibitions in the Museum of the City of

New York and the New York Historical Society. They also visited

two high schools (the private Dalton School on the Upper East

Side and the public Urban Assembly Academy of Arts and

Letters in Brooklyn) within the framework of the

internationalisation of secondary education. Finally, the

teachers became acquainted with American society by visiting

a Night Court and a branch of the Salvation Army in Harlem.

The rest of the programme consisted of visits to the Statue of

Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, a guided tour

of the UN Headquarters, and walks through the southern tip of

Manhattan, the South Street Seaport area, and Central Park.

PUBLIC MEETINGDate: 24 October 2011

Subject: ‘NATO’s Agenda in the Run-up to the Chicago

Summit’

Speaker: Jamie Shea (Deputy Assistant Secretary-

General for Emerging Security Challenges,

NATO)








others)

During this meeting, Jamie Shea looked ahead to the NATO

Summit in Chicago in May 2012. He does not expect major

changes, as the Alliance is still digesting the changes and

developments that were a result of the Lisbon Summit. Shea

mentioned three focal points for NATO: the places where the

Alliance is active militarily; (expansion of) partnerships; and

future efforts in light of the economic crisis and defence budget

cuts.

RECEPTIONDate: 25 October 2011

Occasion: Farewell to Netherlands Atlantic Association

Chairman Piet Bukman and welcome to his

successor, Dirk Jan van den Berg

19

Location: ‘Koninklijke Schouwburg’, The Hague



and representatives of the Netherlands’

Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence)

‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 28 October 2011 (unit 6)

Subject: ‘NATO on its Way to Strategic Unity?’

Speakers: Tom Middendorp (Director of Operations,

Ministry of Defence); Sebastian Reyn (Chief

Directorate of General Policy Affairs, Ministry

of Defence); and David van Weel (Chief

Directorate of General Policy Affairs, Ministry

of Defence)

In cooperation

with: Netherlands Ministry of Defence

Location: Ministry of Defence, The Hague



MEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 8 November 2011

Subject: ‘Iran as a Nuclear Power: Serious Threat or

Strategic Move?’

Speakers: Paul Aarts (University of Amsterdam); Sico

van der Meer (Clingendael Institute); Yalda

Walinezjad (Founder, Iran Institute; Board

Member, Netherlands Atlantic Youth); and

Wilbert van der Zeijden (No Nukes team,

IKV/Pax Christi)

In cooperation

with: Pax-it and JASON

Location: ‘Louis Hartlooper Complex’, Utrecht

Participants: 50 (members of Netherlands Atlantic Youth,

JASON and Pax-it)

Netherlands Atlantic Youth, JASON and Pax-it organised a

discussion meeting on Iran. First, Sico van der Meer gave an

introduction to Iran. Is it really developing atomic weapons, and,

if so, is a military attack justified? Until now, the International

Atomic Energy Agency has found no physical evidence that

Iran is breaking the rules of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while

American and Israeli intelligence agencies claim the contrary.

Iran itself denies that its nuclear programme is used for

developing nuclear weapons. According to Paul Aarts, the fear

of an Iran with nuclear weapons is unfounded. Iran only wants

recognition of its position as a superpower in the region. Aarts

advised maintaining talks with Iran. All of the speakers

estimated the likelihood of Iran using a nuclear weapon in the

future at almost zero per cent.

PUBLIC MEETINGDate: 10 November 2011

Subject: ‘Counter Piracy and Maritime Security: What

Way Forward?’

Speakers: Michiel Hijmans (anti-piracy advisor, Ministry

of Defence; former Commander, Standing

NATO Maritime Group 2); Peter Kortenoeven

(Chief of Hydrography, Ministry of Defence;

former Staff Officer Maritime Plans, NATO);

Tineke Netelenbos (Chair, Royal Association

of Netherlands Ship Owners); and Paul Vos

(Project Leader, National Information and

Analysis Centre Border Control, Royal

Marechaussee; former Police Advisor Counter

Piracy Programme, UNODC)

Moderator: Kees Homan (Clingendael Institute)






others)

During this meeting, four speakers viewed the rising threat of

piracy from different angles. Michiel Hijmans shared his

experiences with anti-piracy operations and stressed the

slogan ‘shared success’. There are many different players in

anti-piracy operations, and good coordination and cooperation

among them is of the utmost importance. Tineke Netelenbos

insisted on better protection for Dutch ships. She expressed a

preference for private security guards on ships, as Denmark

and Norway do. Paul Vos talked about the counter-piracy

programme of UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and

Crime). Among other things, he stressed the importance of

improving regional centres for the prosecution and detention of

pirates. Finally, Peter Kortenoeven discussed his experiences in

Brussels and the difficult cooperation between NATO and the

EU in the field of combating piracy.

ATA ASSEMBLYDate: 14-16 November 2011

Location: Tirana, Albania

Participants: On behalf of the Netherlands Atlantic

Association: Bram Boxhoorn (Director); Frank

van den Heuvel (Secretary of the Board); and

Mostafa Hilali (Member of the Board). On behalf

20

of Netherlands Atlantic Youth: Rowinda

Appelman (Chairperson); and Marianne Copier

The focus of this year’s ATA Assembly was on divergent

subjects such as the transition in Afghanistan, cyber security,

the EU-NATO relationship, and Atlanticism and NGOs. The

Assembly also met for two sessions to discuss its own

performance and the year’s programme.

MEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 16 November 2011

Subject: ‘Diplomatic Relations with China and the Role

of Human Rights’ (last meeting in a series of

four)

Speakers: Dirk Jan van den Berg (former ambassador of

the Netherlands to China; President, Executive

Board of Delft University of Technology;

Chairman, Netherlands Atlantic Association);

Han ten Broeke (Member of Parliament,

Liberal Party - VVD; Board Member,

Netherlands Atlantic Association); and Tom

Zwart (Professor of Human Rights Law, Utrecht

University)

Moderators: Rosalie van Gelder (Project Leader, Iran

Committee; Board Member, Netherlands

Atlantic Youth); and Yalda Walinezdjad

(founder, Iran Institute; Board Member,

Netherlands Atlantic Youth)

In cooperation

with: ‘Politiek Café Den Haag’

Location: ‘De Haagsche Kluis’, The Hague

Participants: 40 (students, young professionals and others)

In this last meeting in a series of four on the rise of China, three

speakers discussed a number of statements. All of the

speakers agreed that the Netherlands, and Europe in general,

should stop preaching to China about what it can and cannot

do. There is now a level playing field and the West will gain

more by dialogue and economic diplomacy than by wagging its

finger and megaphone diplomacy.

VISIT TO NATO HEADQUARTERSDate: 18 November 2011





In cooperation


Location: Brussels

Participants: 7 journalists: Dirk Jan van Baar (HP/De Tijd, de

Volkskrant); Jan van Benthem (Nederlands

Dagblad); Thijs Broer (Vrij Nederland); Hans de

Bruijn (Geassocieerde Pers Diensten); Emilie

van Outeren (NRC Handelsblad); John Tyler

(Radio Nederland Wereldomroep); and Tuur

Verdonck (RTL Nieuws). On behalf of the

Netherlands Atlantic Association: Bram

Boxhoorn (Director)

During this visit, the participating journalists received briefings

on NATO’s political agenda, Afghanistan, operation ‘Unified

Protector’ (Libya) and the NATO-Russia relationship. They also

had an on-the-record meeting with the NATO spokesman and

lunch with the Dutch Permanent Representative.

SKILLS TRAINING FOR NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 24 November 2011

Subject: ‘Skills Training in Risk Analysis’

Teacher: Hein Matthee (Blake Hall College, London)

Location: Netherlands Atlantic Association, The Hague

Participants: 23 members of Netherlands Atlantic Youth

During this skills training, Hein Matthee tried to give an insight

into the world of risk analysis by outlining a number of potential

scenarios for the Netherlands and giving some examples from

the business world. After the theoretical explanation, he tested

the participants’ skills in risk analysis. In small groups they

worked on scenarios for the Netherlands and the risks that

these might pose for the business world.

‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 25 November 2011 (unit 7)

Subject: ‘The Role of Multinationals in the World: Shell’

Speakers: Norbert Both (VP Corporate Communications,

Shell International); Wim Thomas (Chief

Energy Adviser, Business Environment Team);

and Robert Dencher (Head, Government

Relations Netherlands)

In cooperation

with: Shell

Location: Head Office of Shell, The Hague



21

BOOK PRESENTATIONDate: 28 November 2011

Subject: ‘Russia, our Distant Neighbour’

Speakers: Hugo Klijn (Clingendael Institute; author of

Russia, our Distant Neighbour); and Arnout

Brouwers (Moscow correspondent, De

Volkskrant)








others)

During this meeting, Hugo Klijn explained that with his book he

wanted to create some order in a large subject such as ‘Russia’

by taking some clichés by the horns. One example of this is the

image that Russians are ‘different’; another is that radicalism is

predominant in Russia. Klijn did not contradict the clichés, but

he did qualify them. He was cautiously optimistic about the

future of Russia. Finally, he pointed out that trying to drive a

wedge between Europeans and Americans is a constant factor

in Russian policy.

Arnout Brouwers complimented Klijn on his effort to

show the diversity and complexity of Russia by delving into its

history. History is usually used as an explanation for negative

trends in the present.

MASTER CLASS FOR NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 9 December 2011

Subject: ‘Diplomacy and Conflict Solution’

Course

instructor: Kees Homan (Clingendael Institute)

In cooperation

with: Clingendael Institute

Location: Clingendael Institute


The participants in this master class mulled over a crisis

situation in a fictional North African country. Every participant

represented a NATO member state with its corresponding

strategic position. Despite different interests, they had to reach

a consensus on how NATO should deal with this situation.

Questions such as ‘What gets the highest priority?’ and ‘Which

countries have to accommodate the wishes and interests of

other countries?’ played an important role.

MEETING OF NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC YOUTHDate: 15 December 2011

Subject: ‘Intelligence after 9/11: The Tension between

Security and Freedom’

Speakers: Bob de Graaff (Utrecht University); and Wil

van der Schans (journalist, VPRO radio)

Location: Library USC, Utrecht


The focus of this meeting was on the tension between the

effectiveness and ethics of intelligence services. Is the world

actually becoming more secure? Does this happen at the

expense of citizens’ personal freedom? How ethically

responsible is the methodology that these agencies use? De

Graaff pointed out that, among other things, the difference

between national and international threats has been watered

down since 9/11. Van der Schans talked about the mixing of

national and international intelligence agencies and the

international cooperation between them.

‘STUDIUMGENERALE’Date: 16 December 2011 (unit 8)

Subject: ‘Dutch Business and Foreign Policy’

In cooperation

with: Confederation of Netherlands Industry and

Employers (VNO-NCW)

Location: VNO-NCW Building, The Hague



5-2PUBLICATIONS

The Netherlands Atlantic Association issues various

publications. In addition to Atlantisch Perspectief, the

Association’s magazine, it publishes conference and study

reports, educational material and books.

Publications are designed to arouse interest in international

relations and transatlantic security issues and to stimulate

discussion on these subjects. The Netherlands Atlantic

Association also tries to bring recent, still underexposed,

subjects to the notice of a broader public.

MagazineATLANTISCH PERSPECTIEF

Atlantisch Perspectief [Atlantic Perspective] is the magazine of

the Netherlands Atlantic Association. It appears eight times a

22

year and devotes attention to developments in international

politics and the field of security (an overview of articles

published in English in 2011 can be found in section 7-6 of this

Annual Report).

The website also contains an online archive of old volumes of

Atlantisch Perspectief. In 2011 the online archive was

supplemented further. All of the articles that were published

between 1991 and 2010 can be viewed and downloaded in pdf

format. The archive also has a search engine.

In Atlantisch Perspectief No. 1, Rem Korteweg (The Hague

Centre for Strategic Studies) reacted to the articles in No. 8 of

2010 about the NATO Summit in Lisbon. Two articles addressed

developments in the United Kingdom: one on the new Defence

Strategy; and the other on military cooperation between France

and the United Kingdom. Finally, there was a piece on the

geopolitical situation in Oman.

No. 2 was a special issue on China. The subjects that were

covered were China’s relations with its neighbours, the United

States’ attitude towards China, and the EU-China relationship.

In an interview with Robert Kaplan, the power shift to Asia in

general was addressed: the Indian Ocean as a symbolic map for

the twenty-first century.

The North Pole, or High North, was the central issue of a

section in issue No. 3. Authors from Canada, Norway and

Denmark described the strategies and interests of their

countries in the Arctic region. Lucia van Geuns (Clingendael

Institute) analysed the role that oil and gas play in the Arctic

geopolitical game. As well as this section on the North Pole,

the issue also contained an article on the NATO-Russia

relationship since the NATO Summit in Lisbon. Finally, there

was a column on the use of sustainable energy in the armed

forces.

Marianne van Leeuwen (University of Amsterdam) analysed the

Arab Spring and its geopolitical consequences in issue No. 4.

Another article dealt with Jewish lobby organisations in the

United States that try to influence the Middle East peace

process. Two Clingendael researchers analysed the political

and military cooperation between the Benelux countries.

Researchers from IKV Pax Christi wrote, on the basis of their

own research, an opinion piece on NATO’s tactical nuclear

weapons. Finally, René Cuperus gave his view on Obama’s

presidency in a column.

Issue No. 5 was completely dedicated to the policy letter of

Dutch Defence Minister Hans Hillen. The four Operational

Commands of the armed forces outlined their visions and goals.

Menno Steketee argued that the cuts in the defence budget are

too severe; smart investments in personnel will pay themselves

back. Finally, an employee from Fokker argued that cooperation

between the Ministry of Defence and defence industries can

also reduce costs, that spending money more smartly would

mean not having to make cuts in the organisation.

No. 6, a wholly English-language issue, paid attention to 9/11.

Ten years after the attacks, various authors took stock.

Subjects that were covered included: the ‘war on terror’ and

transatlantic relations; the position of non-governmental

entities in the American security strategy; the strategic use of

videos by Al Qaida and the Taliban; the safety of Pakistan’s

nuclear arsenal; and, finally, the prospects for peace

negotiations in Afghanistan.

Issue No. 7 covered a variety of subjects. Wouter van Cleef

analysed the increasing use of drones by the US Armed Forces.

An employee of the Dutch Ministry of Defence gave her vision

on operations from a gender perspective, using her own

experience in Afghanistan. Two authors explained the situation

in the western Balkans twenty years after the collapse of

Yugoslavia, and argued that the EU has a large role to play in

the stabilisation of the region. Finally, Michiel de Weger

considered the use of Special Operations Forces by NATO

countries.

The evaluation of the Dutch mission in Uruzgan was the central

issue in a section of issue No. 8. A member of the Evaluation

Committee (whose report was published at the end of

September 2011) gave an introduction, after which three authors

critically commented on the mission and the evaluation report.

As well as this, issue No. 8 contained articles on the

modernisation of the Turkish state, and lessons learned from

the NATO mission in Libya that ended in October 2011.

Atlantisch Perspectief always contains an Atlantic News’

section, which concisely covers topical developments in

transatlantic relations, European security and Dutch foreign

policy. The Activities’ section contains reports of meetings of

the Netherlands Atlantic Association, and recent books on

international relations are mentioned or reviewed in the Books’

section.

Atlantisch Perspectief is received by members of the Standing

Committees of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Dutch

Parliament, by Dutch embassies in OSCE countries, patrons of

the Netherlands Atlantic Association, and regular subscribers.

The English-language issues are distributed among the

23

international contacts of the Netherlands Atlantic Association,

including embassies of OSCE countries in The Hague and think

tanks in North America, Europe and Russia.

Date of

publication: 8 times per year

Print run: 1,300 copies

Study BookWINDOW ON AMERICA: DUTCH-AMERICANRELATIONS SINCE THE SECOND WORLD WAR

The reason for writing the study book Window on America

[Venster op Amerika] was the launch of ‘The Canon of the

Netherlands’ in 2006: a collection of 50 ‘windows’ with

information on Dutch history and culture. Officially, all of these

windows form a guideline for teachers and they give an

overview of ‘what everybody should know about the history and

culture of the Netherlands’. One theme that is strikingly

missing from this Canon is ‘America’. The Atlantic Education

Committee tried to fill this gap with the publication of this

study book.

The study book, which was written for the higher

classes of high schools, consists of three lessons on the

political, economic and cultural relations between the

Netherlands and the United States from the end of the Second

World War until the beginning of the twenty-first century.

Chapter 1 deals with the rapprochement of the post-war years;

chapter 2 discusses the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s; and chapter 3

deals with the Netherlands and the United States after the end

of the Cold War. The study book also contains sections for in-

depth knowledge, a glossary, and a timeline.

Date of

publication January 2011

Print run: 2,500 copies

Teacher’s GuideWINDOW ON AMERICA: DUTCH-AMERICANRELATIONS SINCE THE SECOND WORLD WAR

Together with the study book titled Window on America, a

teacher’s guide was published. This manual includes the

answers to exercises in the study book, as well as suggestions

for extra literature, websites, and audio visual material.

Date of

publication: January 2011

Print run: 500 copies

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NETHERLANDS ATLANTICASSOCIATION, 2010

Date of

publication: March 2011

Print run: 750 copies

BookRUSSIA, OUR DISTANT NEIGHBOUR:THE BURDEN OF CONVENTIONAL BELIEFS

More than twenty years have elapsed since the demise of the

Cold War – half of the duration of this global standoff. Yet the

West and Russia still have difficulty in coming to terms with

each other, despite on-going calls for partnership and

cooperation. How should we account for this difficulty, and for

the persistent misunderstandings that mar our dialogue with

Moscow? Is divergence of opinion a permanent feature of this

relationship, or do we suffer from preconceived notions

stemming from past acrimonies?

In Russia, our Distant Neighbour, Hugo Klijn (working

for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and between September 2009

and September 2011 a Senior Research Fellow at the Clingen-

dael Institute) sets out to examine some Western conventional

beliefs about the world’s biggest country, one that has had such

a profound impact on European history ever since Peter the

Great supervised its rise to prominence. Klijn establishes that

for considerable periods of time, most notably during the

nineteenth century, the issue of Russia’s ‘Europeanness’ was

beyond dispute. He also differentiates between the allegations

that Russian radicalism forbids gradual change and, at the

same time, prescribes an aggressive foreign policy. When

discussing the end of the Soviet Union, Klijn stresses the

importance of indigenous dynamics, and argues that Western

policies in the 1990s, primarily those pertaining to NATO

enlargement, remain controversial among Russian political

elites. Finally, he warns against applying Western standards in

assessing today’s Russia and its leadership, because this will

generate myopic views of a diverse and complex country.

The book is not intended to serve as an apologia for

Russian behaviour. Rather, it is a plea to turn Russia into an

object of renewed curiosity, and to judge the country on its own

merits. Whatever happens, Russia will be of economic and

political importance for the foreseeable future, and a better

understanding of its concerns may enable the West, and Europe

in particular, to tap the potential for strategic alliance in the

face of mounting world disorder.

Author: Hugo Klijn

Date of

publication: November 2011

Print run 1,000 copies

24

5-3PUBLIC OPINION POLL

As in previous years, the public opinion research institute

TNS/NIPO conducted a survey about NATO at the request of

the Netherlands Atlantic Association. The survey showed,

among other things, that only 15 per cent of those questioned

want extra cuts in the defence budget. As in previous surveys,

support for NATO remains high.

The main results of the poll were:

· 79 per cent of the Dutch population found NATO

membership of importance to Dutch security; almost three-

quarters (73 per cent) agreed that NATO contributes positively

to the relationship between the United States and the

Netherlands.

· Three-quarters of those questioned knew that NATO

had intervened in Libya. The overwhelming majority of those

people (84 per cent) agreed with this intervention. With regard

to Syria, there were more reservations, even though half of the

interviewees (52 per cent) would support intervention.

· If it was up to the Dutch population, there would be

extra budget cuts in the royal household (46 per cent),

international development assistance (46 per cent), integration

(37 per cent), and aid to wars and reconstruction (35 per cent).

National defence was mentioned by only 15 per cent.

· Higher-educated interviewees found NATO to be more

important, were more often familiar with NATO’s intervention

in Libya, and supported the intervention more often. With

regard to Syria, there were no differences. On average, higher-

educated people named national defence more often as a

possible target for extra cuts.

· The supporters of the three moderate parties CDA,

VVD and (to a lesser extent) PvdA found NATO most

important. Followers of the PVV found the organisation to be

least important.

5-4LECTURES, INTERVIEWS AND PUBLICATIONS OF THE DIRECTOR

Lectures / Interviews

RADIO INTERVIEWDate: 11 April 2011

Subject: Dutch Defence White Paper

Media: Radio 1, De Gids.FM (VARA)

LECTUREDate: 25 May 2011

Meeting: Refresher course for Social Studies

Subject: Current developments in NATO

Location: Rotterdam University

Participants: Approximately 25 teachers

RADIO INTERVIEWDate: 23 August 2011

Subject: The Dutch presence in Libya

Media: Radio 1, De Gids.FM (VARA)

LECTUREDate: 14 December 2011

Meeting: Lunch meeting with Young Liberals (JOVD)

Subject: Transatlantic relations

Location: Café-restaurant ‘Schlemmer’, The Hague

Participants: 25 members of JOVD

Publications

‘Berlusconi: held of boef’ (following Anne Branberger and

Martin Simek’s, Silvio: Modern Leiderschap) (Amsterdam 2010),

in: Internationale Spectator, Vol. 65, No. 4 (April 2011), pp. 231-

232.

Reviews in the book section of ‘International Relations’,

Geschiedenis Magazine, Vol. 46, No. 4 (June 2011), pp. 60-61.

‘United States and Europe: An Unequal Partnership’, in: L.N.

Rodriques and V. Dubovyk (eds), Perceptions of NATO and the

New Strategic Concept (Amsterdam and Berlin: IOS Press,

2011), pp. 55-59.

‘The Management of Disorder’ in de 21ste eeuw: Enkele

verkennende observaties over Nederland en internationale

veiligheid’, in: Liberaal Reveil, Vol. 52, No. 3 (September 2011),

pp. 177-182.

25

(in thousands)

INCOME

Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Defence 495

Other income 126

Total 621

EXPENSES

Platform and networking activities 136

Education 139

Public meetings 141

Media 189

Other activities 11

Total 616

RESULT 2011 5

26

6 F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T

7-3DOCUMENTATION

Books, periodicals and newspaper clippings on international

(security) issues may be freely consulted in the library of the

Netherlands Atlantic Association. Requests for information

may be made by mail, telephone or email. The publications of

the Netherlands Atlantic Association can be ordered from the

Secretariat (or collected from Bezuidenhoutseweg 237a-239a,

The Hague).

7-4MEMBERSHIP

A subscription to Atlantisch Perspectief, the magazine for

international relations and security policy, costs € 27.50 per

year; students and schools pay € 22.00 (prices as of 1 January

2011). For this you will receive eight issues of the magazine. An

English-language issue is published at least once a year.

Patronage of the Netherlands Atlantic Association costs (a

minimum of) € 44.50 per year (price as of 1 January 2011). With

this you will support the work of the Association. Patrons

receive all of the Association’s publications for free or at a

reduced price. Moreover, they receive invitations to conferences

and seminars organised by the Association.

For € 24.00 per year (price as of 1 January 2011) young people

can become a student patron of the Netherlands Atlantic

Association. They will receive invitations for meetings of both

the Atlantic Association and Netherlands Atlantic Youth.

Moreover, they will receive Atlantisch Perspectief.

7-1WEBSITE

The website of the Netherlands Atlantic Association

(www.atlcom.nl or www.atlantischecommissie.nl) contains

information on the organisation, structure, purpose and

activities of the Association, the Atlantic Education

Committee, and Netherlands Atlantic Youth. Many publications

can be viewed online, and secondary school pupils can work

with the various web sheets. The site can also be used to

register for the Association’s public meetings. Requests for

information and orders for publications can be submitted by

using our email address: [email protected]. In 2011 the website

had 14,085 visitors.

7-2THE NETHERLANDS ATLANTICASSOCIATION IN THE MEDIA

Reports on the activities and publications of the Netherlands

Atlantic Association were published in 2011 in the following

newspapers and periodicals:

BN de Stem

Brabants Dagblad

Financieele Dagblad

Friesch Dagblad

Internationale Spectator

Geassocieerde Persdiensten

HP/De Tijd

Leeuwarder Courant

Nederlands Dagblad

NRC Handelsblad

Nu.nl

Parool

Radio Nederland Wereldomroep

Reformatorisch Dagblad

RTL Nieuws

Stentor

Trouw

Volkskrant

Vrij Nederland

27

7 M I S C E L L A N E O U S

7-5ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PUBLICATIONS

Hugo Klijn, Russia, our Distant Neighbour: The Burden of

Conventional Beliefs (2011)

€ 15.00 (patrons € 10.00)

NATO’s New Strategic Concept: Moving beyond the Status Quo?

(2009)

€ 7.50 (patrons € 5.00)

New Netherland: A Trading Colony in the New World. Study book

- for the Hudson Year (2009)

€ 2.25

New Netherland: A Trading Colony in the New World. Teachers’

handbook - for the Hudson Year (2009)

€ 5.00

Arnout Molenaar, (Dis)Organising European Security: The Iraq

Controversy and Patterns in US-European Relations (2007)

€ 10.00 (patrons € 5.00)

Sebastian Reyn, Allies or Aliens? George W. Bush and the

Transatlantic Crisis in Historical Perspective (2004, 2nd edition

2007)

€ 10.00 (patrons € 5.00)

German and American Reorientation towards NATO (2006)

Free

Transatlantic Relations at a Crossroads: Current Challenges in

US-European Relations (2003)

Free

7-6ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTICLES INATLANTISCH PERSPECTIEF IN 2011

No. 1

Britain and France: Bringing Strategic Sanity Back to Europe?

· Julian Lindley/French

Rejoinder: The New Strategic Concept - Important, Not

Impressive

· Rem Korteweg

No. 2

EU-China Relations: Strategic or Pragmatic, the Future or

Already the Past?

· Matthias Stepan and Falk Ostermann

No. 3

Section on security policy and energy in the High North:

Mixed Messages from an ‘Arctic Superpower’?

Sovereignty, Security and Canada’s Northern Strategy

· P. Whitney Lackenbauer

Denmark in the Arctic: Bowing to Three Masters

· Jon Rahbek-Clemmensen

Norwegian Foreign Policy in the High North:

Energy, International Law and Security

· Leif Christian Jensen, Øystein Jensen and Svein

Vigeland Rottem

No. 4

NATO’s Tactical Nuclear Headache: IKV Pax Christi’s

Withdrawal Issues Report

· Wilbert van der Zeijden and Susi Snyder

No. 6

Special issue: A Decade of ‘War on Terror’

The War on Terror and Transatlantic Relations:

Reflections and Projections

· Stanley R. Sloan

28

Ungoverned Territories: Engaging Local

Non-governmental Entities in US Security Strategy

· James J.F. Forest

A Weapon of Violence: Al Qaeda and Taliban Video

· James P. Farwell

Pakistan: Security Issues concerning Pakistan’s

Nuclear Arsenal

· Hans Schippers

Afghanistan: Between ‘Civilian Surge’ and

Negotiated Peace

· Oliver Jones and Kirsten Kaufman

29

30

Activiteiten / Activities

>Conferentie over ‘Empowering Women in Afghanistan’ op 7 september’. Van links naar rechts: Fay Hartog Levin

(ambassadeur van de VS in Den Haag), Palwasha Kakar (plv. minister voor Vrouwenzaken, Afghanistan), Melanne

Verveer (Amerikaans ambassadeur voor mondiale vrouwenzaken) en Enayatullah Nabiel (ambassadeur van

Afghanistan in Den Haag) / Conference on ‘Empowering Women in Afghanistan’ on 7 September. From left to right:

Fay Hartog Levin (US Ambassador to The Hague), Palwasha Kakar (Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Afghanistan),

Melanne Verveer (US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues) and Enayatullah Nabiel (Afghan Ambassador to

The Hague)

Bijeenkomst over ‘Monsoon: The Indian Ocean

and the Future of American Power’ op 9 februari.

Links, moderator Sebastian Reyn; rechts, spreker

Robert Kaplan / Meeting on ‘Monsoon: The Indian

Ocean and the Future of American Power’ on

9 February. Left, moderator Sebastian Reyn; right,

speaker Robert Kaplan

Volle zaal bij de lezing van minister van Defensie Hans Hillen op 11 mei / A full house during

the meeting with Defence Minister Hans Hillen on 11 May

>

Presentatie van het boek Russia, our Distant Neighbour op 28 november.

Van links naar rechts: Bram Boxhoorn (directeur, Atlantische

Commissie), Hugo Klijn (auteur) en Arnout Brouwers (correspondent voor

De Volkskrant, Moskou) / Presentation of the book Russia, our Distant

Neighbour on 28 November. From left to right: Bram Boxhoorn (Director,

Netherlands Atlantic Association), Hugo Klijn (author) and Arnout Brouwers

(Moscow correspondent for De Volkskrant)

>

>

Onderwijs en Jongeren / Education and Youth

Leden van Jonge Atlantici tijdens de

vaardigheidstraining risicoanalyse van

Hein Matthee (midden) op 24 november

/ Members of Netherlands Atlantic Youth

during the skills training on risk analysis

by Hein Matthee (in the centre) on

24 November

De deelnemers aan StudiumGenerale 2011

tijdens het teambuilding weekend op

Walcheren in maart / Participants in

‘StudiumGenerale’ 2011 during their team-

building weekend at Walcheren in March

Greg Shapiro tijdens de Atlantische

Onderwijsconferentie op 1 februari /

Greg Shapiro during the Atlantic

Education Conference on 1 February

>

>

>

>

350 studenten bij het onderwijsseminar

over nationale veiligheid en ‘cyber’ in

Breda op 12 oktober / 350 students

participating in the education seminar on

national security and cyber issues on 12

October

Publicaties / Publications

Organisatie / Organisation

>Oud-voorzitter Piet Bukman tijdens zijn afscheids-

receptie op 25 oktober / Outgoing Chairman, Piet

Bukman, at his farewell reception on 25 October

Nieuwe voorzitter Dirk Jan van den Berg tijdens

zijn eerste bijeenkomst op 1 april / The new

Chairman, Dirk Jan van den Berg, during his first

meeting on 1 April

>

> >

Marianne van Leeuwen, bijzonder hoogleraar Moderne Trans-

Atlantische Betrekkingen aan de Universiteit van Amsterdam /

Marianne van Leeuwen, Professor, by special appointment, of

Modern Transatlantic Relations at the University of Amsterdam

Staf en stagiair(e)s. Van links naar rechts: Paul Steeman, Niklaas Hoekstra, Bram Boxhoorn, Maarten Katsman, Kees Kouwenhoven, Janneke Suiskind en Lisanne van Langen / Staff

and interns. From left to right: Paul Steeman, Niklaas Hoekstra, Bram Boxhoorn, Maarten Katsman, Kees Kouwenhoven, Janneke Suiskind en Lisanne van Langen

Documents

2 0 11Annual report Netherlands Atlantic Associationlibrary and documentation facilities at its disposal that can be consulted freely. The activities of the Netherlands Atlantic Association